Damn!
All my play-off predictions were turned on its head based on play-off bracket seeding. Anyway, I’ll try my best to guesstimate which teams will advance further.
Eastern Conference
Montreal Canadiens – New York Rangers
I expected both teams to show up strong in the post-season, yet, in line with my original predictions, I give slight advantage to the Canadiens. Not only have they priceless Price in goal and Pacioretty in form, but they are also hungry for success in the play-offs. Canadiens in 7 and on to the Conference Finals.
Ottawa Senators – Boston Bruins
I don’t know why, but it seems to me it’s the Bruins’ turn to do well in the play-offs again. Maybe it’s the new coach, maybe it’s Pastrnak’s unexpected performance or maybe it’s Tuukka Rask all over again. One way or another, I see Boston through in 6 and then falling to their former coach’s Canadiens.
Washington Capitals – Toronto Maple Leafs
The most difficult one. I favored both teams for the Conference Finals, and here they are, meeting in the first round. I still stand by my original predictions of Maple Leafs unexpectedly hoisting The Cup, but it’s going to be the fiercest first round battle that will serve only to temper the eventual winner (of the Eastern Conference). I see Maple Leafs advancing after 7 high-scoring matches (I have to go for the surprise here) but the 7th game could easily turn in Capitals’ favor. It’s going to be Ovechkin vs. Toronto’s young offensive vanguard and Holtby the rock against streaky Andersen. What a shame Toronto did not trade for Halak.
Pittsburgh Penguins – Columbus Blue Jackets
Pittsburgh in 5. In favor of the Penguins speak their experience, star-studded line-up, and, of course, Matt Murray, the goalie that took them all the way to the champions’ trophy in the last season. Besides, they are every commentator’s perennial favorite based on their strong Stanley Cup play-offs showing in the previous decade.
Western Conference
Chicago Blackhawks – Nashville Predators
Blackhawks in 5 or less. They are incredibly consistent this season. Kane right at the top of NHL scoring, with Panarin’s strong sophomore performance and Anisimov fitting in well after the trade from Blue Jackets (I still dearly miss Brandon Saad, though). Then there are rejuvenated Hossa’s 26 goals (even though he commuted between the 2nd and 3rd formation), surprisingly potent Panik, new faces of Hartman, Kero, Hinostroza and Schmaltz as well as a balanced duo of Crawford and Darling in the net.
Minnesota Wild – Saint Louis Blues
Again, a tough one. Previously, I had expected the Wild reaching high in the play-offs, mostly thanks to their goalie Devan Dubnyk. Their biggest asset – but also liability, if he gets injured. But Saint Louis, despite shedding Kevin Shattenkirk and shipping him off to the Capitals, look strong. Led by the likes of Pietrangelo, Tarasenko, Steen, Stastny or Bouwmeester, their are a young yet experienced team. The new coach knows Wild players well and the Wild coach has a long record of great regular season performance combined with a poor play-off record. I expect this to go all the way. Blues in at least 6. And if it is Minnesota that prevails, they will fare deep (i.e., to the Conference Finals) as well.
Anaheim Ducks – Calgary Flames
Mighty ducks in 5 or 6, because I like them. However, I am afraid that no matter who wins, the team will be steamrolled in the next round by – presumably – Edmonton Oilers.
Edmonton Oilers – San Jose Sharks
Despite breaking my (shark) heart, I have to go with my original prediction of the young guns from Alberta advancing to the second round. There’s just too much talent and anyway, this year, I believe, will be a year of young teams. McDavid, Draisaitl, Eberle, Nugent-Hopkins (with Hall having even been shipped off to New Jersey before this season), the only troublesome spot remains in the goal. But the same is true for Saint Louis Blues and not even the Blackhawks have a spectacular No. 1, yet they won three Cups in the recent history. Oilers in 6 (possibly 5) and then on to the Stanley Cup Finals.
To sum up, I believe the Stanley Cup final will be Toronto – Edmonton, with the Eastern Conference alternate being Washington Capitals and the Western Conference alternate Saint Louis Blues. The Stanley Cup winner will be the Maple Leafs and in case they fall to the Capitals, it is going to be a Western Conference franchise.
And why Toronto? I believe this is the year like 2009, when it was the young ensemble of the Penguins. Three players out of four top rookie scorers don the blue jersey, another two are Leafs within top 12 and one more in the 21st place. Neither Kadri, nor Riemsdyk or Komarov, can be considered veterans either and they all seem to create a goal-scoring machine well-oiled by team spirit.
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