STANLEY CUP FINALS
Blackhawks (West 1) vs Lightning (East 1)
My prediction: Blackhawks in 7
RESULT: Blackhawks in 6
Post-Series Thoughts: This turned out to be a fantastic series. My guess is that Bishop was injured more significantly that we suspected (EDIT: confirmed, torn groin), but he still played absolutely incredible hockey. Game 6 was one of the best-played games I've seen by a losing team. Tampa played a great game. Great series overall, but especially game 7. The Hawks just had too much skill and Quenville's system is just too solid for Tampa's speed to overcome. Honestly I think Keith was the difference in this series. If not for him, the Bolts take this series. He's my call for MVP (EDIT: confirmed).
Congratulations to the 2015 Stanley Cup champions, the Chicago Blackhawks!
Pre-Series Thoughts: This is an extremely closely matched pair of teams. I expect a great series. The Bolts have played great hockey, and they closed it out against the Rangers. Bishop has been great (more so than the inexplicably inconsistent Crawford). But the Hawks have experience on their side, and a deeper roster. They've also started playing their best hockey when it matters most. Of course, the Bolts have a more explosive offense at times, but it can be inconsistent. Ultimately I believe this will come down to goaltending and special teams. Both teams have really high powered offense. The question is, who will be more inconsistent...Crawford, or the Bolts offense? I give a slight edge to the Hawks. I almost want to pick the Hawks in 6, but the Bolts are just playing high octane hockey. So Hawks in 7.
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Thursday, May 14, 2015
2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions, Conference Finals
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Rangers (1) vs. Lightning (2)
My prediction: Lightning in 7
RESULT: Lightning in 7
Post-Series Thoughts: This series did, indeed, go the distance. Hard fought on both sides, great goaltending on both sides, with a couple of stinkers thrown in for each team as well, but in the end, the Bolts' speed and offense won the series for them. Down goes Henrik in a game 7, too.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Lightning are a quick team, and they hold the edge in the regular season series. While Bishop is a great goalie, and I think Lundqvist is overrated, I do think Henrik gets the edge in goal. I think the Rangers have the edge in goal and on defense, but Tampa has the edge in speed and in offense, and they generally play better as a team. Honestly I think this series could go either way but my guess is that it will go deep, and in the end I'm picking Tampa Bay in 7.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Ducks (1) vs. Blackhawks (2)
My prediction: Ducks in 6
RESULT: Blackhawks in 7
Post-Series Thoughts: My gut was wrong. The Hawks again showed why they are elite team. They wore the Ducks down. In the end, their best players stepped up and their goaltending, while a bit uneven, got the job done. Well done Hawks.
Pre-Series Thoughts: I still think the Ducks are the strongest team in this year's playoffs, with the best coach in the NHL (apologies to Babcock, but Budreau has even better numbers over his career, often with less to work with). Chicago can't be counted out, as they have a bunch of really skilled guys that have been to the dance before, and have come away winners. Still, I have to go with my gut here and pick the Ducks in 6, though I could see it going to 7 games.
Rangers (1) vs. Lightning (2)
My prediction: Lightning in 7
RESULT: Lightning in 7
Post-Series Thoughts: This series did, indeed, go the distance. Hard fought on both sides, great goaltending on both sides, with a couple of stinkers thrown in for each team as well, but in the end, the Bolts' speed and offense won the series for them. Down goes Henrik in a game 7, too.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Lightning are a quick team, and they hold the edge in the regular season series. While Bishop is a great goalie, and I think Lundqvist is overrated, I do think Henrik gets the edge in goal. I think the Rangers have the edge in goal and on defense, but Tampa has the edge in speed and in offense, and they generally play better as a team. Honestly I think this series could go either way but my guess is that it will go deep, and in the end I'm picking Tampa Bay in 7.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Ducks (1) vs. Blackhawks (2)
My prediction: Ducks in 6
RESULT: Blackhawks in 7
Post-Series Thoughts: My gut was wrong. The Hawks again showed why they are elite team. They wore the Ducks down. In the end, their best players stepped up and their goaltending, while a bit uneven, got the job done. Well done Hawks.
Pre-Series Thoughts: I still think the Ducks are the strongest team in this year's playoffs, with the best coach in the NHL (apologies to Babcock, but Budreau has even better numbers over his career, often with less to work with). Chicago can't be counted out, as they have a bunch of really skilled guys that have been to the dance before, and have come away winners. Still, I have to go with my gut here and pick the Ducks in 6, though I could see it going to 7 games.
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