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
Eastern Conference
Wild Card Team #2 vs. Metropolitan Division Winner
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers
Players to Watch: F Sidney Crosby and F Rick Nash
Who Wins: Rangers in 6 games
Metropolitan Division #3 vs. Metropolitan Division #2
New York Islanders vs. Washington Capitals
Players to Watch: F John Tavares and F Alex Ovechkin
Who Wins: Capitals in 7 games
Wild Card Team #1 vs. Atlantic Division Winner
Ottawa Senators vs. Montreal Canadiens
Players to Watch: D Erik Karlsson and F Max Pacioretty
Who Wins: Canadiens in 6 games
Atlantic Division #3 vs. Atlantic Division #2
Detroit Red Wings vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
Players to Watch: F Henrik Zetterberg and F Steven Stamkos
Who Wins: Lightning in 6 games
Western Conference
Wild Card Team #2 vs. Pacific Division Winner
Winnipeg Jets vs. Anaheim Ducks
Players to Watch: F Blake Wheeler and Anaheim’s goaltenders
Who Wins: Ducks in 6 games
Pacifici Division #3 vs. Pacific Division #2
Calgary Flames vs. Vancouver Canucks
Players to Watch: F Jiri Hudler and F Radim Vrbata
Who Wins: Flames in 6 games
Wild Card Team #1 vs. Central Division Winner
Minnesota Wild vs. St. Louis Blues
Players to Watch: G Devan Dubnyk and F Vladimir Tarasenko
Who Wins: Blues in 7 games
Central Division #3 vs. Central Division #2
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Nashville Predators
Players to Watch: F Patrick Kane and G Pekka Rinne
Who Wins: Predators in 7 games
Eastern Conference
1. Boston Bruins vs. 4. Detroit Red Wings
2. Montreal Canadiens vs. 3. Tampa Bay Lightning
1. New York Rangers vs. 4. Philadelphia Flyers
2. Pittsburgh Penguins vs. 4. Columbus Blue Jackets
Western Conference
1. Anaheim Ducks vs. 4. Minnesota Wild
2. Los Angeles Kings vs. 3. San Joes Sharks
1. Chicago Blackhawks vs. 4. Dallas Stars
2. Colorado Avalanche vs. 3. St. Louis Blues
Conference Finals
Canadiens over Rangers
Blackhawks over Kings
Stanley Cup Finals
Blackhawks over Canadiens
1. Chicago Blackhawks
With a stacked roster they should remain Cup contenders.
2. Colorado Avalanche
The surprise of the league last year they’ll have to build on that success.
3. St. Louis Blues
The problem wasn’t in net, it was up front with the top scoring lines.
4. Dallas Stars
Be prepared for a Hart Trophy like season from Tyler Seguin.
5. Minnesota Wild
Getting Vanek might be the final piece to the puzzle.
6. Winnipeg Jets
A loyal fan base will have to wait another year for a playoff spot.
7. Nashville Predators
With a new coach in place for the first time in franchise history, there will be a learning curve. Continue reading
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