THE FIRST EXPERT PREDICTIONS

A backhand pass to James Mirtle who has posted The Hockey News' 2006-07 Predictions today. Ah, I love these things. But as you can see, some of my drunken predictions (which I stand by) from early August aren't so bogus compared to what THN drummed up.

THE HOCKEY NEWS...............................ZANSTORM

EASTERN CONFERENCE...................EASTERN CONFERENCE

1. Carolina.........................................Ottawa
2. Ottawa..........................................Carolina
3. NY Rangers..................................Philadelphia
   
4. New Jersey...................................Buffalo
5. Buffalo............................................Montreal
6. Philadelphia...................................Florida
7. Montreal........................................Boston
8. Atlanta...........................................NY Rangers
   
9. Tampa Bay....................................New Jersey
   
10. Toronto..........................................Tampa Bay
    
11. Florida............................................Atlanta
12. Boston.............................................Toronto
13. Pittsburgh.......................................NY Islanders
    
14. NY Islanders..................................Pittsburgh
15. Washington....................................Washington

WESTERN CONFERENCE.................WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. Anaheim.........................................Anaheim
   
2. Nashville........................................Calgary
   
3. Calgary...........................................Nashville
4. San Jose..........................................San Jose
   
5. Dallas...............................................Dallas
6. Detroit.............................................Detroit
7. Minnesota.......................................Colorado
8. Columbus........................................Edmonton
9. Phoenix...........................................Vancouver
10. Los Angeles....................................Minnesota
11. Vancouver.......................................Los Angeles
    
12. Edmonton........................................Phoenix
13. Colorado...........................................St. Louis
    
14. Chicago.............................................Columbus
15. St. Louis...........................................Chicago

Well at least we both agree that the Canucks won't make the playoffs, and even Tampa Bay for that matter. They are pretty bold for putting Columbus in 8th, but hey, why not be adventurous, kind of like me placing the Devils OUT of the playoffs, despite their world class goalie Will Colorado plummet that far down? Depends on which skirt Theodore is chasing.
Anyway, I look forward to other people's predictions in the coming weeks.