NHL Predictions for 2016-17 Regular Season

NHL Predictions for 2016-17 Regular Season – Atlantic Division

Oct 4, 2016; Quebec City, Quebec, CAN; Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug (47) and Montreal Canadiens forward Alexander Radulov (47) battle in front of the net during the second period of a preseason hockey game at Centre Videotron. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 9, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) waits for a pass during the first period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Ottawa Senators, 6th – 84 points

The trade they made to bring in Derick Brassard, who is six years older than the outgoing Mika Zbanejad, signaled their intent to make a playoff push now. Yet the rest of their team says otherwise.

Erik Karlsson may not put up 82 points, like last season, but he is in his prime and is the best defenseman on the planet. Wingers Mike Hoffman and Mark Stone are massively underrated, and the Sens will hope Kyle Turris can stay healthy. Bobby Ryan should be a lock to score 20 goals and the signing of Chris Kelly provides leadership and a penalty killer.

Ottawa‘s special teams were dreadful last year. They had the fifth-worst power play and the second worst penalty kill. New coach Guy Boucher will hope to fix these ASAP – with captain Karlsson a prominent feature on the PP (26 power-play points last season).

The biggest problem lies with their defense – conceding the fifth most goals in the league. A position they’ve failed to add to. They will have to hope Cody Ceci keeps improving and rookie Thomas Chabot fits in seamlessly.

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