FINALS
Nashville vs. Pittsburgh
My prediction: Predators in 6
RESULT: Penguins in 6
Post-Series Thoughts: The Predators outplayed the Penguins for most of this series. They deserved to win. The NHL thought otherwise. It is truly the epitome of frustration to watch the Penguins in the playoffs. No other team has a chance to compete when their goals are disallowed and the Penguins get away with what they do. Rant over. Congratulations to the "winners" of the 2017 Stanley Cup. :-/
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Penguins should not have made it out of the last round. They got a lot of assistance from very questionable officiating, directly leading to one of their goals. But even still, with all of their firepower, they just aren't as strong as the Predators in any overall area. And the Predators have had more rest.
Friday, May 26, 2017
Thursday, May 11, 2017
2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs Predictions, Conference Finals
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Senators vs. Pittsburgh
My prediction: Senators in 7
RESULT: Penguins in 7
Post-Series Thoughts: I've made my thoughts on the Penguins well known. It is INFURIATING watching what happens with the officiating when the Penguins (the NHL's golden ticket) are in the playoffs. The Penguins' second goal came off of an AWFUL call (or corresponding missed call, however you look at it). There were bad calls both ways, but worse than that, there were some missed calls. Blatant too many men on the Senators was missed, and there were 5 or 6 dozen blatant slashing, tripping, and clutching/grabbing (interference) calls missed against the Penguins. Still, you have to give them credit for persevering with all of the injuries they've sustained. Bring on the Predators.
Pre-Series Thoughts: I still think the Pens are overachieving in this year's playoffs. I also think the Senators have dispatched two different teams that were both significantly better on paper. Give them credit for clawing their way this far. I'm thinking they'll do the same here.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Ducks vs Predators
My prediction: Predators in 7
RESULT: Predators in 6
Post-Series Thoughts: The Predators just showed why they belong in the Stanley Cup Finals. My odds on favorite to win it all.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Ducks have showed they have a right to be here. But the Predators are clicking and have a stronger defense.
Senators vs. Pittsburgh
My prediction: Senators in 7
RESULT: Penguins in 7
Post-Series Thoughts: I've made my thoughts on the Penguins well known. It is INFURIATING watching what happens with the officiating when the Penguins (the NHL's golden ticket) are in the playoffs. The Penguins' second goal came off of an AWFUL call (or corresponding missed call, however you look at it). There were bad calls both ways, but worse than that, there were some missed calls. Blatant too many men on the Senators was missed, and there were 5 or 6 dozen blatant slashing, tripping, and clutching/grabbing (interference) calls missed against the Penguins. Still, you have to give them credit for persevering with all of the injuries they've sustained. Bring on the Predators.
Pre-Series Thoughts: I still think the Pens are overachieving in this year's playoffs. I also think the Senators have dispatched two different teams that were both significantly better on paper. Give them credit for clawing their way this far. I'm thinking they'll do the same here.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Ducks vs Predators
My prediction: Predators in 7
RESULT: Predators in 6
Post-Series Thoughts: The Predators just showed why they belong in the Stanley Cup Finals. My odds on favorite to win it all.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Ducks have showed they have a right to be here. But the Predators are clicking and have a stronger defense.
Monday, April 24, 2017
2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs Predictions, Round 2
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Capitals vs. Pittsburgh
My prediction: Capitals in 7
RESULT: Penguins in 7
Post-Series Thoughts: this one indeed went to 7 games, but the Pens just brought it home in the last game. Holtby was solid in the entire series, but so was Fleury, and the Pens' big guns just showed up more in game 7. It's that simple.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Caps are just firing on all cylinders right now, and while the Pens are deep, they have a few gaps in their game. I expect this to be a nasty series, but I think the Caps' firepower and goaltending will be the difference.
NY Rangers vs Senators
My prediction: Rangers in 5
RESULT: Senators in 6
Post-Series Thoughts: Well this one went this way because of one player: Lundquist. Rather than continuing his last-round form, he went back to how he looked in the regular season: average. And average was not enough to beat this determined Senators team.
