Stanley Cup Prediction

*Because of lockdown madness, the 2020-21 NHL season will have the four divisions playing against each other in their regions. This is a breakdown of my prediction for the Stanley Cup Playoff participants for the 2020-21 season. The top 4 teams from each division will play each other in the first two rounds. Then what would be the Conference Finals, the four remaining teams will be ranked 1-4 on their regular season point totals. The one-seed will play the fourth-seed and the second-seed will play the third-seed. Continue reading →

Central Division

1. Tampa Bay Lightning

The defending champions didn’t have to dismantle what they’ve built and another Cup run seems likely.

2. Dallas Stars

Not having Tyler Seguin for a large portion of the year could come back to hurt them. Thankfully their defense is their bread and butter.

3. Carolina Hurricanes

If they can get a consistent goalie during the playoffs, they’ll be tough to beat.

4. Columbus Blue Jackets

Just when you think they won’t be contenders they always find a way.

5. Florida Panthers

If goalie Sergei Bobrovsky can regain his Vezina trophy winning form, they should be a playoff team.

6. Nashville Predators

It looks like the days of ‘Smashville’ are just about over.

7. Chicago Blackhawks

There is no denying that they are rebuilding now and for the foreseeable future.

8. Detroit Red Wings

The growing pains will continue with some veterans being stopgaps for the prospects this season. Continue reading →

2020 Stanley Cup Champions

For the second time in franchise history the Tampa Bay Lightning have won the Stanley Cup. The last time they won it was in 2004. They have been heavy favorites to win the Cup the last two seasons, but finally got over the hurdle and accomplished it this year. Continue reading →

2020 Stanley Cup Finals Preview

3. Dallas Stars vs. 2. Tampa Bay Lightning

It wasn’t a good start for Dallas in the Round Robin play of the playoffs. They struggled mightily to score goals and it was a bad sign going forward with their first round matchup being against the Calgary Flames. Continue reading →

Stanley Cup Conference Finals Preview

Eastern Conference

2. Tampa Bay Lightning vs. 6. New York Islanders

Players to Watch: F Nikita Kucherov and F Mathew Barzal

Who Wins: Lightning in 7 games

Western Conference

1. Vegas Golden Knights vs. 3. Dallas Stars

Players to Watch: F Mark Stone and D Miro Heiskanen

Who Wins: Golden Knights in 6 games