Steve Zipay's NHL playoff predictions
The New York Islanders' Mathew Barzal (13) and the Washington Capitals' Evgeny Kuznetsov (92) look to the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015 in Washington. Credit: AP / Kevin Wolf
Goaltending, depth and a little luck may be the difference in the playoff contenders in the 2015-16 NHL season, which begins Wednesday. Here's my best guesses:
Metropolitan Division (Top five in playoffs)
1. Washington
2. Columbus
3. Rangers
4. Islanders
5. Pittsburgh
6. Philadelphia
7. New Jersey
8. Carolina
Atlantic Division (Top three in playoffs)
1. Tampa
2. Montreal
3. Detroit
4. Ottawa
5. Florida
6. Boston
7. Buffalo
8. Toronto
Pacific Division: (Top four in playoffs)
1. Anaheim
2. Los Angeles
3. Calgary
4. San Jose
5. Edmonton
6. Vancouver
7. Arizona
Central Division (Top four in playoffs)
1. Chicago
2. St. Louis
3. Dallas
4. Minnesota
5. Nashville
6. Winnipeg
7. Colorado
