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NHL Predictions for 2016-17 Regular Season – Central Division

By Daniel Mcclue|
Mar 29, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen (92) and Dallas Stars defenseman John Klingberg (3) chase the puck during the third period at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Predators 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen (92) and Dallas Stars defenseman John Klingberg (3) chase the puck during the third period at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Predators 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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NHL Predictions: St. Louis Blues left wing Jaden Schwartz (17) and Chicago Blackhawks center Marcus Kruger (22) battle for the puck during the second period in game seven of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
NHL Predictions: St. Louis Blues left wing Jaden Schwartz (17) and Chicago Blackhawks center Marcus Kruger (22) battle for the puck during the second period in game seven of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Preseason is winding to an end, which means it’s time for our NHL predictions for the upcoming 2016-17 regular season. This will be a divisional preview beginning in the Western Conference with the Central Division.

We start our NHL predictions with the toughest division in the entire league; the Western Conference’s Central Division.

Last season saw the Dallas Stars reign supreme, not only in the Central, but they finished top of the Western Conference at the end of the regular season. The top three teams in the division would ‘ve all won the Pacific Division.

The Blues made it the furthest in the playoffs last season but lost their captain through free agency. Nashville traded their captain, while the Avalanche watched head coach Patrick Roy step down from his duties.

Nov 28, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov (1) and center Matt Duchene (9) and center
Nov 28, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov (1) and center Matt Duchene (9) and center

Colorado Avalanche, 7th – 76 points

Finishing 6th last season with 82 points, the Avs look set to take a step back. Goalie Semyon Varlamov needs to put in some big performances after ending the season with a save percentage of .914. Letting in 2.81 goals a game won’t suffice if they are to make a push for a wild-card spot.

On defense, offensive stud Tyson Barrie serves as their only legitimate top two d-man. Erik Johnson managed only 27 points in 73 games, with a plus/minus rating of -19 (second lowest on the team).

Dec 15, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) skates with the puck during the second period against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) skates with the puck during the second period against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Up front, Matt Duchene, Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog provide three young, talented options. MacKinnon is due for a breakout season after failing to reach the heights of his rookie year. While Duchene was a star during the World Cup of Hockey and should eclipse his (team leading) 59 points.

As a team they conceded the 6th most goals per game, 2.93, and allowed the 3rd most shots against per game, 32.3. Controlling possession and getting bodies and sticks in between the shooters and their goal will be important this year.

Parting ways with Roy will be a blessing in the long run. But with a shoddy defensive corps, average goaltending and a forward group lacking confidence – the Avs will struggle to keep up with the big guns in the Central.

They haven’t improved enough in the offseason to be a threat this year.

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