Kevin Allen

USA TODAY Sports

The only guarantee about the NHL standings in 2016-17 is that they won’t look like the 2015-16 standings. Historically, there’s usually a significant change in who makes the playoffs and who doesn’t.

This past season, the NHL had five new playoff qualifiers. In 2014-15, seven playoff teams didn't qualify the season before.

The only constant has been the Detroit Red Wings, who haven't missed the playoffs since 1989-90. And you can’t even count on that this season.

The Red Wings' playoff streak ending, the Calgary Flames being the Western Conference’s most improved team and the Montreal Canadiens rebounding are just three of the changes predicted in our 2016-17 point projections:

Atlantic Division

Coach Jon Cooper’s Lightning have all of the ingredients necessary to win the Stanley Cup. With a healthy Carey Price and Alexander Radulov, Shea Weber and Andrew Shaw added, the Canadiens could be a force. Jaromir Jagr’s presence isn’t the real story in south Florida. The Panthers have a high-caliber team. The Bruins will score some goals, but they still need help on the blue line. The Red Wings are in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time in 26 years. The Sabres are not quite where they need to be to qualify for the playoffs. They are headed in the right direction. The Senators seem a bit stale, like they need a roster shake-up or a top-three draft pick to get back on track. Auston Matthews will create excitement in Toronto, but there’s work still to be done for this franchise.

Metropolitan Division

The Penguins could make a run at becoming the first NHL champion to repeat in 20 years. The Capitals are still the same quality team they were a year ago. Just need to find a way to overcome postseason bad karma. With Henrik Lundqvist in net, the Rangers are always in contention. The Flyers are sneaky good, particularly if their young defensemen continue to develop. Feels like the Islanders might take a half-step back this season. They’re another team needing younger players to rise up. New Jersey will score more goals this season, but neither Rome, nor the Devils, can be built in a day. Keep an eye on Hurricanes rookie Sebastian Aho; he could be one of the favorites in the Calder Trophy race. Goalie Sergei Bobovsky could change the Blue Jackets’ fortunes if he plays like he did in 2012-13 and 2013-14.

10 NHL season story lines: Sharks stay dangerous; P.K. Subban a Nashville star?

Central Division

Defenseman Brian Campbell restores the Blackhawks' defensive effectiveness. The Stars could be NHL’s best team if their goaltending was reliable. As is, they are plenty scary. New Predators defenseman P.K. Subban was born to play in Peter Laviolette’s attacking offense. Subban’s point total will be up. Coach Bruce Boudreau’s presence will have a positive impact on the Wild’s dressing room. Loss of David Backes, Troy Brouwer and Brian Elliott will hurt the Blues, but they are still a contender. The Jets are probably one season away from being a major factor in the Central. Keep an eye on Patrik Laine for the Calder. Given the late change in coaches, it’s difficult to get a read on how the Avalanche will perform. They still need help on the blue line.

Pacific Division

The Sharks showed three months ago they have what it takes to make a Stanley Cup run. Mikkel Boedker and David Schlemko improve their depth. With the addition of Elliott and Brouwer and younger players maturing, the Flames will be NHL’s most improved team. Although losing Milan Lucic is a blow, it’s still about defense and puck possession in Los Angeles. Randy Carlyle’s return behind the bench isn’t going to magically transform the Ducks into NHL champions. The Coyotes will be improved offensively and defensively. But there’s still work to be done. Even Connor McDavid competing for the NHL scoring championship won’t be enough to push the Oilers too far up in the standings. For Vancouver fans, 2011 seems like a long time ago. The Canucks will miss the playoffs for the third time in four seasons.