NHL predictions as season opens Wednesday
ADVANCE FOR WEEKEND EDITIONS, OCT. 4-5 - FILE - In this March 6, 2014 file photo, Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) celebrates his goal with Patrick Kane during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets in Chicago. A changing of the guard appears to be in store for the NHL with new, young faces _ Steven Stamkos in Tampa Bay, Gabriel Landeskog in Colorado and don't forget the Toews and Kane tandem in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File) Credit: AP / Charles Rex Arbogast
As the NHL season opens Wednesday, here are predictions for the order of finish in each division, with an asterisk indicating which teams will earn a playoff berth.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Metropolitan Division
*Penguins
*Blue Jackets
Capitals
Devils
Flyers
Hurricanes
Atlantic Division
*Bruins
*Lightning
*Canadiens
*Red Wings
Maple Leafs
Panthers
Senators
Sabres
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Pacific Division
*Ducks
*Kings
*Sharks
*Canucks
Coyotes
Oilers
Flames
Central Division
*Blackhawks
*Blues
*Stars
*Wild
Avalanche
Predators
Jets
