Bold prediction #3: The Blue Jackets make the playoffs in a divisional spot, and win the first round.
It's hard to believe, but the Blue Jackets have only made the playoffs once in a non wild card spot (2016-17). I'm predicting that they will do that this season, and that they'll win their first round matchup.
Sure, a lot of things have to go right for this to happen. They'll need to find a way to give up fewer goals, which means our prediction on the last slide needs to come true. At least, to some extent.
They will also need to continue their scoring ability, carrying over from last season. The Jackets surprised everyone with their ability to produce, finishing 7th in the NHL in goals scored.
Another top-10 finish in that category, combined with some better team defense, should be plenty to propel them to an extra 8-10 points in the standings. That would get them close to 100 points this year, which is often enough for a divisional playoff spot.
The biggest needed area of improvement may be in the special teams department. Last year, their power-play (19.5%) and penalty kill (77.0%) both finished 22nd in the NHL. If they can vault those numbers into the top-half of the league and maintain their stellar 5 on 5 play, this prediction doesn't become much of a stretch at all.
It certainly won't be easy, in a Metropolitan Division that is always a bit of a gauntlet. The Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers, and Washington Capitals will all return with strong teams this year. And, the Philadelphia Flyers are hoping to take a forward step under a new coaching staff as well.
Stacking up more points against the division will be difficult, but crucial this year. Last season, they were 13-10-3 against divisional foes, good enough for 29 points. Can they squeeze an extra 2-3 wins out of those games this year? It would make a big difference.
Taking a step back and looking at the entire division, it's easy to pencil Carolina in as the favorites to win the regular season. After them, New Jersey has a very strong team that should be more competitive if they can stay healthy.
Beyond those two teams, though: why not the Blue Jackets? The Rangers and Capitals both have aging cores that are trying to claw their way back into contention. I think the Jackets can hold pace with both of those teams, acting as the exciting, upstart team within the division.
I'll predict that they will finish third in the Metro and face the New Jersey Devils in round one of the playoffs this year. If we get to that point, I like the way the Blue Jackets match up from a physical perspective. Over a 7 game series, they certainly have the kind of team that could sneak up and win a playoff round. Fingers crossed.
On the next slide, we're predicting big accolades for a Blue Jackets forward.