Scotty Nostradamus

As I already did Four-casts for every team, I figured I would add a one-stop shop of predictions - the main purpose of which is to see how entirely wrong I always am at the start of a season. I've already made some changes from my four-casts, so I reserve the right to change them again, and again, and again. It's my party, I can do what I want to. Nyeh nyeh.

So, without further delay, here are the Scotty Hockey 2008-09 Predictions:

Standings
Eastern Conference
1. * Montreal - If Price proves to be more than Penney, then they should ace their centennial season.
2. * New Jersey - Return of Rolston and Holik will help big-time.
3. * Washington - Ovie. 'Nuff said.
4. Pittsburgh - Healthy Cindy? Dammit.
5. Philadelphia - Solid line-up and Richards is only getting better.
6. Ottawa - Still have the best line in the league.
7. NY Rangers - King Henrik reigns supreme.
8. Carolina - New mobile D will be huge, as will a healthy RB'A.
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9. Boston - Not enough offense.
10. Buffalo - Young but dangerous.
11. Tampa Bay - Melrose is a joke.
12. Florida - No Jokinen but Vokoun will keep them responsible.
13. Atlanta - Poor Kovy; where have you gone Marc Savard?
14. Toronto - Toskala can't do it himself.
15. NY Islanders - Hahahahaha.
* = Division Leader

Western Conference
1. * Detroit - Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too good not to take first.
2. * Dallas - I heart Brendan Morrow. And add Sean? Go Stars!
3. * Calgary - Iggy remains one of the best in the biz.
4. San Jose - Dan Boyle should be huge and Nabby is a rock.
5. Anaheim - Get Jiggy with them.
6. Phoenix - One or two defencemen and one or two years away from challenging for the conference.
7. Chicago - Huet and Soupy will be the toast of the town.
8. Edmonton - So young, so fast and soon to be so good.
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9. Columbus - Major changes will mean major improvement.
10. Minnesota - Gabby without buddy Demitra? Sorry ...
11. Vancouver - Captain Luongo still can't score.
12. Colorado - Sad to see Joe come back to such a disappointing team.
13. Nashville - Ellis may be a one-year wonder.
14. St. Louis - J.D. is still building.
15. Los Angeles - Tough luck in Tinseltown.
* = Division Leader

Award Winners
Art Ross Trophy (Top Point Scorer): Cindy Crosby - If the Cole Harbour Queen stays healthy, she is just too good not to rack up the points, even with a pair of loser ex-Islander wingers.

Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (Qualities of Perseverance and Sportsmanship): Chris Chelios - Cheli is like what, 60 now? He shows a passion and dedication that everyone should mimic, both inside and outside of hockey.

Calder Memorial Trophy (Rookie of the Year): Steve Stamkos - I am hoping Kyle Turris is deserving in Phoenix, but this No. 1 draft pick just looked too damn good this weekend. If the shots start going in, the trophy is his, no matter how terrible his +/- will be.

Conn Smythe Trophy (Most Valuable Player in the Stanley Cup Playoffs): Johan Franzen - The Mule probably won't come close this season but he would have had it last spring if he had stayed healthy so it would be nice to see a grinder-type player get some hardware.

Frank J. Selke Trophy (Top Defensive Forward): Jere Lehtinen - If he stays healthy, and that is a huuuuuuuuuge IF, Lehtinen is one of the best up-and-down wingers in the league. Unfortunately this never goes to the actual top defensive forward, just one who scores some points while playing well in his own zone. If things were proper and it went to the forward who excelled the most in the defensive zone, I would nominate Blair Betts.

Hart Memorial Trophy (NHL Most Valuable Player): It would be great to see Ovie repeat, but if Crosby ends up atop the leaderboard then the Hart will go to the golden child.

Jack Adams Award (Coach of the Year): Dave Tippett - The Dallas head coach will have to balance the lunacy of Sean Avery, Brett Hull and Steve Ott and anyone who can do that deserves an award.

James Norris Memorial Trophy (Top Defenseman): Niklas Lidstrom - He may be the best overall defenseman since Bobby Orr.

Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (Player who Displays Gentlemanly Conduct): Pavel Datsyuk - I just hope he wins something so we can get another great speech at the awards show.

Lester B. Pearson Award (Most Valuable Player as selected by the NHLPA): Alexander Ovechkin - Everyone loves Ovie because Ovie so clearly loves playing hockey and man, is he good at it ...

Maurice Richard Trophy (Top Goal Scorer): Ovechkin - 70 goals? It's possible, for him.

Vezina Trophy (Top Goalie): Evgeni Nabokov - I still think Brodeur robbed Nabby of the award last year and see no reason why justice won't be served this time around since Fatso is getting older and should, should play less this season.

Ten Other Predictions
*Barry Melrose won't last the full season as coach of the Lightning.

*It won't snow in Chicago on New Years.

