NHL predictions and rankings - December 5, 2021
I’m posting for the first time for the 2021-22 season predictions for the end-of-season standings and playoffs and I’m bringing back my power ranking. I prefer to wait for there being enough games played to run my model include data from the previous season. The previous season brings information that helps predict the season’s games. However, teams go through enough changes in the off-season that last year games do not help a lot, in my opinion, in predicting the outcome of games this season. A good example would be the Canadiens, who made it to the finals and who are near the bottom this season.
Predictions for the 2021-22 season
The Capitals have been playing great and sit on top, with the Flames right behind. The Canadiens, after making it all the way to the final last season, are very near the bottom.
Table 1: Predictions for end of season standings in the NHL
Power ranking
The Flames and the Capitals are on top, quite a bit away from the Hurricanes in third position. The lightning is 9th and I expect them to slowly climb as the season advances.
Table 2: Power ranking of NHL teams