My picks (with expected points based on draft position, avg expected, and prediction)
1.5. Pengwin7 - Bruins SV% (29-31, avg30, p:28). This was first team off the board for SV%. Hard to get an expected "top" finish - but you want your top choice to be top5 lock... this felt close after seeing the top3 offense and consensus D-system (CAR) go.
2.16 Pengwin7 - Predators SV% (26-28, avg27, p:25). Although the Preds are thin team on offense, I do like both their goalies (esp.Saros) and their D-core.
3.25 Pengwin7 - Kings GF (23-25, avg24, p:22). Emerging team is now 3 lines deep.
4.36 Pengwin7 - Golden Knights GF (20-22, avg21, p:22). Thought this was my 3rd best "value" of draft. I think VGK could be 4th-8th overall scoring team. (I don't think they can top EDM,TOR,NJ though)
5.45 Pengwin7 - Canucks GF (16-19, avg17.5, p:20). Enormous potential range here, but felt like good value - and more wanted to not fall into the upcoming teams that could be "bottom 8" potentials.
6.56 Pengwin7 - Senators SV% (13-15, avg14, p:17). Even with depleted center depth - the OTT D core (like NAS) is very solid and I think that will help limit "high quality" opponent SH%.
7.65. Pengwin7 - Senators SA (10-12, avg11, p:15). My 2nd favourite pick for "value". Hopefully Pinto signs - because centers are important. That said - OTT has some solid wingers that can play two-way.
8.76 Pengwin7 - Blue Jackets SA (7-9, avg8, p:12). I debated leaving this for 9th round - but I thought we had enough smart guys that would see the value here with the added D, healthy Werenski, and new F. This might be only pick with potential for 16+ points in last 2 rounds.
9.85 Pengwin7 - Flyers SA (4-6, avg5, p:6). PHI stinks, but their centers have good two-way acumen... and I'm mostly counting on that help with Torts' system. The D-pletion of the offseason does worry me - but having TonyD off roster should help. The "kids" are more likely going to be told by Torts to just play D and not take ANY risks. Hopefully PHI has some mid20s vs. mid20s shot games, with majority around ~30sa. Obv - like them better than MON, ARI, CHI... ANA... SJ. Yuck on those last two.
I don't love this team... and prefer the GF-heavy strategy - but do think this set should finish me btw 3rd-5th place.
My predicted scores, p:##, are bolded.
Goal is to finish within 3 points of each prediction.