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NHL Predictions for 2016-17 Regular Season – Pacific Division

By Daniel Mcclue

Apr 22, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Brayden McNabb (3) and San Jose Sharks center Chris Tierney (50) battle for the puck in game five of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Staples Center. The Sharks defeated the Kings 6-3 to win the series 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Brayden McNabb (3) and San Jose Sharks center Chris Tierney (50) battle for the puck in game five of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Staples Center. The Sharks defeated the Kings 6-3 to win the series 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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NHL Predictions: The San Jose Sharks celebrate defeating the St. Louis Blues after game two of the Western Conference Final of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoff at Scottrade Center. The Sharks won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
NHL Predictions: The San Jose Sharks celebrate defeating the St. Louis Blues after game two of the Western Conference Final of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoff at Scottrade Center. The Sharks won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Preseason is winding to an end, which means it’s time for more NHL predictions for the upcoming 2016-17 regular season. This is a divisional preview sticking with the Western Conference, this time shifting to the Pacific Division.

From the best division in hockey to the worst, next in our NHL predictions is the Western Conference’s Pacific Division.

By the time the playoffs begin, many of the teams in this division will be praying for the number one pick in the draft rather than the Stanley Cup. However, the three teams from California will, again, be legitimate in the race to make a conference final appearance.

Calgary, Edmonton, and Arizona possess young teams, one of whom could surprise. However, they’re projects and could take a couple of years to fill out the glaring holes in their lineups.

Meanwhile, Vancouver has an aging squad reliant on the star Sedin twins. New signing Loui Eriksson will slot in perfectly on the top line alongside his fellow Swedes.

Tight at the top and bottom, the Pacific division will be an entertaining one to watch this season.

Oct 29, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Vancouver Canucks left wing Daniel Sedin (22) and right wing Radim Vrbata (17) and center Henrik Sedin (33) celebrate the goal by Vrbata against the Dallas Stars during the third period at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Canucks 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Vancouver Canucks left wing Daniel Sedin (22) and right wing Radim Vrbata (17) and center Henrik Sedin (33) celebrate the goal by Vrbata against the Dallas Stars during the third period at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Canucks 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Vancouver Canucks, 7th – 69 points

Second worst in goals scored, eighth worst in goals conceded. Their power play was the fourth worst, while the penalty kill was the 17th. The Canucks were a bad team last season. Despite the offseason signing of Eriksson, they are set to be even worse.

Only four players had more than 40 points. While Eriksson should put up good numbers – he can also play both special teams and is a terrific defensive forward – he won’t cover all the cracks.

Christopher Tanev is a premier shutdown defenseman, but they lost Dan Hamhuis to free agency.

Even with the possibility of three other weak teams in the Pacific, the Canucks have too many holes throughout the lineup.

Bo Horvat is a decent number two center, but outside of him and the top line it’s a struggle to see where the goals will come from. They don’t have an offensive d-man – Ben Hutton got the most points from the blue-line last season with 25.

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