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NHL Predictions for 2016-17 Regular Season – Metropolitan Division

By Daniel Mcclue|
Oct 13, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) skates with the Stanley Cup prior to playing the Washington Capitals at the PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) skates with the Stanley Cup prior to playing the Washington Capitals at the PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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NHL Predictions: Carolina Hurricanes defensemen Jacob Slavin (74) is congratulated by teammates forward Joakim Nordstrom (42) forward Elias Lindholm (16) and defensemen Roland McKeown (55) after his shoot out winning goal against Washington Capitals during a preseason hockey game at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Washington Capitals 3-2 in a shoot out. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
NHL Predictions: Carolina Hurricanes defensemen Jacob Slavin (74) is congratulated by teammates forward Joakim Nordstrom (42) forward Elias Lindholm (16) and defensemen Roland McKeown (55) after his shoot out winning goal against Washington Capitals during a preseason hockey game at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Washington Capitals 3-2 in a shoot out. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Carolina Hurricanes, 7th – 87 points

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Coach Bill Peters should have been more closely considered for the Jack Adams Trophy. Leading this team to 6th in the Metropolitan and 10th in the Eastern Conference was remarkable – many thought they’d be closer to last.

Trading for Teuvo Teravainen was inspired and Martin Frk being claimed off waivers could work out well – his AHL numbers were pretty decent last season. Their defense is young, lead by Justin Faulk and Noah Hanifin, who could break out this season.

Carolina‘s penalty kill was a bright spot last year, finishing 6th overall at 84.3 percent. But their defense finished 18th – just below average – and they really struggled to score. Coming 27th overall in goals scored with a tepid attack. The offseason additions will help but the biggest problem is they lack a star amongst their forward lines.

Jeff Skinner is trying to become great, Teravainen could become as good. Only three players scored more than 20 goals last season and only one (Skinner) looks like he could score over 30 this year.

This young team could be great in a few years, but the development will take time.

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