2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs Preview

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Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division

1. Boston Bruins vs. 4. Florida Panthers

Players to Watch: G Linus Ullmark and F Matthew Tkachuk

Who Wins: Bruins in 5 games

2. Toronto Maple Leafs vs. 3. Tampa Bay Lightning

Players to Watch: F Auston Matthews and F Nikita Kucherov

Who Wins: Lightning in 7 games

Metropolitan Division

1. Carolina Hurricanes vs. 4. New York Islanders

Players to Watch: F Sebastian Aho and G Ilya Sorokin

Who Wins: Hurricanes in 6 games

2. New Jersey Devils vs. 3. New York Rangers

Players to Watch: F Jack Hughes and G Igor Shesterkin

Who Wins: Rangers in 6 games

Western Conference

Pacific Division

1. Vegas Golden Knights vs. 4. Winnipeg Jets

Players to Watch: G Jonathan Quick and G Connor Hellebuyck

Who Wins: Golden Knights in 6 games

2. Edmonton Oilers vs. 3. Los Angeles Kings

Players to Watch: F Connor McDavid and F Adrian Kempe

Who Wins: Kings in 7 games

Central Division

1. Colorado Avalanche vs. 4. Seattle Kraken

Players to Watch: F Mikko Rantanen and D Vince Dunn

Who Wins: Avalanche in 5 games

2. Dallas Stars vs. 3. Minnesota Wild

Players to Watch: F Jason Robertson and Goalies Filip Gustavsson and Marc-Andre Fleury

Who Wins: Stars in 6 games

2023 NBA Playoffs Preview

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Eastern Conference

1. Milwaukee Bucks vs. 8. Miami Heat

Players to Watch: F Giannis Antetokounmpo and F Jimmy Butler

Who Wins: Bucks in 6 games

4. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 5. New York Knicks

Players to Watch: G Donovan Mitchell and F Julius Randle

Who Wins: Knicks in 7 games

3. Philadelphia 76ers vs. 6. Brooklyn Nets

Players to Watch: C Joel Embiid and C Nic Claxton

Who Wins: 76ers in 6 games

2. Boston Celtics vs. 7. Atlanta Hawks

Players to Watch: F Jayson Tatum and G Trae Young

Who Wins: Celtics in 5 games

Western Conference

1. Denver Nuggets vs. 8. Minnesota Timberwolves

Players to Watch: C Nikola Jokic and C Karl-Anthony Towns

Who Wins: Nuggets in 5 games

4. Phoenix Suns vs. 5. Los Angeles Clippers

Players to Watch: F Kevin Durant and F Kawhi Leonard

Who Wins: Suns in 6 games

3. Sacramento Kings vs. 6. Golden State Warriors

Players to Watch: G De’Aaron Fox and G Stephen Curry

Who Wins: Kings in 7 games

2. Memphis Grizzlies vs. 7. Los Angeles Lakers

Players to Watch: G Ja Morant and F Anthony Davis

Who Wins: Lakers in 6 games

2023 MLB World Series & Awards Predictions

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MLB Awards

NL MVP – SS Trea Turner – Philadelphia Phillies

AL MVP – 3B Jose Ramirez – Cleveland Guardians

NL Cy Young – Corbin Burnes – Milwaukee Brewers

AL Cy Young – Shohei Ohtani – Los Angeles Angels

NL Rookie of the Year – OF Corbin Carroll – Arizona Diamondbacks

AL Rookie of the Year – P Grayson Rodriguez – Baltimore Orioles

NL Manager of the Year – Brian Snitker – Atlanta Braves

AL Manager of the Year – Terry Francona – Cleveland Guardians

Postseason Projections

NL Division Winners – Braves, Padres, Brewers

NL Wild Card Winners – Phillies, Dodgers, Cardinals

AL Division Winners – Astros, Guardians, Yankees

AL Wild Card Winners – Blue Jays, Rays, Mariners

NLCS – Padres over Phillies

ALCS – Yankees over Astros

World Series – Padres over Yankees

National League West

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* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. San Diego Padres

They got over the hump and eliminated the Dodgers in the NLDS last season. Now it is their time to take the division crown from them.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

A rather quiet offseason from them considering they lost a good bit of talent from a World Series contending roster.

3. Arizona Diamondbacks

The amount of minor leaguers that are ready or are about to be called up is off the charts with this franchise.

4. San Francisco Giants

What looked to be an interesting offseason ended with a whimper, but there are some pieces that could prove to be a perfect fit.

5. Colorado Rockies

Anyone know what the plan is here?

Player to Watch: OF Juan Soto – San Diego Padres

Best Acquisition: SS Xander Bogaerts – San Diego Padres

New Kid on the Block: OF Corbin Carroll – Arizona Diamondbacks

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National League Central

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* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. Milwaukee Brewers

Their pitching rotation and bullpen are the main reason they get the edge ahead of the Cardinals.

2. St. Louis Cardinals

They’re able to plug any holes with a booming farm system and sign the premier free agent catcher in Willson Contreras to replace the retired Yadier Molina.

3. Chicago Cubs

An interesting offseason in which they spent big money on signing Dansby Swanson, but it’s unknown what the long-term plan is.

4. Pittsburgh Pirates

The one saving grace for them is that they play in the same division as the Reds.

5. Cincinnati Reds

Ownership and the fan base are having a war of words with each other. That’s the only thing worth watching play out this season with the Reds.

Player to Watch: P Corbin Burnes – Milwaukee Brewers

Best Acquisition: C Willson Contreras – St. Louis Cardinals

New Kid on the Block: 3B/OF Jordan Walker – St. Louis Cardinals

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