Hey guys. I just picked up the latest edition of The Sporting News. The whole edition is devoted to how all the NHL teams are going to do. They also have the following predictions for Olympic Hockey as follows:
Gold Medal-Canada
Silver-Czech Republic
Bronze-United States.
As far as the Eastern Conference herewith are their predictions:
Atlantic Div.
1-Philadelphia
2-New Jersey
3-Pittsburgh
4-Rangers
5-Islanders
Northeast Div.
1-Toronto
2-Boston
3-Buffalo
4-Ottawa
5-Montreal
Southeast Div.
1-Washington
2-Florida
3-Carolina
4-Tampa Bay
5-Atlanta
Eastern Champ: Flyers (yes!)

Central Div.-
1-Detroit
2-St. Louis
3-Nashville
4-Columbus
5-Chicago

Pacific-
1-Dallas
2-San Jose
3-L.A.(not bad Adam!)
4-Phoenix
5-Anaheim

N.W. Div.
1-Colorado
2-Vancouver
3-Edmonton
4-Calgary
5-Minnesota

Western Champ.-Colorado
Stanley Cup-Avalanche (again)

They made it clear its entirely possible the Avalanche could win more cups.
Some interesting picks guys.

I wouldn't mind if Colorado won the Cup again--maybe then Barry Melrose would have to eat his "Joe Sakic," (swoon!) "may not really be Hall of Fame material" comment from last season--but repeating as champions is difficult, to say the least. And without Foppa....I'll still go with the Redwings.

~Adam

Overall, I'd say they hit the nail on the head, although I'd switch Hasek-less Buffalo for Ottawa, and Florida for perennial over-achievers Carolina. And the early pick from the West surely must be Detroit, not Colorado without Forsie and Ray B. I say Philly reclaims the Cup, but at this point, there's no sense splitting hairs. Can't wait for the puck to drop on Wednesday!

Oh yeah, and you can take their Salt Lake City picks to the bank (no Olympayola pun intended).