Do people really think Vancouver's gotten worse since last season? A train wreck of a coach - gone. Goaltending headache - gone. Unhappy second-line-centre - gone. Both Sedins had significant injuries last year which caused their production to decline.
I think Vancouver is going to have a significantly better year this year than last year. I think they're in the group in the west with Colorado (who will decline), Minnesota, Anaheim (who did have league-best luck last year), and Dallas.
I see LA, Chicago, St. Louis, and San Jose as locks for the playoffs with that second group: four of Anaheim, Colorado, Vancouver, Dallas, Minnesota likely making the rest, Nashville, Arizona, and possibly (though not likely) Edmonton playing the role of spoilers, and Calgary and Winnipeg bringing up the rear.
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