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NHL Predictions: Pacific Division 5 Bold Projections

By Ryan Ritchie

Mar 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Jose Sharks defenseman Brent Burns (88) carries the puck as Arizona Coyotes center Martin Hanzal (11) defends during the first period at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Jose Sharks defenseman Brent Burns (88) carries the puck as Arizona Coyotes center Martin Hanzal (11) defends during the first period at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 12, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks defenseman Brent Burns (88) celebrates scoring a goal against the Los Angeles Kings in the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. The Sharks won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks defenseman Brent Burns (88) celebrates scoring a goal against the Los Angeles Kings in the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. The Sharks won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

Pacific Only Manages to Produce Three Playoff Participants… Again

A year ago, the Pacific were in tough against a powerhouse Central Division. Oddly enough, the 3rd place San Jose Sharks (98pts) managed to come out on top in the Western Conference. It could be an eerily similar look in 2016-17. To be honest, we wouldn’t be surprised to see 7 of 8 teams make a postseason return in the West.

Expect St. Louis, Dallas, and Chicago to battle it out atop the Central Division once again – it could actually wind up being four teams if Nashville‘s experiment on the blue line works out. That doesn’t leave any room for Minnesota, Colorado, or Winnipeg unless something drastic happens to change a team’s fortunes.

The Pacific Division is a little more wide open. Teams such as San Jose, Anaheim, Los Angeles, and even Calgary are expected to fight atop the standings. Those top spots aren’t as much of a lock as the Central, leaving teams like Arizona, Edmonton, and Vancouver with a real chance to surprise.

Pacific Division X-Factors That Could Produce a Playoff Berth:

Arizona Coyotes Goaltending/Rookie Performers
Brian Elliott/Calgary Flames Defense
Connor McDavid/Improved Oilers Defense/Cam Talbot
Canucks Top Line Produces/Secondary Scoring Emerges/Jacob Markstrom

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