Metropolitan Division

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1. New York Rangers

With a failed Stanley Cup run the Rangers are still loaded for another shot.

2. Pittsburgh Penguins

A bitter playoff exit forced them to do some house cleaning. They still have a talented roster though.

3. Columbus Blue Jackets

Last years surprise playoff appearance should make them better this year.

4. Philadelphia Flyers

They proved that with a suspect goalie in net they can still beat a Cup contender.

5. Washington Capitals

Time could be running out for the Capitals to make a run at the Cup with its current core.

6. New York Islanders

They could peak this year, but with a stacked division it might not be until next year.

7. New Jersey Devils

It will be strange not seeing Martin Brodeur in net for them.

8. Carolina Hurricanes

Too many questions on the blue line and in net to amount to any reasonable success. Continue reading

2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs Preview

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Eastern Conference

Wild Card Team #2 vs. Atlantic Division Winner

Detroit Red Wings vs. Boston Bruins

Players to Watch: F Pavel Datsyuk Red Wings and F Patrice Bergeron Bruins

Who Wins: Bruins in 6 games

Atlantic Division #3 vs. Atlantic Division #2

Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

Players to Watch: G Carey Price Canadiens and G Ben Bishop Lightning

Who Wins: Canadiens in 6 games

Wild Card Team #1 vs. Metropolitan Division Winner

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

Players to Watch: F Ryan Johansen Blue Jackets and G Marc-Andre Fleury Penguins

Who Wins: Penguins in 5 games

Metropolitan Division #3 vs. Metropolitan Division #2

Philadelphia Flyers vs. New York Rangers

Players to Watch: F Claude Giroux Flyers and D Ryan McDonagh Rangers

Who Wins: Flyers in 7 games

Western Conference

Wild Card Team #2 vs. Pacific Division Winner

Dallas Stars vs. Anaheim Ducks

Players to Watch: F Tyler Seguin Stars and G Jonas Hiller Ducks

Who Wins: Ducks in 6 games

Pacific Division #3 vs. Pacific Division #2

Los Angeles Kings vs. San Jose Sharks

Players to Watch: F Anze Kopitar Kings and F Joe Pavelski Sharks

Who Wins: Kings in 7 games

Wild Card Team #1 vs. Central Division Winner

Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche

Players to Watch: F Zach Parise Wild and F Nathan McKinnon Avalanche

Who Wins: Avalanche in 6 games

Central Division #3 vs. Central Division #2

Chicago Blackhawks vs. St. Louis Blues

Players to Watch: D Duncan Keith Blackhawks and D Alex Pietrangelo Blues

Who Wins: Blackhawks in 7 games