Friedman's 2015-16 NHL Western Conference Predictions

By Daniel Friedman
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Hockey season starts Wednesday night, and with that, here's how I think the NHL's Western Conference will shake out:

(* denotes playoff team)

MORE: Friedman's Eastern Conference Predictions

CENTRAL DIVISION

1. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS*

Amidst the swarming distractions, the Blackhawks will show their veteran poise and play right through the noise. They're without Brandon Saad (traded to Columbus), but they've got more than enough depth to pick up the slack. If Marko Dano comes up from Rockford (AHL) and makes an impact, that would be a huge plus as well.

2. ST. LOUIS BLUES*

Minus TJ Oshie, the Blues proceed with a bit less scoring punch than usual, but they're still very balanced and have enough to contend. If only they could actually contend when in position to do so.

3. NASHVILLE PREDATORS*

Nashville is ready to make a leap. I think the Preds will be hot on St. Louis' trail all season long. I'm expecting a breakout season from Seth Jones and even more bite from the offense to compliment the fantastic blueline and goaltending.

4. MINNESOTA WILD*

The Wild will struggle to hold Dallas back, but there's enough talent in Minnesota to make it happen. This team has to get better, though, because it won't be long before the Stars are right there.

5. DALLAS STARS

I love everything about this team except for the defense. Unfortunately, I think that's why they'll end up just shy of a postseason berth. An in-season trade or emergence of a young player could reverse their fortunes and get them across the line.

6. WINNIPEG JETS

Last season's surprise playoff team won't repeat the feat in 2015-16. There are just too many holes, too many question marks and too many talented teams ahead of them. Mark Scheifele needs to break out for Winnipeg to stay in the mix.

7. COLORADO AVALANCHE

All bark, no bite. There's not enough depth to support the Avs' talented scorers. This has been a recurring issue for a few years now, which makes you wonder why it wasn't addressed during the offseason. In any event, it wasn't, and that's why Colorado will miss the playoffs.

PACIFIC DIVISION

1. ANAHEIM DUCKS*

The Ducks can score, led by Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf, as well as a host of capable secondary producers. Defensemen Hampus Lindholm, Sami Vatanen and Cam Fowler continue to mature, which will only make Anaheim a stronger team as the season progresses.

2. CALGARY FLAMES*

Boasting what is arguably the best defense corps in the West, Calgary is well-armed to prove that last season wasn't a fluke. Young gun Sam Bennett joins Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau, which should add more offensive firepower (no pun intended). I think this team will really do some damage.

3. LOS ANGELES KINGS*

The Kings are too talented and experienced to let what happened last season repeat itself. They won't.

4. SAN JOSE SHARKS*

It's almost over, but the Sharks' dynamic offense will keep them in the hunt and deliver a bounce-back performance.

5. VANCOUVER CANUCKS

Letting go of Kevin Bieksa made the Canucks worse. They're also aging and not all that deep, though help (in the form of youth) is on the way. It might not get there in time.

6. EDMONTON OILERS

Connor McDavid will notch at least 70 points and the Oilers will be among the conference leaders in goals per game. They'll also be near the top in most goals surrendered, which is why they're not ready to make a playoff push yet. Cam Talbot will help, but the defense needs to get much, much better.

7. ARIZONA COYOTES

The best thing that can come out of this season for Arizona is the right to pick Scottsdale, Arizona, native Auston Matthews with the top pick in next summer's entry draft.

CONFERENCE CHAMPION: CALGARY

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