Thread: NHL 2011-12 Season

The regular season will get underway Thursday, October 6 when the Stanley Cup Champion Bruins (YES, that felt good to type ) host the Flyers on Versus. Also that evening, Vancouver will host Pittsburgh on Versus.

NBC will start their season earlier this year, when the Red Wings visit the Bruins on Black Friday (day after Thanksgiving) at 12 noon ET. A turkey/stuffing/cranberry sauce sandwich while watching the Wings-Bruins.....what could be better?

Of course, "Versus" will be rebranded "NBC Sports Network" starting January 2.

Funny that you just posted this as I just posted elsewhere that I was happy that Hockey season was just around the corner.

Nice to see the return of Hockey...although it's hard to think about hockey in August and in the middle of a pennant chase. Additionally, as much as I love hockey I'm not in 100% hockey mode until the regular college season concludes (mid November) and there's snow on the ground.

Lets start of the thread with some pre season predictions.

I will say that my Blue Jackets will make their second playoff appearance this year. The big question is if their goaltending will be able to keep them in the thick of things. If Mason even comes close to his rookie season they will make the playoffs as a 6-8 seed.

Originally Posted by JAG72

Lets start of the thread with some pre season predictions.

I will say that my Blue Jackets will make their second playoff appearance this year. The big question is if their goaltending will be able to keep them in the thick of things. If Mason even comes close to his rookie season they will make the playoffs as a 6-8 seed.

Yep, the Jackets are definetly on the upswing. I could even see them as a top 4 seed in the Western Conference.

As far as an early prediction for Stanley Cup Champions? the Flyers?

Another team to look out for out West is the Nashville Predators. And of course, you can NEVER count out those Detroit Red Wings (a team I respect more than any other in ALL sports).

It seems funny referring to Columbus, Nashville and Detroit as teams "out West". Such is life in the geographically challenged NHL.

Originally Posted by BillD1984

Yep, the Jackets are definetly on the upswing. I could even see them as a top 4 seed in the Western Conference.

I would love a top 4 finish but they have to much to prove for me to put them that high. They made a lot of great additions to the team this free agency and I sure hope they all mesh as a team.

I just hope Crosby gets better in time for the season.

I am very optimistic about my Sabres' chances this season.

Bill, I think your team and my team will be dueling for the division title.