*Ranger fans will give Sean Avery a loud ovation upon his return to the Garden and to the Prudential Center.

*Philadelphia will trade for the Sedin twins at the deadline while Ottawa overpays for Gaborik and Jersey makes a play for Jason Arnott. But no one will be willing to trade for Max Afinogenov.

*Mats Sundin will stay in Sweden. Peter Forsberg won't.

*I will call Kalinin Malik at least 50 times.

*Nashville will not average 14,000 fans, will lose their revenue-sharing payments, find another crooked investor while Jim Balsillie sits back and counts his money.

*After not selling out their home opener despite their insane ticket offer, the Phoenix Coyotes will sweeten the deal by having Dan Carcillo beat up your child's school bully.

*Someone, perhaps the Hawks, will beat the Oilers in a shootout when Mathieu Garon is in net (he went 10-0 last year).

*Not only will the Islanders finish in last place, they will lose the draft lottery to Toronto. There is no way Bettman won't Pat Ewing that draw for Tavares. Ha ha!

Not much longer until we get to see how right/wrong I am so good luck to all and Let's Go Rangers!

 "Scotty Nostradamus: Unraveling the Mystique of a Modern-Day Prophet"

In the realm of popular culture, there are individuals whose unique abilities or insights propel them to legendary status. Scotty Nostradamus is one such figure who has captured the imagination of many due to his seemingly uncanny ability to predict future events. In this article, we will delve into the mystique surrounding Scotty Nostradamus, explore the phenomenon of modern-day prophets, and seek to understand the psychology behind our fascination with those who claim to see the future. We will also address frequently asked questions (FAQs) to shed light on this intriguing subject.

The Enigma of Scotty Nostradamus

Early Life and Background

Scotty Nostradamus, whose real name remains unknown, first gained attention in the early 2000s for his online predictions. Little is known about his personal life, as he has largely remained anonymous. His chosen pseudonym, a nod to the famous 16th-century French seer Nostradamus, reflects his claim to foresee future events.

Predictions and Accuracy

Scotty Nostradamus has made a series of predictions over the years, often disseminating them through online forums and social media platforms. Some of his predictions have garnered widespread attention due to their alleged accuracy, including political outcomes, natural disasters, and technological advancements.

Media Coverage

The media's fascination with Scotty Nostradamus has contributed to his mystique. His predictions have been covered by news outlets, further fueling public interest and speculation about his abilities.

Modern-Day Prophets: A Historical Perspective

Prophets Throughout History

The concept of prophets or individuals with the ability to foresee future events is not new. Throughout history, societies have revered or feared those who claimed to possess such gifts. Prophets have played a role in religious, political, and cultural contexts.

Rationalism vs. Mysticism

The modern world has largely embraced rationalism and science as the dominant paradigms for understanding the world. Yet, the allure of mysticism, including the belief in prophets and psychics, continues to persist, even in the face of skepticism.

The Psychology of Prediction

Pattern Recognition

Human brains are wired for pattern recognition, allowing us to identify correlations and make predictions based on past experiences. Scotty Nostradamus's predictions often tap into this natural cognitive function.

Confirmation Bias

People tend to remember predictions that align with their beliefs and forget those that do not. This confirmation bias can lead to the perception that a prophet's predictions are consistently accurate.

Cognitive Dissonance

When faced with conflicting information, individuals may experience cognitive dissonance, a psychological discomfort that arises from holding contradictory beliefs. Some may resolve this discomfort by placing faith in predictions that align with their existing beliefs.

FAQs: Unraveling the Mystique of Scotty Nostradamus

1. How accurate are Scotty Nostradamus's predictions?

The accuracy of Scotty Nostradamus's predictions is a subject of debate. While some of his predictions have seemingly come true, many others have not. It is important to critically evaluate each prediction and consider the role of chance in any apparent successes.

2. Is Scotty Nostradamus a psychic or a prophet?

The label of "psychic" or "prophet" is a matter of interpretation and belief. Some see him as having supernatural insight, while others attribute his predictions to chance, pattern recognition, or educated guesses.

3. Why do people believe in modern-day prophets?

Belief in modern-day prophets can stem from a variety of factors, including the desire for certainty in an uncertain world, the comfort of having a glimpse into the future, and the psychological appeal of prophecy.

4. Are there ethical concerns surrounding modern-day prophets?

Ethical concerns can arise when individuals make predictions that influence people's decisions or actions. False or misleading predictions can have real-world consequences, making it important to approach such claims with caution.

5. Can anyone predict the future?

The ability to predict the future with precision remains a topic of debate. While humans can make educated guesses and probabilistic forecasts based on available information, the idea of foreseeing specific future events remains elusive and unproven.

