Yesterday, I predicted the top eight teams in the West, with a caveat that, while picking the Columbus Blue Jackets for the last playoff spot, it is more than likely that Calgary will be there instead. So, I have no choice but leading with the Flames on the list of teams that we think won't make the playoffs.
1. Calgary Flames: If I were completely objective and rational, I'd put Calgary into the playoffs, based on the way they finished last season. If they keep that rate up, they can do even better than eighth. They lost defenseman Robgyn Regehr over the summer, and they didn't add much, so there is a good chance they won't play as well as they did late in the last season. Who knows? This is a big guess anyway.
Nfl 2012
2. Phoenix Coyotes: The loss of Ilya Bryzgalov in goal will be devastating. So will be the departure of Vewrnon Fiddler, Ed Jovanovski, and Eric Belanger. It's hard to see how the offseason additions will make up for the offseason losses. Having said that, though, if things click, the Coyotes still could make the playoffs.
3. Minnesota Wild: Defense seems to be a challenge this year. Plus, it looks like a front office "tear it down before we build it back up" situation. So, why then, are we picking the Wild at 11th rather than lower? We think they'll play reasonable solid hockey for the talent level that they have in place.
4. Nashville Predators: A lot of people think Nashville, coming off a playoff win last year, will improve this year. In fact, it would be easy to pick them for the last playoff spot. But, it just seems that things just aren't right. They lost a lot of people in the summer, and I'm not sure really good players like Shea Weber can make enough of a difference.
5. Edmonton Oilers: We love Edmonton fans. We think they need a moral victory, if not the first choice in the NFL draft. So, we're not picking them last. We're picking them two spots from last. We can't see the Oilers making the playoffs, but we can see them dropping below 13th.
6. Colorado Avalanche: The Avalanche are in a deep amount of hurt. But maybe not. Maybe the will squeeze into the playoffs. Maybe we are out of our minds to pick them this low. New goaltenders are always scary. Look for a tough year in Denver.
7. Dallas Stars: We may be the only people who pick Dallas last. The ownership issues make things tough. They won't make the playoffs. Quite simply, they need to rebuild, and that's what they will do. Look for them to get a very high draft pick.
Who Will Miss the NHL Playoffs From the West in 2012?
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