2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs Preview

Eastern Conference

Wild Card Team #2 vs. Metropolitan Division Winner

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Washington Capitals

Players to Watch: F Auston Matthews and F Alex Ovechkin

Who Wins: Capitals in 6 games

Metropolitan Division #3 vs. Metropolitan Division #2

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

Players to Watch: G Sergei Bobrovsky and F Evgeni Malkin

Who Wins: Penguins in 6 games

Wild Card Team #1 vs. Atlantic Division Winner

New York Rangers vs. Montreal Canadiens

Players to Watch: F J.T. Miller and G Carey Price

Who Wins: Canadiens in 6 games

Atlantic Division #3 vs. Atlantic Division #2

Boston Bruins vs. Ottawa Senators

Players to Watch: F David Pastrnak and D Erik Karlsson

Who Wins: Bruins in 7 games

Western Conference

Wild Card Team #2 vs. Central Division Winner

Nashville Predators vs. Chicago Blackhawks

Players to Watch: D P.K. Subban and F Artemi Panarin

Who Wins: Blackhawks in 5 games

Central Division #3 vs. Central Division #2

St. Louis Blues vs. Minnesota Wild

Players to Watch: F Vladimir Tarasenko and F Eric Staal

Who Wins: Blues in 6 games

Wild Card Team #1 vs. Pacific Division Winner

Calgary Flames vs. Anaheim Ducks

Players to Watch: G Brian Elliott and F Rickard Rakell

Who Wins: Ducks in 5 games

Pacific Division #3 vs. Pacific Division #2

San Jose Sharks vs. Edmonton Oilers

Players to Watch: D Brent Burns and G Cam Talbot

Who Wins: Oilers in 7 games

Pacific Division

1. Los Angeles Kings

When everything is clicking, they are tough to beat.

2. San Jose Sharks

They came fairly close to hoisting their first Cup. They’ll look to cash in and finish it this year.

3. Anaheim Ducks

It’s a bit like deja vu with the re-hiring of former head coach Randy Carlyle.

4. Arizona Coyotes

A solid offseason return has them poised to sneak up on some division rivals.

5. Edmonton Oilers

The health and progression of Conor McDavid will determine this teams success.

6. Vancouver Canucks

Other than a handful of productive scoring forwards, where is the rest of the offensive output?

7. Calgary Flames

With another coaching change the Flames will look to chart a different course. Continue reading →

Pacific Division

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 →

Pacific Division

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 →