I decided to look back at the hockey experts preseason predictions to see how they were doing at the 1/3 point of the season. You know just about anyone could do as well. Take a look at the ESPN website for example.
Six out of seven experts picked the Dallas Stars to win the Pacific division and two predicted the Stars would win the Stanley Cup. Meanwhile the Stars are last in the Western conference. Every expert picked the Montreal Canadiens to win the Northeast division and no one gave the Bruins consideration even though the currently possess the second best record in the NHL. And I couldn't help but notice that one expert picked the Tampa Bay Lightning to win the Southeast division despite the fact that they were the worst team in the NHL last season. Oh yes, the Lightning are still at the bottom of the standings.
Moving on the trophy winners. You can't go wrong by picking one of the several superstars as this year's MVP or best defenseman. Gets a little with some of the other trophies. Six experts picked Stephen Stamkos as top rookie. But with only 3 goals so far and just 13th among rookie scorers I don't see that happening. And what about the two people who picked Barry Melrose as coach of the years? I see Barry has some good friends at ESPN. Good thing because he is back there after being fired just 16 games into the season.
12 years ago