Scotty Nostradamus represents a modern-day enigma, captivating our collective curiosity with his predictions of the future. While some may view him as a modern prophet, others approach his claims with skepticism. The allure of those who claim to see the future is deeply rooted in human psychology, where patterns, beliefs, and cognitive biases converge to create a compelling narrative.

Ultimately, the phenomenon of Scotty Nostradamus serves as a reminder of the enduring human fascination with the mystical, the unknown, and the desire for certainty in an unpredictable world. As we continue to grapple with the complexities of belief and skepticism, the legend of Scotty Nostradamus will persist, sparking debate and contemplation about the mysteries that lie beyond our grasp.

Trophies: Kids and Kings

Since I will be out in the field for work the next two days, I don't think I will have time to split them up so here they are: my predictions for the final two of the 'big five' trophies.


The Calder Trophy:
1. Jonathan Toews (Chicago) - Just can't say enough about this kid. He is the whole package - he is phenomenal offensively, responsible defensively and a leader. He has starred in college, in world juniors and even looked good at the world championship in the spring despite being the youngest player there. In Chicago he will have little pressure - the team sucked last year, attendance is down and home games are rarely broadcast. He will get a lot of ice time (even on the power play), he will have some great veterans to mentor him in Robert Lang and Yanic Perrault and he will have Jack Skille and Pat Kane to share in the rookie experience. The spotlight, what little of one there will be, will be on No. 1 overall pick Kane at the start but by midseason Toews should have the Calder all but wrapped up.
2. Jack Johnson (L.A.) - The Carolina Hurricanes are kicking themselves now, and will be for a long, long time. They had trouble signing him before last season and dealt him to L.A. for a pair of mediocre NHLers. Johnson showed them up by just showing up. He played in five games for the Kings at the end of the season and was a beast! If not for the perfect situation in Chicago for Toews, I would have handed the Calder to him. He has the tools to not just be as good as his mentor in L.A. Rob Blake, but much, much better. Johnson will battle Dion Phaneuf for the Norris for years to come.
3. Nicklas Backstrom (Washington) - Like Toews, Backstrom is walking into a good situation with little pressure. The Caps were bad last year, he will have one of the two Alexanders on his wing and he will have underrated veteran Michael Nylander to guide him (and force him to babysit). Backstrom is a good playmaker and if he develops the chemistry with Semin, then watch out.
Dark Horse: Marc Staal (N.Y.) - I am a Rangers fan, I have to put him in. I am not even 100% sure he will get a NHL job with the team already carrying eight defensemen (nine if you include Darius Kasperitis, who they say is in the best shape of his life and ready for a come-back). However, Staal already proved himself to be a man among boys as the best defenseman in juniors the last two years. Should Sather be smart and find a way to make some room for him, Staal has the size and skills to make an impact and in New York's limelight, it could get him the Calder.


The Hart Trophy:
1. Cindy Crosby (Pittsburgh) - If Bettman and the NHL had done the right thing, then Cindy would be a Ranger, much like Pat Ewing went to the Knicks. Granted the Rangers were able to recover from the lockout without him and he pretty much saved the Penguins franchise, but still -- imagine how big of a star he would be on Broadway! So I'm bitter and his perpetual whining to officials pisses me off even farther. But he's good. Very, very good. And, barring something tragic, this will be his award to lose for the next 10 years. Damn I hate him.
2. Joe Sakic (Colorado) - From a petulant child to a graceful elder statesman, Joe Sakic is the man. A quiet captain of grace and skill, he is the Aves' Steve Yzerman (just with better knees). Sakic had a 100 points last year and his team only got better this offseason. He won the Hart back in 2001 and with Ryan Smyth by his side this season he can capture it again.
3. Martin Brodeur (Jersey) - If New Jersey goes anywhere and does anything this season, it is because of Marty. The Devs lost Gomez and Rafalski but signed Weeksie from us so while the scoring went down, Brodeur should get better. And that is a scary thought since he had a 2.18 gaa and 0.922 save percentage with no one to spell him last year. No rest for the wicked, haha. Wonder how that sister-in-law of his is doing ...
Dark Horse: Jaromir Jagr (NYR) - Ok, I don't want to jinx anything so I made Jags a dark horse in this race. Should the Rangers improve on last season, should they go farther in the playoffs it will not be because of the additions of Gomez or Drury, it will be because Jagr played like the all-world talent he is. The Rangers need him to be healthy and happy to win, that simple. Henrik is great, but there are too many teams with great goaltenders between here and the Stanley Cup. There aren't many, if any, with a player of Jagr's caliber (when he chooses to be). So let's hope he's happy and Let's Go Rangers!

Trophies: D-Fense!

I know I said Monday I would get to the Calder Tuesday but I didn't. Sorry. I will instead do that one tomorrow and present the two top defensive awards today ...


