NHL 2009-10 Season Predictions

Welcome to OpenIceHockey’s predictions for the 2009-10 season!  It’s been a long off season, and we’re happy that the puck will finally drop on some NHL action tomorrow night with four games on tap.

The following predictions were a combination at times of both Scott and I.  The standings were done together, with some I still don’t agree with, and ditto with him.  However, for the better of the site, we decided to co-exist.  The trophy selection was done by yours truly.  And the playoff predictions were once again a combination of Scott’s opinion and my own.

Feel free to read the predictions, and comment on any that you don’t agree with.

STANDINGS

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TROPHIES

Prospecting the trophy winners for an upcoming season could be harder than predicting the standings or even the cup winner.  But, since it’s what we’re paid to do, might as well give it a shot!

*WARNING! These picks were made specifically by Jesse and have no bearing on the decisions that Scott may/may not make*

Hart Trophy: Alexander Ovechkin

Voted by most anyone you talk to as to whom they would build a franchise around, Ovechkin is as real as they come.  He will easily have over 100 points this season if he and teammates Alexander Semin and Niklas Backstrom all can stay healthy.

Vezina Trophy: Roberto Luongo

Is this the year Bobby-Lu wins his hardware?  Damn straight it is.  After an injury plagued 2008-09 season, Luongo comes in this year refreshed and ready to take the Vancouver Canucks deep into the playoffs.  He will be the backbone of the team and after nine long years of hard work, he will win his first Vezina.

Norris Trophy: Zdeno Chara

After snatching the trophy away from Niklas Lidstrom last season, Chara will once again reign supreme this season.  Not only will he win his second Norris trophy, but should run away with the coveted prize barring any Mike Green-esque performances from his peers.

Calder Trophy:Victor Hedman

My first inclination was to take Cody Hodgson here, but since he got sent down the other day, that would just look silly.  My second inclination was to take John Tavares, but everyone knows he will have a hell of a time putting up points on the Island.  So, then it came down to Hedman.  He will be playing in a place where he can succeed, and will be given some powerplay time.  He most likely won’t play against the other team’s best lines, however that may change as the season progresses.  For now, he’s my pick.

Selke Trophy: Pavel Datsyuk

Hard to argue this one.  He is the most talented two-way forward in the entire league and should win the award for the fourth season in a row.  Unless Rod Brind’Amour comes out of no where.

Jack Adams Trophy: John Stevens

Right in line with where my Cup Finals predictions are headed, John Stevens will win this year’s Jack Adams trophy.  With a revamped lineup featuring one of the best defenceman in the NHL, and a solid goaltender, Stevens has plenty of tools to work with this season.

Art Ross Trophy: Alexander Ovechkin

The early exit in the Stanley Cup playoffs will give Ovechkin the edge over Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby in this category.  Both Malkin and Crosby should be banged up a bit this season as they didn’t have as much recovery time from the Cup finals run.  Plus, Ovechkin knows I have him in two of my hockey pools, so he needs to come through for me.

Presidents’ Trophy: Philadelphia Flyers

This is where Scott and I argued over the top of the Eastern Conference.  I don’t see the Bruins winning the East, but it was a consensus pick.  The San Jose Sharks should be in and around the top of the Western Conference, but it’s the Flyers that have my vote.  The pieces they added this off season pushes them ahead of the other strong teams in the league.

Maurice Richard Trophy: Alexander Ovechkin

Hard not to go with a guy that scored over 50 last season and over 60 the year before.  This guy is the purest sniper in the game and is one of the top three players in the league.  Barring injury, he will run away with this trophy again.

PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS

This leads us into both mine and Scott’s picks for the Eastern/Western Conference Finals, the Stanley Cup Finals, and ultimately, the Champion.

Scott Vankoughnett				Jesse Michael
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