NHL

10 Bold Predictions For the Second Half of 2014-15 NHL Season

10 Bold Predictions For NHL Season's Second Half

Sidney Crosby
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The NHL season is coming up on the home stretch within the next few weeks, but there is still time for some crazy things to happen. The way the standings look now is not how they will look once the playoffs start. Here are 10 bold predictions for rest of the season.

10. Johnny Gaudreau Will Take Rookie Points Lead

Johnny Gaudreau
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10. Johnny Gaudreau Will Take Rookie Points Lead

Johnny Gaudreau
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The rookie race between Johnny Gaudreau and Filip Forsberg has been tight for the most part this season. While Forsberg got out to a big lead, Gaudreau has gained major points on his deficit. He will eventually take over the rookie points lead, possibly stealing the Calder Trophy in the process.

9. Ryan Getzlaf Will Take Points Lead

Ryan Getzlaf
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9. Ryan Getzlaf Will Take Points Lead

Ryan Getzlaf
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Ryan Getzlaf is currently tied for 11th in the NHL points race. While he may have a long hill to climb, there are major injuries to some of the top point-getters. Getzlaf is going to really make a push for the points lead as his team will be trying to gain the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.

8. Pittsburgh Penguins Will Win The Metropolitan

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8. Pittsburgh Penguins Will Win The Metropolitan

Pittsburgh Penguins
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The Pittsburgh Penguins are currently standing in the third spot in the Metropolitan Division, but they just made a major move to acquire Daniel Winnik that will push them over the top in the standings. They also have some good players coming back from injury soon. That alone gives them an edge over the New York Rangers and the New York Islanders,

7. Arizona Coyotes Will Be Worst In The West

Arizona Coyotes
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7. Arizona Coyotes Will Be Worst In The West

Arizona Coyotes
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The Edmonton Oilers are actually showing slight signs of life at the bottom of the West. The Arizona Coyotes are bad, and the trade deadline is about to make them worse. They are going to lose key veterans like Antoine Vermette, which will push them further and further down the standings.

6. Pekka Rinne Will Lead All Goalie Statistics

Pekka Rinne
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6. Pekka Rinne Will Lead All Goalie Statistics

Pekka Rinne
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Carey Price has been carrying the Montreal Canadiens all season long. He is the sole reason why they are atop the Atlantic Division, but Pekka Rinne may still be having a better season. Now that he has returned from injury, Rinne will be able to retake the crown as best goalie in the league and win a Vezina Trophy in the process.

5. Trade Deadline Will Be Crazy Again

NHL Trade Deadline
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5. Trade Deadline Will Be Crazy Again

NHL Trade Deadline
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The trade deadline was insane in 2014, and fans can expect more of the same in 2015. There will be some big names changing teams, and some of the deals will come as a major surprise. This trade deadline will change the shape of the playoffs.

4. Detroit Red Wings Will Win Atlantic

Detroit Red Wings
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4. Detroit Red Wings Will Win Atlantic

Detroit Red Wings
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The Detroit Red Wings have been all over the place this season as far as the standings go. They have been in first, and they have found themselves in a Wild Card slot. They are in a good position right now with 77 points. They will elude the Lightning and the Canadiens to take the Atlantic Division title.

3. Nashville Predators Will Win The Presidents' Trophy

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3. Nashville Predators Will Win The Presidents' Trophy

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The Nashville Predators have been the most consistent team all season long, and they show no signs of stopping now that Rinne is back from injury. They will continue to roll and will eventually end up being the top team in hockey by season's end.

2. San Jose Will Fight Back Into Playoff Positioning

San Jose
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2. San Jose Will Fight Back Into Playoff Positioning

San Jose
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The San Jose Sharks are currently sitting outside of the playoffs after the great run by the Los Angeles Kings of late. They will find a way to claw their way back into the race. They are too talented to stay out of the postseason entirely.

1. St. Louis Will Be The Second-Best Team In NHL, But Won't Win Division

St. Louis
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1. St. Louis Will Be The Second-Best Team In NHL, But Won't Win Division

St. Louis
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The St. Louis Blues are one of the better teams in the NHL. Unfortunately, they play in a division with the Predators, who could possibly be the best team in the league. The Blues will keep fighting, but they will fall just short of the Presidents' Trophy.

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