Is it a coincidence that Spring Training starts around Valentine’s Day? While I like talking about football, basketball and hockey, I love when it’s time for baseball. The sound of the ball hitting the glove or being struck by a bat. This is my first love when it comes to sports. Continue reading
Eastern Conference
1. Washington Capitals vs. 4. Philadelphia Flyers
2. Pittsburgh Penguins vs. 3. New York Islanders
1. Florida Panthers vs. 4. New York Rangers
2. Tampa Bay Lightning vs. 3. Montreal Canadiens
Western Conference
1. St. Louis Blues vs. 4. Arizona Coyotes
2. Dallas Stars vs. 3. Chicago Blackhawks
1. Los Angeles Kings vs. 4. Nashville Predators
2. San Jose Sharks vs. 3. Anaheim Ducks
Conference Finals
Panthers over Islanders
Blues over Sharks
Stanley Cup Finals
Blues over Panthers
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
As with past deadline deals these will be highly scrutinized for many years. Instantly we see and decide who got the better end of the deal, but we really won’t know until at least two or three seasons down the road. The only way to know in real time is if the team getting the established major leaguer goes on to win a World Series. Time will tell if that happens this year with the flurry of names (a few marquee ones) being dealt this July.
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