Eastern Conference
1. New York Rangers vs. 4. Florida Panthers
2. Washington Capitals vs. 3. New York Islanders
1. Montreal Canadiens vs. 4. Pittsburgh Penguins
2. Tampa Bay Lightning vs. 3. Boston Bruins
Western Conference
1. Anaheim Ducks vs. 4. Minnesota Wild
2. Calgary Flames vs. 3. Los Angeles Kings
1. Nashville Predators vs. 4. Dallas Stars
2. St. Louis Blues vs. 3. Chicago Blackhawks
Conference Finals
Capitals over Canadiens
Ducks over Blackhawks
Stanley Cup Finals
Ducks over Capitals
1. Nashville Predators
They weren’t supposed to be contenders last year, but they’re now ahead of the curve.
2. St. Louis Blues
Stability in the crease will go towards whether they stay in the playoffs long term.
3. Chicago Blackhawks
The defending champs lost some key pieces, but you can’t count them out.
4. Dallas Stars
Some key acquisitions should mean a leap into the playoffs.
5. Minnesota Wild
Staying pat keeps them in contention in a tough division.
6. Colorado Avalanche
A draft day trade shook things up to put Colorado in a bounce back position.
7. Winnipeg Jets
Too many better teams for them to repeat last years success. Continue reading
How does a team who started out with a shaky goaltender and play down the stretch with a four man rotation on the blue line end up winning the Stanley Cup? I still don’t know the answer to that question. Continue reading
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Division #2 vs. Metropolitan Division Winner
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Rangers
Players to Watch: G Ben Bishop and G Henrik Lundqvist
Who Wins: Rangers in 6 games
Western Conference
Central Division #3 vs. Pacific Division Winner
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Anaheim Ducks
Players to Watch: F Patrick Kane and F Ryan Getzlaf
Who Wins: Blackhawks in 7 games
Eastern Conference
Metropolitan Division #2 vs. Metropolitan Division Winner
Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers
Players to Watch: G Braden Holtby and D Ryan McDonagh
Who Wins: Rangers in 6 games
Atlantic Division #2 vs. Atlantic Division Winner
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadiens
Players to Watch: F Tyler Johnson and D P.K. Subban
Who Wins: Canadiens in 6 games
Western Conference
Pacific Division #3 vs. Pacific Division Winner
Calgary Flames vs. Anaheim Ducks
Players to Watch: G Jonas Hiller and F Corey Perry
Who Wins: Ducks in 6 games
Wild Card Team #1 vs. Central Division #3
Minnesota Wild vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Players to Watch: F Zach Parise and F Jonathan Toews
Who Wins: Blackhawks in 6 games
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