Metropolitan Division

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1. Washington Capitals

Having the best record once again isn’t out of the question for them.

2. Pittsburgh Penguins

Health and deciding on a goaltender are their two concerns for repeating as Cup champions.

3. New York Islanders

Their depth is almost unmatched in a deep division.

4. New York Rangers

A solid veteran group that will keep them in the Cup conversation.

5. Philadelphia Flyers

Staying relatively quiet in the offseason they won’t surprise anyone this year.

6. New Jersey Devils

Making a big splash and acquiring Taylor Hall is a good start for the offensive upgrade.

7. Columbus Blue Jackets

The direction of the franchise has flatlined somewhat.

8. Carolina Hurricanes

Their top 6 forwards are solid. Who will be the stalwart on the blue line? Continue reading

2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs Preview

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Eastern Conference

Wild Card Team #2 vs. Metropolitan Division Winner

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Washington Capitals

Players to Watch: F Wayne Simmonds and G Braden Holtby

Who Wins: Capitals in 6 games

Metropolitan Division #3 vs. Metropolitan Division #2

New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

Players to Watch: F Derek Stepan and F Phil Kessel

Who Wins: Penguins in 7 games

Wild Card Team #1 vs. Atlantic Division Winner

New York Islanders vs. Florida Panthers

Players to Watch: F John Tavares and D Aaron Ekblad

Who Wins: Panthers in 6 games

Atlantic Division #3 vs. Atlantic Division #2

Detroit Red Wings vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

Players to Watch: F Dylan Larkin and G Ben Bishop

Who Wins: Lightning in 6 games

Western Conference

Wild Card Team #2 vs. Central Division Winner

Minnesota Wild vs. Dallas Stars

Players to Watch: F Zach Parise and F Tyler Seguin

Who Wins: Stars in 6 games

Central Division #3 vs. Central Division #2

Chicago Blackhawks vs. St. Louis Blues

Players to Watch: F Patrick Kane and F Vladimir Tarasenko

Who Wins: Blackhawks in 6 games

Wild Card Team #1 vs. Pacific Division Winner

Nashville Predators vs. Anaheim Ducks

Players to Watch: F Filip Forsberg and F Ryan Kesler

Who Wins: Ducks in 6 games

Pacific Division #3 vs. Pacific Division #2

San Jose Sharks vs. Los Angeles Kings

Players to Watch: F Joe Pavelski and D Drew Doughty

Who Wins: Kings in 6 games

Metropolitan Division

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1. New York Rangers

A few roster tweaks still has them atop the Eastern Conference.

2. Washington Capitals

The team is buying in to what head coach Barry Trotz is selling.

3. New York Islanders

They’ll have a new home and a new fire to get back into the playoffs.

4. Pittsburgh Penguins

Adding another top tier scorer keeps them in contention.

5. Columbus Blue Jackets

The grittiest team in the division always seems to find a way.

6. Philadelphia Flyers

Their looking for a new identity after another head coaching change.

7. New Jersey Devils

A new era is beginning and there are some encouraging signs.

8. Carolina Hurricanes

They have yet to find a franchise cog in net for quite some time. Continue reading

Stanley Cup Prediction

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STANLEY CUP

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

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