2016-17 NHL Pacific Division Predictions

By Jeff Duarte
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Updated: October 12, 2016

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Emily Redenbach

1. San Jose Sharks

Hey look at that the Sharks figured out how to make it to the Stanley Cup Final. Sure it was on the back of Martin Jones (you’re welcome Sharks) but I think that’ll change things in the locker room, and it’ll give them much more confidence going into this season. They’re no longer the downtrodden team that couldn’t close out a 3-and-0 first round. They’ve added some speed to their roster and have most of the structure that made them a contender last season. They came close to the division winner last season and I don’t think the Ducks have what it takes to catch them.

2. Anaheim Ducks

Somehow the Ducks always manage to have a strong regular season despite whatever happens in the playoffs the season before. So while I don’t think they’ve done enough to their roster to make it to the top of the division (or probably past round 1), I still think they’ll do well. They’re tough and gritty so they tend to grind out the other teams in the division.

3. Los Angeles Kings

The Kings never do super well in the regular season, and I don’t see this season being any different. There are a lot of roster spots up for grabs which means new talent has to come in a prove they can fit in the NHL. Marian Gaborik is out for at least 6 weeks which won’t be a problem come the playoffs but it could impact their points in the first few months which traditionally the Kings aren’t strong in any way. Anze Kopitar has a lot on his plate already and the fatigue has shown in pre-season. The loss of Lucic, the inability to replace Voynov (still), and a backup I truthfully don’t have a lot of confidence in will keep the Kings from the top of the division but strength in the core (Doughty, Toffoli, Quick, Carter, Martinez etc) will get them into the playoffs.

4. Edmonton Oilers

Connor McDavid can play hockey y’all. He was injured for enough of last season but assuming he stays healthy he could be just what the Oilers need. They added a few assets including Lucic that could turn the team around. Perhaps not far enough (they do have a long way to go) but they’ve taken some good steps to improve the team and they could just scrape into the playoffs this season. We’ll see.

5. Calgary Flames

Even though the Flames just signed Johnny Gaudreau to a new contract and while I do love Brian Elliot between the pipes for them, I don’t see it as being enough to boost the Flames from the team they were last year.

6. Arizona Coyotes

Perhaps a new GM can bring the Coyotes up from the hole they’ve been in but it’s gonna take some time and I don’t see it happening this season.

7. Vancouver Canucks

What can I even say? They’re not that different from the Coyotes and I don’t see that changing this season either.

How far will the Kings go?

The Western Conference Final. The Kings are great at learning from their mistakes. When they didn’t make the playoffs in 2015, they were the first team in the Pacific Division to clinch a playoff spot the next season. So their performance in said 2016 post season should be a lesson for this one. Unless Lombardi makes one of his stunning trades (hmm, do the Blue Jackets have anyone we need, that’s worked out well for us in the past), I’m not sure we have that winning chemistry to go all the way.

Stanley Cup Final

Dallas Stars vs. Washington Capitals.

I liked what I saw from Dallas last season and against the Kings this preseason. I also liked what the Capitals did last season, and have a soft spot for Justin Williams and what he can do for the moral of a team.