EA Sports simulator predicts NHL standings for 2020-21 season

Jan 13 2021, 10:13 pm

EA Sports has released its annual simulation for the NHL season, including final standings, trophy winners, and playoff results.

The popular video game maker projects the Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Philadelphia Flyers to each win their respective divisions.

The Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, and Montreal Canadiens are the other Canadian teams to make the playoffs in the North Division, with the Calgary Flames, Winnipeg Jets and Ottawa Senators predicted to miss the postseason.

The simulation’s biggest surprise involves the Los Angeles Kings squeezing into the playoffs after picking second in last year’s draft.

The playoffs feature a pair of intriguing all-Canadian matchups, with the Leafs playing the Canadiens and the Canucks facing the Oilers in the first round.

EA Sports standings simulation

Here are other projections for the individual awards this year.

Hart Trophy and Rocket Richard Trophy

Leafs centre Auston Matthews is the NHL’s top goal scorer with 39, while Alex Ovechkin and Leon Draisaitl are right behind with 38 and 36 goals respectfully. Matthews will also claim the Hart Trophy as the top player in the NHL after placing top three in points.

Norris Trophy

After missing out on the Calder in his rookie season, Canucks defenceman Quinn Hughes claims the Norris as the top defenceman in the league with 63 points.

Calder Trophy

The first overall draft pick in 2020, Alexis Lafreniere takes home the Calder after scoring nine goals and 30 assists to help lead the New York Rangers into the playoffs.

So who wins the Stanley Cup?

The Colorado Avalanche defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning in seven games with Nathan MacKinnon taking home the Conn Smythe Trophy.

The Maple Leafs and Canucks are the only Canadian teams to get past the first round with Toronto beating Vancouver to get to the Conference Final.

EA Sports simulation

Enjoy the season, everyone!

Jacob WhiteJacob White

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