2006 NHL Pacific Division Predictions

2006 Pacific Division Preview from Maddux Sports. With the NHL Hockey Season now is the time to get aquatinted with the 2006 teams and players. Remember if you are NHL hockey betting look no further, as we offer hockey picks and can help you turn a profit betting on the NHL this season.

2006 Pacific Division Preview

San Jose looks poised to pick up from where it left off last year. This team can go to the finals if their goaltending and power play doesn’t go south like it did against the Oilers in round two of the Cup. A change of scenery last year at mid-season transformed Joe Thornton into the super star everyone knew that he could be. Expect more from him in 2006-07.

The Anaheim Ducks have a shorter name, a changed logo and a new owner, but they are still a great team. Chris Pronger has been added, helping to give Anaheim the best D in the NHL. Plus, the team has two first class goaltenders. With better special teams than San Jose and an expanded group of scorers, give the edge to the Ducks in this division.

The Dallas Stars possess the goaltending, offense and defense to make it into the playoffs again. Last season, they were eliminated by Colorado in round one. They need to commit fewer penalties, have more consistent net minding and better special teams play to get beyond the initial playoff series.

Although the Kings did not make the playoffs last season (and have not done so for years), they may be about to break through that glass ceiling. Mattias Norstrom—the team’s inspiring, hard working and highly respected captain—is back for his eleventh year. Rookies Patrick O’Sullivan and Anze Kopitar could provide some exciting offense. To get into the post season, this team must have a healthy tender in net and show improvement, especially on special teams. They could be competitive when it comes to securing one of last playoff berths.

Finally, there’s Wayne Gretzky’s Phoenix Coyotes—a young team with a bright future. To translate that—“Wait until next year.” Fans will find them to be both exciting and frustrating to watch. Goaltending should be better than in 2005-06 but it won’t save the season. Last year, Phoenix was 38-39-5. If they lose four to six fewer games this season, they’ll be on the right track.

2006 Pacific Division Projected Order of Finish

Click on the team names for the individual break downs for each hockey team.

1) Anaheim Mighty Ducks
2) San Jose Sharks
3) Dallas Stars
4) Los Angeles Kings
5) Phoenix Coyotes