Continuing with our predictions for the upcoming NHL season, The Hockey Fanatic is pleased to present our predictions for the Western Conference for the 2015-2016 NHL season. Which teams will lead the Pacific and Central Divisions? Which players will be dominant from the Western Conference? Will Connor McDavid be as good as touted as being? Lets take a look at some of our predictions for the Western Conference. And in case you missed our predictions for the Eastern Conference you can check those out here.
NHL Western Conference Predictions
Pacific Division
Let’s start with the Pacific Division shall we? This is our favorite division in the NHL. Can the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks regroup and return to the Playoffs? Where do the Vancouver Canucks slot in? Are the Oilers finally on the road to respectability?
Predicted Finish by Pacific Division Teams
- Anaheim Ducks
- Los Angeles Kings
- Calgary Flames
- San Jose Sharks
- Edmonton Oilers
- Vancouver Canucks
- Arizona Coyotes
The Anaheim Ducks could be odds on favorites to win the Stanley Cup this season. This is a big, strong, talented team who’s goaltending surprised us in the playoffs last Spring. The Kings and Flames will duke it our for second and third in the Division based on sheer work ethic. With all of their changes the Oilers will still not be a playoff team but could challenge the Sharks for fourth if they can get off to a good start this season. Is Cam Talbot enough in net for the Oilers? The Canucks and Coyotes could be in for long seasons.
Predicted Finish by Central Division Teams
- St. Louis Blues
- Chicago Blackhawks
- Dallas Stars
- Winnipeg Jets
- Nashville Predators
- Minnesota Wild
- Colorado Avalanche
Is this the year that St. Louis finally wins their first Stanley Cup? Chicago will be a Cup favorite and the Jets, Stars and Preds will battle for positions three through six in the division. Minnesota and Colorado could also move up depending on their ability to string some wins together. This should be a competitive division as the Western Conference is very strong again this season.
Here are some additional predictions for the NHL’s Western Conference.
Most Exciting Player: Johnny Gaudreau – Calgary Flames
Top Goal Scorer: Tyler Seguin – Dallas Stars
Top Defender: Duncan Keith – Chicago Blackhawks
Top Goaltender: Corey Crawford – Chicago Blackhawks
Top Rookie: Connor McDavid- Edmonton Oilers
Player to Watch: Shea Weber – Nashville Predators
Most Improved Team: Edmonton Oilers
Most Overrated Team: Los Angeles Kings
Darkhorse Team: Dallas Stars
Team that Will Win the West: Anaheim Ducks
There you have it a few predictions for the the 2015-2015 NHL Western Conference.
14: Hall of Fame Induction CeremonyDec. 1: Signing deadline for Group II free agnets, 5pm et/2pm ptDec. 19-27: Holiday Roster Freeze in effectDec. 26-Jan. 5: 2012 World Juniors in Edmonton/CalgaryJan. 2, 2012: NHL Winter Classic (New York @ Philadelphia)Jan. 28-29: All-Star Weekend in OttawaFeb. 27: NHL Trading Deadline, 3pm et/Noon ptApr. 7: Last day of regular seasonMay 28-June 12: 2012 Draft NHL CombineJune 15: Last possible date of Stanley Cup FinalJune 20: 2012 NHL Awards NightJune 22-23: 2012 NHL Entry DraftJuly 1: Free Agency period begins