The Norris Trophy:
1. Nick Lidstrom (Detroit) - As long as he is in the NHL, he has a chance to win this trophy. He has five, so why not make it an even half dozen? Detroit is still a great team and he is still a great all-around player. No Mathieu Schneider or Danny Markov by his side but Brian Rafalski and a healthy Niklas Kronwall should help make up for it. Although Markov's grit will be missed, it shouldn't hurt Lidstrom's case for Norris.
2. Scott Niedermayer/Chris Pronger (Anaheim) - Ok, as of this writing Scotty hasn't announced he has retired. I can undersand why he would want to leave on top, but he is still incredible. I feel safe saying that now he cemented his place as a Duck (as opposed to a Devil). Should he retire, Chris 'My Elbows Are Lethal Weapons' Pronger would have to step up his game and he is quite capable, provided he isn't suspended. Wouldn't that be ducky (bah-dum-dum-chhhhhh)?
3. Kevin Bieksa (Vancouver) - If he progresses from where he was last year, he will be one of the best in the league. He put up over 40 points, 130 PIM and was sound in front of Roberto Luongo, clearing rebounds and crippling crease crashers. He stands up for his teammates and looks a lot like a younger, more offensive Jay McKee.
Dark Horse: Dion Phaneuf (Calgary) - Another case to watch should he progress. The kid makes buildings come alive with his hitting, and he had 31 power play points last year (and 50 overall, to go with 98 PIM). Now with Keenan to ride and guide him, he should hit the next level. After all, Pronger has Keenan to thank for where he is today ...


The Vezina Trophy:
1. Miikka Kiprusoff (Calgary) - Kipper is a machine. Unfortunately he was a very overworked machine last year. And without 'Hackin' Jamie Mac to back him up, he is likely to be overworked again, especially with Keenan as coach - the same man who wouldn't give Dom Hasek a chance in Chicago ... But still, Calgary has good team defense and Kipper is a helluva a goaltender. If the Flames have as good a season as I think they will, Miikka will raise the Vezina, if not the Cup.
2. Roberto Luongo (Vancouver) - He is good, so, so very good. And man am I glad the Islanders got rid of him for Rick DP. If he didn't bitch to the officials in Game 5 vs. the Ducks, he may have turned that series around. I don't think so but its possible. This year he learned from his mistake and should be even better than he was as long as Curtis Sanford stays healthy and can play at least 10, 15 games.
3. Martin Brodeur (Jersey) - New Jersey is worse this year without Gomez and Rafalski but Marty is still Marty, and he still is one of the best ... ever. Dammit.
Dark Horse: Niklas Backstrom (Minnesota) - Yes he is set for a letdown after signing a big contract extension after a good year (see: Marty Turco). But he seemed utterly unflappable last season and by no way was he to blame for the Wild's loss to the Ducks in the playoffs (the defense was). His regular season numbers were great in 41 games - 1.97 g.a.a., 23-8-6 and 0.929 save %. Without Manny Fernandez on his back, Backstrom has the chance to be just as good over the course of the full season.

Tomorrow (hopefully) ... the Calder.

Some Odds And Ends

So I don't know how often I will be able to post over the next few days due to my "real" jobs (Someone pay me to do this!! Please!!) but I wanted to check in with a few things:

First off, great move by Vancouver to resign Trevor Linden. The man is a class act with a great work ethic who sets a great example not only for his teammates, but for the rest of the lead. An elder statesman at this point, Linden embodies the old warrior spirit and will be a big help to the 'Nucks as they try to build off of Roberto Luongo's astounding stinginess in net. For all of his achievements out there, I am willing to forget the fact that he once was an Islander. Like the hooker on the corner with dreams of being an actress, sometimes you have to do what you have to do for money. No matter how low they are. (Not that I would stoop to selling my ass ... or ever being an Islander, but do what I say, not what I do, ha!).

In another good signing of an older player, Los Angeles signed Jon Klemm to bolster their defense. Its a great move as it gives youngsters like Jack Johnson and Thomas Hickey someone else to look up to and use as a crutch (alongside Rob Blake, who is surprisingly still in the NHL). Johnson is a stud and bears watching - he could have a Dion Phaneuf-like rookie year and can be a candidate for the Calder if things fall into place.

Which brings me to NHL trophies. Coming probably next week, I will do a post a day of my predictions for a trophy - the Adams, Norris, Vezina, Hart and Calder. Once that is done, I may do quick division-by-division predictions, but I don't know if I will have time (or you will care). We shall see.

Two last things - Eddie Belfour is headed to Sweden. While he probably should retire, he still has some great skills and had a good year in Florida last season. I don't know how no teams in the NHL were willing to throw him a backup slot. And Mike Ricci retired, officially handing the crown of ugliest hockey player over to Rob Brind'Amour. Happy trails Reech, and good luck with your new front office gig with San Jose. I heard they also hired Bryan Marchment, so you better watch your knees as you walk through the halls. Good luck!