Central Division

1. Nashville Predators

They weren’t supposed to be contenders last year, but they’re now ahead of the curve.

2. St. Louis Blues

Stability in the crease will go towards whether they stay in the playoffs long term.

3. Chicago Blackhawks

The defending champs lost some key pieces, but you can’t count them out.

4. Dallas Stars

Some key acquisitions should mean a leap into the playoffs.

5. Minnesota Wild

Staying pat keeps them in contention in a tough division.

6. Colorado Avalanche

A draft day trade shook things up to put Colorado in a bounce back position.

7. Winnipeg Jets

Too many better teams for them to repeat last years success. Continue reading →

Stanley Cup Prediction

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

Central Division

1. Chicago Blackhawks

With a stacked roster they should remain Cup contenders.

2. Colorado Avalanche

The surprise of the league last year they’ll have to build on that success.

3. St. Louis Blues

The problem wasn’t in net, it was up front with the top scoring lines.

4. Dallas Stars

Be prepared for a Hart Trophy like season from Tyler Seguin.

5. Minnesota Wild

Getting Vanek might be the final piece to the puzzle.

6. Winnipeg Jets

A loyal fan base will have to wait another year for a playoff spot.

7. Nashville Predators

With a new coach in place for the first time in franchise history, there will be a learning curve. Continue reading →

2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs Preview

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