2018 was a great year for the NHL. It saw a ton of unpredictable moments. To top those moments, here are five bold predictions for the 2019 portion of the 2018-19 season.
In many ways, 2018 will be remembered as one of the most unforgettable in NHL history. The Vegas Golden Knights nearly won the Stanley Cup in their first year. After decades of falling short, the Washington Capitals finally hoisted the Stanley Cup. Alex Ovechkin secured his legacy. The moment when he lifted Lord Stanley brought tears to everyone’s eyes. Yes, even Pittsburgh Penguins fans. It’s OK, we won’t judge you.
To top 2018, 2019 is going to have to have some pretty special moments. Borderline historic moments. That’s why we’re giving you five bold predictions for the rest of the 2018-19 season. If these predictions come true, 2019 might match the very high bar 2018 has set.
1. Peter Chiarelli Will Finally Be Fired
The Edmonton Oilers are treading water. Just when you thought they figured things out under Ken Hitchcock, things went downhill. Entering 2019, the Oilers have lost six straight games. General manager Peter Chiarelli has passed the blame numerous times. But now, he’s run out of people to blame. Except for the guy responsible for the Oilers struggles since he took the job in 2015 – himself.
Assuming Edmonton misses the postseason, Chiarelli’s team will have made the Stanley Cup Playoffs just once in four seasons. Each of those seasons has been spent with generational talent Connor McDavid on his roster. When you get a guy like him, success is expected.
The bar has been set by the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals. Sidney Crosby and the Pens have been a playoff fixture since his second season while Ovechkin and his Caps have been a regular playoffs attendee (sans 2013-14) since his third season. In baseball, getting on base 25 percent of the time is unacceptable. Likewise, Chiarelli’s failure to make the postseason is going to cost him his job. And deservedly so.