Archive for the ‘Predictions’ Category

One of these teams was predicted to make the playoffs, the other to finish last in the Eastern Conference. Funny how things work out, eh? (Francois Lacasse, Getty Images)

On Saturday, in my weekly Bottoms Up feature on the NHL basement, I looked back at some of the expert predictions prior to the start of the season for who would finish at the bottom of the standings and how they compare to the actual results. While very few of the predictions were completely accurate, they weren’t as far off-base as I expected. While everyone was wrong about the Ottawa Senators, for the most part the teams that were predicted to finish at the bottom of the standings will indeed be missing the playoffs.

But what about the top of the standings? With the division and conference winners all but decided, now is a good time to look back at who the experts expected to lead the way.

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Best part of the NHL All-Star Game: more glamour shots of hockey players. Funniest thing ever.

Sometimes I feel like I am the only hockey blogger who loves the All-Star Game. Is it a glorified pond hockey game devoid of importance? Of course. But it’s a glorified pond hockey game featuring the best players in the NHL having a great time. Besides, is any hockey game truly important in the grand scheme of things? I think everyone should lighten up just a little when it comes to complaining about the All-Star Game and just enjoy it for what it is.

I find the All-Star Game a lot of fun. It’s nice to see the NHL’s best taking a break from treating hockey like a business and once again enjoying it as a game.

Of course, even though it is a frivolous event doesn’t mean that we can’t take our enjoyment of it seriously. I’ve taken it upon myself to make a series of super-serious predictions about the 2012 All-Star Weekend, from the draft to the skills competition to the game itself. Keep in mind, my track record for predictions is poor.

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