Read this to learn more about how these projections work and this to understand the uncertainty each projection carries.



Surprise! After a week of nervous anticipation in the comments, it’s finally Columbus’s turn, landing in the top five of my model’s projections and atop the Metropolitan Division. It’s a strange new world.



Well, not that strange. Those who have followed my work with this model over the past three years have likely noticed it’s always had a soft spot for the blue-collar team from Ohio. In 2016-17 when many expected the Blue Jackets to finish in the league’s bottom five, my model expected a team that could challenge for a playoff spot, and they did (and then some). Last year I suggested the team could be 2017-18’s version of the Predators, a darkhorse team that can make noise in the playoffs, and they proceeded to lose four straight in the first round thanks entirely to my personal 2000-word jinx. Win...