Twas the night before NHL teams kicked off the regular season and all through North America hockey fans were giddy with anticipation for their favorite teams and favorite players would be taking to the ice for a full NHL season. No lockout, no more exhibition games, the puck drops tomorrow as the NHL begins its 97th season. Yes it is true the 2013–14 NHL season will be the 97th season (96th season of play) of the National Hockey League. On the last night pre-Obamacare in the US when the government shuts down for the first time in 17 years, fans of the National Hockey League are hoping for the best for their teams. Excitement is in the air for to drop the puck for the 2013-14 season.
2013/2014 NHL Season Highlights
The 97th season in NHL history will feature a number of key changes:
- Six outdoor games including:
| Date | Visiting Team | Home Team | Location |
| 01-Jan-14 | Toronto Maple Leafs | Detroit Red Wings | Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan |
| 25-Jan-14 | Anaheim Ducks | Los Angeles Kings | Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles |
| 26-Jan-14 | New York Rangers | New Jersey Devils | Yankee Stadium, New York City |
| 29-Jan-14 | New York Rangers | New York Islanders | Yankee Stadium, New York City |
| 01-Mar-14 | Pittsburgh Penguins | Chicago Blackhawks | Soldier Field, Chicago |
| 02-Mar-14 | Ottawa Senators | Vancouver Canucks | BC Place, Vancouver |
- 2014 Olympic games from Russia
- NHL Realignment
- a number of rule changes including:
- player jerseys must now be tucked in
- hybrid icing
- shallower hockey nets
- a decline in the height of goalie pads
- some new third jerseys for the following teams:
- Calgary Flames
- Buffalo Sabres
- Updated jerseys for:
- Dallas Stars
- Carolina Hurricanes
- Minnesota Wild
The Hockey Fanatic has already previewed both the Eastern and Western Conferences and now it is time for us to make our pre-season NHL predictions.
2013/2014 NHL Predictions
Pacific Division Leader: San Jose Sharks
Central Division Leader: Chicago Blackhawks
Metropolitan Division Leader: Pittsburgh Penguins
Atlantic Division Leader: Boston Bruins
President’s Trophy Winner: Chicago Blackhawks
Most Improved Team – Western Conference: Winnipeg Jets
Most Improved Team – Eastern Conference: Tampa Bay Lightning
Hart Memorial Trophy – Most Valuable Player: Sidney Crosby – Pittsburgh Penguins
Vezina Trophy – Best Goaltender: Corey Crawford – Chicago Blackhawks
James Norris Memorial Trophy – Best Defenseman: PK Subban
Calder Memorial Trophy – Rookie of the Year: Seth Jones – Nashville Predators
Ted Lindsay Award – Most Outstanding Player as Selected NHLPA Members: Sidney Crosby – Pittsburgh Penguins
Frank J. Selke Trophy – Best Defensive Forward: Jonathan Toews – Chicago Blackhawks
Jack Adams Award – Coach of the Year: Joel Quenneville – Chicago Blackhawks
Lady Byng Memorial Trophy – Sportsmanship and Gentlemanly Conduct: Pavol Datsyuk – Detroit Red Wings
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy – Perseverance, Sportsmanship, Dedication to Hockey – Teemu Selanne – Anaheim Ducks
Bridgestone Messier Leadership Award – Leadership On and Off the Ice: Ryan Smyth – Edmonton Oilers
Maurice Richard Trophy – Most Goals Scored: Steven Stamkos – Tampa Bay Lightning
Art Ross Trophy – Most Points: Sidney Crosby – Pittsburgh Penguins
First Coach to Be Fired: Ron Rolston – Buffalo Sabres
First Major Player to be Traded: Braydon Coburn – Philadelphia Flyers
Eastern Conference Champion: Pittsburgh Penguins
Eastern Conference Dark Horse: Ottawa Senators
Western Conference Champion: Chicago Blackhawks
Western Conference Dark Horse: San Jose Sharks
Stanley Cup Champion: Chicago Blackhawks
We are excited for the NHL season to start. We think that there are some strong teams that have a legitimate chance at winning the Stanley Cup, the St. Louis Blues, Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Boston Bruins should be considered early season favorites. We do expect some disappointing seasons for other teams including the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes.
Buckle up hockey fans it is bound to be a season of ups and downs. Go Oilers!
