This is what I've been saying. A lot of people taking the play in series as far more important than the 70 game regular season, when really the play-in series was a bit of a side show wildcard.
I think on paper the Oilers are the only Canadian team that improved from last season, and we were already the best Canadian team last year.
I only really see the Leafs ahead of us.
I really need someone to explain to me the Montreal hype. I don’t get it at all. I can’t see them being better than us or the Leafs.
The Flames got Markstrom off a career year, so it’ll be interesting to see if he repeats it. However, Gio is only getting older and the “best” defence in the league isn’t what it was. Their bottom six is questionable as well. They don’t really don’t have a stand out superstar either to make up for that. I guess they have Johnny and Lindholm but it’s a far cry from what other teams in the division have.
Vancouver lost their best player and parts of their D, which made them very successful last year. Miller also had a career year which I don’t think will be replicated. Holtby or Demko will need to step up for them to be successful.
Ottawa could be a sneaky surprise and steal some wins but it’s unlikely they do any real damage
Winnipeg has a really good forward core and suspect defence, so their success lies in if Hellebuyck can replicate last year. I think they should be one of the better teams.
I see the top 3 as some variation of the Jets, Leafs and us. The Canucks, Flames and Habs can battle it out for #4.