Variability is a funny thing.

Or maybe they're not the same team this year as they were last year.

But, they've gone from somewhat above average to even more above average.

R-squared, 2013 - 2014 vs. 2014 - 2015 point percentage (all teams) = 0.29.

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But, what about Buffalo?

Lots of opportunity for regression to the mean there.

WebSant wrote:But, what about Buffalo?

Lots of opportunity for regression to the mean there.

When we talk about regression to the mean we don't speak of Buffalo, mostly we talk instead about Colorado.

To me the Rangers are better this year then they were last year.

NHLTIM wrote:To me the Rangers are better this year then they were last year.

Rangers are my pick to win it all this year. The Yandle trade really makes them the favorite for me.

ratonmono wrote:

NHLTIM wrote:To me the Rangers are better this year then they were last year.

Rangers are my pick to win it all this year. The Yandle trade really makes them the favorite for me.

I'm thinking a Rangers/Canadiens ECF again this year. I also thing the play of Talbot helped inspire the Rags while the King was out. No doubt he kept them alive, but they played great in front of him as well. I think that injury might end up being a blessing in disguise as well as the Rangers will have a well rested Ludquist for the playoffs which is something they normally don't have. Would love to see a Rangers/Blues Final!

ratonmono wrote:

NHLTIM wrote:To me the Rangers are better this year then they were last year.

Rangers are my pick to win it all this year. The Yandle trade really makes them the favorite for me.

I agree the Yandle trade makes them better, but I look at this year like I've looked at the last 4 years...they might as well award the stanley cup at the of the western conference finals. I believe the Rangers point totals are overinflated because they play in the east. if they played in the central, i think they would be hovering right around where Minnesota and Winnipeg are. Just my opinion though.

it will be interesting to see how the NYR handle the return of Henrik Lundvquist.

Talbot was 19-8-4 in Lundvquist's absence, with a 2.19 goals-against average. Lundqvist has a 2.25 GAA in 39 gms before his injury.

The Rangers have clinched a PO spot already, so I suspect they will give Henrik some immediate starts so he can be sharp for the POs.

If we can get out of the West I don't see anyone in the East we can't beat. There's no reason Montreal and NY shouldn't roll to the ECF.

Man in the box wrote:If we can get out of the West I don't see anyone in the East we can't beat. There's no reason Montreal and NY shouldn't roll to the ECF.

Tampa is one big reason that Montreal might find themselves going home early. The Lightning are seriously loaded and have Montreal's number this season. Price is a big advantage over Big Ben though.