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. Anaheim Ducks
This is the last chance for Bruce Boudreau to get the Ducks into a Cup Final.
2. Calgary Flames
The surprise team in the NHL last year will build on that momentum.
3. Los Angeles Kings
Having a year off will help this group of veterans recoup for another playoff run.
4. Vancouver Canucks
They were sneaky good last year, but that early playoff exit will sting.
5. San Jose Sharks
The wheels came off quickly and a rebuilt goaltending position won’t help this year.
6. Edmonton Oilers
When will all this top tier talent live up to their potential?
7. Arizona Coyotes
A tumultuous offseason with the city and ownership arguing over the stadium lease won’t help the on-ice product. Continue reading
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
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
1. Anaheim Ducks
Getting Kesler should put the Ducks right at the level the rival Kings are at.
2. Los Angeles Kings
Keeping Gaborik long-term will help in the Kings title defense.
3. San Jose Sharks
A few shakeups on the roster puts the emphasis on winning now.
4. Vancouver Canucks
How much Ryan Miller has left will determine the Canucks success.
5. Arizona Coyotes
A new branding isn’t the only thing the Coyotes want to change.
6. Edmonton Oilers
With a stacked division in front of them it might be another year for the breakout season.
7. Calgary Flames
Being in rebuilding mode the Flames are still looking for an identity. Continue reading
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