This past week marked the opening to the 2016-2017 NHL season, AKA: one my favorite times of the year. The emotional rollercoaster that is following your favorite NHL team throughout the season is something special. For some, it is a bit easier, as a playoff seed has become something of a yearly accomplishment. For others, getting out of the bottom of the division is tough enough. For me, the past two seasons have been exactly that—an emotional rollercoaster. As a Boston Bruins fan, I have had the pleasure of seeing my team get eliminated from the playoffs in the last days of the regular season. Here are my rankings for the top 5 teams in each conference.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

1. Tampa Bay Lightning

Over the summer, Tampa was able to resign both Stamkos and Hedman. With these huge signings by GM Yzerman, Tampa looks to have a strong hold not just on the Atlantic but the entire Eastern Conference. During last year’s postseason they were plagued by injuries and could not make it to the finals. They are my early favorite to come out on top of the East with a strong roster and hungry mentality.

2. Pittsburgh Penguins

In their season opener, the defending champions raised the Stanley Cup banner. There appears to be no “championship hangover” as the penguins have begun their season 2-0. The Penguins did not make any major moves over the summer and held on to the their core of elite players. While going back to back may and starting the season without superstar Sidney Crosby may be difficult, the Penguins still sit as heavy favorites in the East.

3. Washington Capitals

Last year’s President’s trophy winners look strong yet again—on paper. With the early disappointing boot out of the playoffs last season, Ovi and the Caps will look to prove themselves yet again. They will most likely be on top of the Pacific, head-to-head with rivals and defending champions Pittsburgh.

4. Boston Bruins

There may be a little home bias here, but I strongly believe the Bruins have the capability to make the playoffs this year. In the opening game of the season, we saw how much of an offensive threat Marchand and Pastrnak can be. There are some worries on the blue line, but with a weaker division that is the Atlantic, I think the Bruins will be able to get back into the playoffs this year. Hopefully Rask finds his form and when Bergeron returns, he and Marchand continue off the success they had in the World Cup.

5. Florida Panthers

Hockey in Florida seems to be on the rise. Coming off a much-improved regular season last year, the Panthers look to continue moving in the right direction. The early bounce out of the playoffs gave them a taste of the post season, which I am sure they will want more of. The organization did have a busy summer and seemed to make solid moves on the defensive side of things that should help them push forward.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. Nashville Predators

The big headline in Nashville is the trade surrounding PK Subban, one of the top defenseman in the league. Nashville has some strong talent, and if the blue line can play well together they just might have the best overall defensive pairings in the league with Subban, Josi, Ekholm and Ellis. It will be interesting to watch those mustard yellow jerseys throughout the season in a strong Western Conference.

2. Chicago Blackhawks

I do not like the Blackhawks. I honestly wish I could keep them out of the top five. But, let’s be honest, if they were not in the top five, these rankings would be very inaccurate. Over the summer, they added Brian Campbell to the blue line. With some more defensive support and scoring highlight reel machine Patty Kane, Chicago will once again be fighting atop the Western Conference. I also think that come playoff time, no matter what, Chicago is the most dangerous team to play against in the NHL.

3. San Jose Sharks

I honestly hope the San Jose Sharks make it back to the finals. Why? Because, one: I would like to see how long Burns’ beard can get this year and, two: I am simply a big fan of veteran Joe Thornton. On a serious note, the Sharks made an amazing run last year that not many people saw coming, but ultimately fell short. But, when you come that close and leave with nothing, it makes you that much more determined to make it back the next year. Look out for the sharks making another run this year, because it may be the last season with some of the guys they have all playing together. Also, the Pacific Division is a little weaker than the Central, giving the sharks a slight edge in winning the division.

4. Dallas Stars

Over recent years, the west always seems to be stronger than the East. (Even though the defending champions are currently an Eastern team). So why is that? I believe because of teams like the Dallas Stars and their offensive threats. In Dallas, the continued success of Seguin and Benn will once again push the Stars towards the top of the West. The weakness of Dallas appears to be between the pipes and may make or break a run at the cup however.

5. St. Louis Blues

The Blues always find a way to be one of the leading teams in the West. I expect no different this year. However, losing starting goalie Brian Elliot, their captain in David Backes, and Troy Brouwer may present a problem in such a competitive division and conference.

The 82-game season has barely begun and a lot can happen. Goals will come, injuries will transpire, fights will break out, blood will be spilled, trades will be executed, crowds will go wild, and highlight reels will be made. So sit back, enjoy, and let’s hope some of these rankings prove true come playoff time.

Let’s go Bs.