As promised, a few weeks back, here is my full-fledged ‘let’s laugh at Charlie’ column better known as HodgePodge’s NHL Fridge Predictions. It’s a ridiculous seasonal routine game I share with you, the reader. Veteran HodgePodger’s know the routine but if you do not – then here it is.
I make these silly hockey predictions, you print them out, or cut them out of the paper (no running around with those scissors) then take them to your sports (beer) fridge, find some magnets and place them in a predominant spot. Simple as that the fun begins.
I’ve been embarrassing myself with this simple but joyful routine for at least 35 years if not longer. I’ve not got any better and despite wishing that I would have earned a few bragging rights by now – can’t say I have. Every year at the start of the hockey season I pretend to have learned more about the game, gained a little puck savvy. I prepare for weeks and then soon after the first puck is dropped, I dust off the computer and predict the entire NHL standings for year end, how teams will finish, who will win what trophies, etc.
Now its your turn to join in the fun. Get yourself a big fat pen. You get to spend the rest of the season laughing at me. Of course, real jocks will make their own list and post it on their fridge next to mine. If they are really sporting sorts, they send a copy to me. I’ve had a few chuckles with it, especially when others share theirs.
Most predictions are made with the assumption there are no injuries. This season I have made a few predictions regarding players and injuries that impact the seasons outcome.
I spent hours anguishing over these silly scenarios. Regardless here’s my list.
Western Conference:
Central Division: Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, Winnipeg Jets, St. Louis Blues, Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, Arizona Coyotes.
(Chicago rookie Connor Bedard will have an amazing year for a small fellow and little help, however a couple of old men will help him – Cory Perry and Taylor Hall. If they stay healthy who knows.
Pacific Division: Edmonton Oilers, Vegas Golden Knights, Seattle Kraken, Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks, Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks. Things will go south in goal for LA early in the year and they will not recover until end of the season. Meanwhile Connor McDavid wins the scoring title with an amazing 186 points including 73 goals, which is 33 more points than teammate Leon Draisaitl.
Atlantic Division: Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Ottawa Senators, Florida Panthers, Montreal Canadians, Detroit Red Wings. This is the division where injuries will make or break the season. I was ready to toss out Tampa but on paper they are amazing. Is THIS the year the Leafs win it all? Auston Matthews will have his best season ever with 119 points.
Metropolitan: Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, Columbus Blue Jackets, Philadelphia Flyers. No one can dominate Carolina in this division though New Jersey has quietly become heavyweights behind Jack Hughes. The Rangers have a couple young player that keep threatening to become great (Kakko and Lafreniere) but until they do the Metro remains a dull division. The great surprise this year is the bounce back of Pittsburgh and their two stud senior citizens Crosby and Malkin. They still dictate that team’s success.
So there you are. Get out your scissors and get ready for fun!
