This is going to be a tough season to predict, given all the craziness a shortened 48-game regular season slate could bring. For those of you that like to bet on hockey be sure to check out hockey betting online for all your betting needs.

Without further ado, here’s our forecast:

Stanley Cup Final: Washington Capitals over St. Louis Blues, four games to two

Conn Smythe Trophy: Nicklas Backstrom, forward, Washington Capitals

The New York Rangers are a popular pick to hoist the Cup this year, but the Capitals have all the pieces as well. Remember, they took the Rangers to seven games in last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals. With a new offensive system under head coach Adam Oates, Alex Ovechkin should get back on track. Combine that with Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Green being at 100% health, and the Capitals finally having a legitimate second-line center in Mike Ribeiro, who was acquired this past offseason in a trade with the Dallas Stars, the Capitals are legitimate Cup contenders. If Braden Holtby can duplicate the success he had in the playoffs last year (.935 save percentage, 1.95 goals-against average), don’t be surprised if the Cup is coming to Washington, D.C.

Regular season:

Eastern Conference:

1. Pittsburgh Penguins (Atlantic Division champions)

2. Buffalo Sabres (Northeast Division champions)

3. Washington Capitals (Southeast Division champions)

4. New York Rangers

5. Philadelphia Flyers

6. Ottawa Senators

7. Carolina Hurricanes

8. Tampa Bay Lightning

Western Conference:

1. St. Louis Blues (Central Division champions)

2. Vancouver Canucks (Northwest Division champions)

3. Los Angeles Kings (Pacific Division champions)

4. Detroit Red Wings

5. San Jose Sharks

6. Nashville Predators

7. Edmonton Oilers

8. Minnesota Wild

Awards:

Hart Trophy (MVP): Sidney Crosby, forward, Pittsburgh Penguins

Ted Lindsay Award (MVP chosen by players): Sidney Crosby, forward, Pittsburgh Penguins

Vezina Trophy (Best goaltender): Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings

Rocket Richard Trophy (Most goals scored): Ilya Kovalchuk, forward, New Jersey Devils

Art Ross Trophy (Most points): Sidney Crosby, forward, Pittsburgh Penguins

Lady Byng Trophy (skill and gentlemanly play): Jordan Eberle, forward, Edmonton Oilers

Selke Trophy (Best defensive forward): Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings

Norris Trophy (Best defenseman): Shea Weber, Nashville Predators

Calder Trophy (Rookie of the year): Justin Schultz, defenseman, Edmonton Oilers