Dallas Stars Predictions: Central Division

With another thunderous offseason, the Dallas Stars have no ceiling of expectations this upcoming year. A disappointing all-around 2014-2015 NHL season has only built up the motivation all throughout the organization.

The Stars have scoped their focus on an eventual Stanley Cup run, hoping for sooner rather than later.

But to do so, they have to get through numerous, really good hockey teams in the process.

While the last-place team of the group had 90 points, and both Western Conference Wild Card spots came from it, there is valid evidence to argue that the Central Division is the best in hockey.

Last season proved how dominant this division really is.

2014-2015 Central Division Standings:

1) St. Louis Blues (109 points)

2) Nashville Predators (104 points)

3) Chicago Blackhawks (102 points)

4) Minnesota Wild (100 points)

5) Winnipeg Jets (99 points)

6) Dallas Stars (92 points)

7) Colorado Avalanche (90 points)

The St. Louis Blues crowned the regular season with a remarkable 109 points. Now, the Blues in the playoffs are another story, as they were knocked out in the first round for their third consecutive season. But nevertheless, they are a fantastic hockey team in the regular season, and will be a massive test for the Stars throughout the duration of the year.

The Nashville Predators were a dominant force throughout the entire season, especially on their home ice, Bridgestone Arena, as they finished 28-9-4 in front of their home fans.

And, of course, the Stanley Cup winning team came from the Central Division. There isn’t anything more that I need to say about the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Minnesota Wild and Winnipeg Jets concluded the season by clinching both of the conference’s Wild Card spots, and have even high expectations once again heading into this new campaign.

The Colorado Avalanche, while being the weakest team in the division, only finished two points behind the Stars. The Avalanche, who beat Dallas all five times they played them last year, are another team the Stars have to get passed this season.

The Dallas Stars, despite playing really well towards the end of the season, just couldn’t quite get to where they needed to be in the division.

With many offseason moves for all of these teams during the Free Agency period, many teams in the division are going to look very new.

There are many teams capable of winning this division, and just as it did last season, it will come down to the final games of the season. But, nevertheless, I have my order.

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Final Prediction:

1) St. Louis Blues

2) Minnesota Wild

3) Dallas Stars

4) Nashville Predators *Wild Card*

5) Chicago Blackhawks *Wild Card*

6) Winnipeg Jets

7) Colorado Avalanche

First, I think the St. Louis Blues have too much talent. I really see Jake Allen developing as an elite goalie, and will be a stud for the Blues all season long. Also, I don’t think losing TJ Oshie will hurt this hockey team at all. I like them repeating as division champs, regardless of if they get bounced in the first round once again.

The Minnesota Wild was such an exciting hockey team to watch on the ice last year. Their captain and leader, Zack Parise, had 62 points in 74 games, as well as a positive-21 +/-. Expect this team from Minnesota to have a wonderful year.

Once again, I think both Western Conference Wild Card teams will come from the Central Division. This year, I think Nashville and Chicago will slip in the division standings, but will still clinch these two spots. The Predators had a quiet offseason, and their season will fully depend on goalie Pekka Rinne. The Blackhawks had a very action-packed off season. They not only lost Sharp and Oduya, but also traded 22-year-old Brandon Saad to the Columbus Blue Jackets. And worst of all, phenom Patrick Kane has his rape case surrounding him, although I think in the end he will not be convicted of anything and will be back on the ice. Nevertheless, Chicago will just not be as good as they were last season.

While Winnipeg had a very surprising year last season, there are still a lot of questions surrounding this hockey team. The goalie situation is where the Jets will really get caught up. In the end, I think they will make a run for a return to the playoffs, but I don’t see them returning to the postseason.

As far as the Colorado Avalanche goes, I think the season boils down to goalie Semyon Varlamov and center Nathan MacKinnon, MacKinnon will play much better than he did last season, and I think Varlamov will be solid as well. I just don’t think Colorado has enough to make the playoffs, but look out for this team in the near future.

Last, I think the Dallas Stars have the talent to make the playoffs. With Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, Jason Spezza. John Klingberg, Johnny Oduya, Patrick Sharp, and plenty more, I will be very shocked if this hockey team doesn’t make the postseason. With the offseason additions, moving from sixth to third in the division should not surprise anyone at all.

This, of course, is if the Stars solve their situation in the crease.

Dallas Stars fans everywhere believe that their team can accomplish great things on the ice this season. The Stars are at the point where they have no excuse for failure. GM Jim Nill has brought in all the tools they need to succeed.

It is only a matter of time before we will find out how good this hockey team will truly be! Opening Night is just 15 days away!

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