The Hockey News’ 2008-09 Yearbook recently hit the stands, which contained their projected standings.  See below:

Western Conference
1. Detroit Red Wings
2. San Jose Sharks
3. Minnesota Wild
4. Dallas Stars
5. Anaheim Ducks
6. Edmonton Oilers
7. Chicago Blackhawks
8. Calgary Flames

9. Nashville Predators
10. Phoenix Coyotes
11. Vancouver Canucks
12. Columbus Blue Jackets
13. Los Angeles Kings
14. Colorado Avalanche
15. St. Louis Blues

Eastern Conference
1. Montreal Canadiens
2. Pittsburgh Penguins
3. Washington Capitals
4. Philadelphia Flyers
5. Ottawa Senators
6. New York Rangers
7. New Jersey Devils
8. Carolina Hurricanes

9. Tampa Bay Lightning
10. Boston Bruins
11. Buffalo Sabres
12. Florida Panthers
13. Atlanta Thrashers
14. Toronto Maple Leafs
15. New York Islanders

Compared to The Score’s ranking, there are little significant difference of opinion between the two publications over which teams will make the playoffs, how those teams will place and which ones won’t make the post-season dance.

The biggest difference of opinion is THN has the Canadiens finishing first in the East (The Score picked the Flyers) and the Coyotes missing the playoffs (The Score picked them to make it over the Wild).

As for the rest, the two publications both rank the Red Wings as topping the West, and while there’s some difference in where their projected playoffs clubs finish in the standings they’ve picked the same teams (the difference between the Coyotes and Wild aside).

Again, I'll be posting my predictions for the upcoming season standings in late September as most if not all of the NHL rosters should be set by that point.

Discuss!