Mid-season adjustments

We're halfway through the 07-08 season and I figured it might be worthwhile to revisit my earlier predictions (in parentheses).

Northeast
x-1. Ottawa (x-1)
x-2. Montreal (4)
x-3. Buffalo (x-2)
4. Toronto (x-3)
5. Boston (5)

I still have no doubt that Ottawa will win the division. I thought that second would be a toss up between the Leafs and the Sabres, but the Habs have put things together in spite of slumping Mikey Ryder. Leafs fans take heart--the Leafs have improved enough to make the playoffs....next year. Ok, they still might make it ahead of the Sabres.

Atlantic
x-1. New Jersey (x-3)
x-2. NYRangers (x-1)
x-3. Pittsburgh (x-2)
x-4. Philadelhpia (4)
5. NYIslanders (5)

I had said that I wouldn't be surprised if the Devils tanked. I also said that Brodeur is "the safe bet." The Devils have overcome their tough road start and seem to be gelling under Sutter. I dropped the Rangers to no. 2 because Jagr seems to have forgotten how to tie his skates.

Southeast
x-1. Carolina (x-1)
2. Washington (4)
3. Tampa bay (3)
4. Atlanta (x-2)
5. Florida (5)

I had pegged this as the weakest division in the league. Has anyone seen a goaltender? The only good goalie in the division (Vokoun) doesn't have anyone skating in front of him. The wildcard here is Tampa. How can a team play so good at home and stink so bad on the road? If they get it together, they might make playoff spot no. 8.

Central
x-1. Detroit (x-1)
2. St.Louis (x-2)
3. Chicago (4)
4. Columbus (5)
5. Nashville (3)

St.Louis? Nope, not anymore. I thought that Andy Murray would get them into the playoffs. He will, next year. Nashville has tanked even more than I expected. I thought that the Jackets would tank it, but Hitch and Leclaire are giving them some sense of credibility.

Northwest
x-1. Vancouver
x-2. Minnesota
x-3. Colorado
x-4. Calgary
5. Edmonton

This is a quality division, and I made some quality predictions. No changes here.

Pacific
x-1. Anaheim (x-1)
x-2. San Jose (x-2)
x-3. Dallas (3)
4. Phoenix (5)
5. Los Angeles (4)

I thought that this would be the easiest division to pick. In spite of their rocky start, the Ducks and Sharks are should still end up in spots one and two. I'm glad that I didn't put any money on my bet "that the Kings will land a goaltender that wears No. 29 for a pretty good NHL East team." Then Brian Burke give Phoenix a free goaltender and its the Kings who are the cellar dwellers. Surprisingly the Stars aren't fading the way that I thought. All the same, please Wayne, follow the lead of your peers (Yzerman, Hull, Francis, etc.) move upstairs to the office.

There you have it. I'll check back after the trade deadline.