What team is a big surprise this year?

[winnipegger]

Either a really good team on paper completely failing, or a terrible team on paper making the playoffs. Fair to say Vegas was terrible on paper and then went to the cup final.

My vote is Vancouver. I think they compete for a playoff spot. I could see Arizona surprising the league as well. Eastern conference harder to say as I don't see the teams as much.

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[Turning Mangiapanese]

I have a "good" feeling about the Nucks as well. With that roster I think they'd do well to go full offense and it could result in an entertaining, 14/15 Flames type of a season. A lot of things need to go just right though, especially Petterson figuring out the NHL game immediately.

 

[Viqsi]

It seems like damn near everybody has written off the Islanders, and I think that might be just a tad premature.

 

[Zybalto]

Carolina is an decent goalie away from making some noise IMO.

Maybe Mrazek will help them break through this year? If I'm the Hurricanes, I'm looking to grab a keeper off the waiver wire like Hutchinson or Sparks if they become available as well. Only reason they didn't make it in last year.

 

[Koivu11]

Not sure if it would be a surprise but I think Chicago will bounce back and get back into the playoffs this year.

 

[dukeofjive]

i have a feeling that arizona makes the playoffs this year. Good young team, on the back of there D and the goalie.

 

[belair]

I think St Louis puts the rest of their division in the dust this year.

Philadelphia is another team I could see taking a big step forward and surprising a lot of people in the East.

 

[DaveG]

This feels like the first time in a while that most experts aren't picking Carolina as a breakthrough team, so going with Carolina having a good shot at it.

 

[Jerzey Devil]

I’m hoping the bigger surprises come from good or high expectation teams not making the playoffs.

 

[major major]

The West is wide open, especially the Pacific. In the East there's just very little room, so even if a team like Buffalo is greatly improved, a playoff spot is unlikely. I think Philadelphia, Columbus, Pittsburgh, and Washington in the Metro, as well as the big 3 in the Atlantic are not going to be caught.

I'll say Arizona.

 

[Deam78]

Caps and Vegas will be failure for their expectations
Philly and AZ will surpass expectations

 

[TheDoldrums]

Carolina Hurricanes

They just have to get average goaltending one of these years and when they do, they're a playoff team.

Also I think Svechnikov should have more hype.

Also like Arizona to take a big step forward this season.

 

[Inkling]

Agree that Arizona will be a lot better this season.

I don't think the Habs will make the playoffs but they won't be as bad as many expect either.

 

[Albus Dumbledore]

It seems like damn near everybody has written off the Islanders, and I think that might be just a tad premature.

i could see them miss the playoffs by a few points, with young players improving and taking bigger roles. For sure not a bottom feeder.

 

[The Podium]

I think Carolina, Sebastian Aho in particular will exceed his already high expectations.

 

[BlueDream]

Panthers.

 

[Saitama]

Rangers might not make the playoffs but they won't be far off. The reason I know this is that now that they are rebuilding, they're going to be just good enough to not get anywhere near the top 3 picks.

 

[Ms Maggie]

Guess? Sharks don't live up to expectations.

 

[Three On Zero]

Edmonton Oilers miss the playoffs again

McD or Talbot get hurt for any length and it's over

 

[Bonzo111]

Flyers will be very good

 

[snag]

Edmonton Oilers miss the playoffs again

McD or Talbot get hurt for any length and it's over

Surprise! One of these posts. *yawn*

 

[VoluntaryDom]

Canes are going to do more than just make the playoffs

 

[bukwas]

Arizona and if hf is any indication, Vegas again.

 

[Leafidelity]

I think Vegas has a proper expansion year

 

[Maplebeasts]

I think Buffalo will surprise and be in the playoff discussion, though I don't expect them to make it. I think SJ falls short of expectations but still make the playoffs with ease. I also think Columbus might take a step back if Panarin becomes too much of a distraction.