Puck Prose
Fansided

NHL Hockey: Surprise Teams and Catalyst Players Roundtable

By Bryan Nelson

Feb 20, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; New Jersey Devils goalie Cory Schneider (35) stands on the ice during a stoppage in play against the Washington Capitals at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; New Jersey Devils goalie Cory Schneider (35) stands on the ice during a stoppage in play against the Washington Capitals at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 8
Next
Mar 12, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) reacts during the first period against the Arizona Coyotes at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) reacts during the first period against the Arizona Coyotes at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

Aly Dhanani (Contributor)

I think the Edmonton Oilers will finally live up to expectations and make the playoffs as a wild card this season. The Oilers have a great coach with playoff experience in Todd McLellan, and GM Peter Chiarelli has built a well-balanced offense that looked like it was coming together at the end of the season.

Who’s going to lead this team into the postseason? Of course, it’s gonna be the 19-year-old Connor McDavid. The sky’s the limit for this kid, and he us one of those rare players who can drastically alter his teammates’ production. McDavid is a legitimate candidate for 100-plus points. The big x-factor here is new addition Adam Larsson. The Oilers lack depth on the ride side of the back end, so it will be crucial for Larsson to prove himself as a top-flight defender.

Some other bold predictions? I believe Johnny Gaudreau and the Calgary Flames will return to the playoffs, taking the third spot in the Pacific. Big, gritty players like Troy Brouwer, Alex Chiasson and Matthew Tkachuk round out the Flames offense, and new coach Glen Gulutzan has a mountain of riches to work with on defense.

On the other end of the spectrum, that takes the Los Angeles Kings off my playoff board. The Kings lack depth on defense, and the once big, mean offense in LA is being countered by speed and skill from other teams.

One more prediction I have is that the Colorado Avalanche will contend for the playoffs in 2016-17 (though my season preview has them ultimately missing the postseason). Jared Bednar is the perfect fit in Denver and I think Nathan MacKinnon will breakout alongside Mikhail Grigorenko and Mikko Rantanen this season.

Home/Editorials