Hello Preds fans,

I was wondering what you guys/girls think of the our Predators next season. In other words, what are your predictions for the 2010/2011 regular season, and playoffs.

Also, what do you think about the rest of the western conference? I am going to post my prediction of the western conference standings, and the Nashville Predators.

PREDICTED WESTERN CONFERENCE STANDINGS

1. SAN JOSE*

2. VANCOUVER*

3. DETROIT* 

4. CHICAGO

5. LOS ANGELES

6. PHOENIX

7. NASHVILLE

8. ANAHEIM

9. CALGARY

10. COLORADO

11. ST LOUIS

12.  DALLAS

13. MINNESOTA

14. COLUMBUS

15. EDMONTON

You must be thinking the bottom four seeds are identical as last year...well there hasn't been much improvement in any of those teams. Edmonton's team did change but it didn't get any better. They are looking to free up more spots for a younger team. Yeah, they might be a fast team but that has nothing to prove with scoring touch, defense, or goaltending.  Actually...who are they going to put in net? Nik Khabibulin? The guy that has pretty much lost his career as he is not the same anymore, and he has the injury flu. They have absoloutley nothing to back him up. You might be thinking Dubnyk, or JD. No way. My intention is not to use those goaltenders in a minor role but you gotta look at stats...They might have been better if there was a better defence in front of him.

St. Louis is sitting in the 11th seed in my predictions. The main reason for that is that Anaheim must make the playoffs this year. They still have a cup winning team but nothing went right last season. I really think the Ducks can pull it together this season.

Along with the Ducks, Colorado and Calgary can very well be ahead of St. Louis as well. Last season the Avs were great. They will probably be even better this season but something tells me they cant pull off to get into the playoffs. Probably the affect from Anaheim is the conundrum in this situation.

Time to get to SMASHVILLE. Listed at 7th place...I'm guessing that's pretty accurate, They've made the playoffs five times out of six, and they have been in the top three four teams after the lockout. (San Jose, Detroit, New Jersey). Nashville will make a playoff spot most likely, but I'm guessing they won't do it with 100 points again this season. I'm guessing around 95 points will do the trick for them this season.

Phoenix, LA, two teams unexpected last season, and did their spark, I predict it will continue on into this season. Especially with Phoenix since Dave Tippet is still coaching them.

Onto Chicago and Detroit. You might be wondering why I have placed Detroit over Chicago for the Central Division title. Well Detroit will be kicking themselves from last season. I am about 80% confident Babcock will lead Detroit to another division title, due to his rally skills as a coach. They also are an experienced team which gives them a huge advantage.

In addition, Chicago has given up too much...main players up front are Kane and Toews. The can still play back at D but Chicago needs to understand hockey isn't all about having super stars score goals. That is not how you win games.

Vancouver had some standout players last year, and will improve this season...My prediction may be accurate, but at the same time it could be a complete flop.

As for San Jose...I think we can all guarantee San Jose first in the west, right?

Hope you can post your predictions, and comments to this post.

-Bakht K