NHL Season Preview: Forecasting the final standings

Eastern Conference

Metropolitan Division

Though the Penguins captured the hardware that matters last season, it's the Capitals returning a roster deeper than the one that racked up 120 regular-season points, and who are best equipped to separate themselves over the course of an 82-game campaign. ... Philadelphia sees a marginal increase in total points, but upgrades from wild-card position with the two New York teams taking a step back. ...The Hurricanes and Devils don't have the horses yet.

Atlantic Division

The two Floridian outfits that combined for a plus-62 goal differential remain the class of the division. ... With Carey Price back, the Canadiens (not the Red Wings) challenge the Bruins for the final playoff spot, but settle for the wild card. ... Detroit misses the postseason for the first time in more than a quarter-century, finishing tightly bunched at the bottom with the other three non-playoff teams. There, success and failure is all relative.

First-round matchups

Capitals vs. Canadiens (w)
Lightning vs. Rangers (w)
Penguins vs. Flyers
Panthers vs. Bruins

Western Conference

Central Division

Finishing at the top of the NHL's premier division are three Stanley Cup contenders in the Stars, Predators, and Blackhawks, while the slightly diminished Blues slip into the wild-card slot, but remain formidable. ... The Avalanche and Jets are two of the most improved teams, which is illustrated by their points increases, but only one can fit into the postseason bracket. ... Aging and under new direction, the Wild become victims of the Central this time around.

Pacific Division

As most teams inside the division trend toward the mean, San Jose maintains its distance and takes the Pacific crown from Anaheim. ... The Kings perhaps take the biggest step back, but the Flames, Coyotes, and Oilers, who make huge strides developmentally, take enough from one another for them to survive. ... It might not show, but the Canucks are better than the team that was outscored by a 52-goal margin last season, albeit marginally.

First-round matchups

Stars vs. Avalanche (w)
Sharks vs. Blues (w)
Predators vs. Blackhawks
Ducks vs. Kings