Pre-Series Thoughts: I didn't pick NY to get out of last round, and I wouldn't pick them to go further in this round, either, if they were playing anyone other than the Sens. The Senators had an impressive series against a better Bruins squad. But Boston was beat up, and every single one of the games were by one goal and/or in overtime. Plus with Henrik looking back to form, I'm not even sure this will go 5.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Ducks vs Oilers
My prediction: Oilers in 7
RESULT: Ducks in 7
Post-Series Thoughts: This was a fantastic series. Well played by both sides. It could have gone either way in the end, and the Ducks just came up slightly bigger in game 7.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Ducks are a really strong team. Really strong. But the Oilers are playing great hockey, and have everyone contributing. I think on paper the Ducks are stronger, but the Oilers are playing a better cohesive team game.
Blues vs Predators
My prediction: Predators in 6
RESULT: Predators in 6
Post-Series Thoughts: Pretty much just as I called it. High scoring series and the Preds just ended up with the edge. Well played.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Blues are playing really strong hockey right now. They played much better in the first round than I expected, but the Predators have the NHL's best defense, great coaching, and some serious firepower. I expect this to be either a really high scoring series, or a really low scoring series. I suspect high.
Capitals vs. Pittsburgh
My prediction: Capitals in 7
RESULT: Penguins in 7
Post-Series Thoughts: this one indeed went to 7 games, but the Pens just brought it home in the last game. Holtby was solid in the entire series, but so was Fleury, and the Pens' big guns just showed up more in game 7. It's that simple.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Caps are just firing on all cylinders right now, and while the Pens are deep, they have a few gaps in their game. I expect this to be a nasty series, but I think the Caps' firepower and goaltending will be the difference.
NY Rangers vs Senators
My prediction: Rangers in 5
RESULT: Senators in 6
Post-Series Thoughts: Well this one went this way because of one player: Lundquist. Rather than continuing his last-round form, he went back to how he looked in the regular season: average. And average was not enough to beat this determined Senators team.
Pre-Series Thoughts: I didn't pick NY to get out of last round, and I wouldn't pick them to go further in this round, either, if they were playing anyone other than the Sens. The Senators had an impressive series against a better Bruins squad. But Boston was beat up, and every single one of the games were by one goal and/or in overtime. Plus with Henrik looking back to form, I'm not even sure this will go 5.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Ducks vs Oilers
My prediction: Oilers in 7
RESULT: Ducks in 7
Post-Series Thoughts: This was a fantastic series. Well played by both sides. It could have gone either way in the end, and the Ducks just came up slightly bigger in game 7.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Ducks are a really strong team. Really strong. But the Oilers are playing great hockey, and have everyone contributing. I think on paper the Ducks are stronger, but the Oilers are playing a better cohesive team game.
Blues vs Predators
My prediction: Predators in 6
RESULT: Predators in 6
Post-Series Thoughts: Pretty much just as I called it. High scoring series and the Preds just ended up with the edge. Well played.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Blues are playing really strong hockey right now. They played much better in the first round than I expected, but the Predators have the NHL's best defense, great coaching, and some serious firepower. I expect this to be either a really high scoring series, or a really low scoring series. I suspect high.
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs Predictions, Round 1
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Capitals (1) vs. Toronto (8)
My prediction: Capitals in 5
RESULT: Capitals in 6
Post-Series Thoughts: The Leafs put up a good fight, actually. They were pretty resilient in this series, and showed that they have a bright future under Babcock. But the Caps were just too strong. They are firing on all cylinders and outside of a few random breakdowns, they owned this series. The 2 games the Leafs won weren't as close as they seemed. They were both high scoring games but they were OT wins that could have gone either way. I think the Caps will go deep this year.
Pre-Series Thoughts: Give Mike Babcock credit for getting the Leafs this far in a shorter time than expected. They've played well down the stretch (for the most part). But they just can't hang with the Caps. I think they MIGHT steal one game, but I expect this to be a short series.
Canadiens (2) vs. NY Rangers (7)
My prediction: Canadiens in 6
RESULT: Rangers in 6
Post-Series: I think the main reason the Rangers won this is because Kenrik looked back to form, despite his regular season dip. I also think the Canadiens underachieved and the Rangers overachieved a bit.
Pre-Series Thoughts: I've gone back and forth on this one, but I just think Henrik has been a let down this year (I feel that he's always been overrated, but had a definitely down year) and I just think the Habs are stronger throughout their lineup.
Penguins (3) vs Blue Jackets (4)
My prediction: Blue Jackets in 6
RESULT: Penguins in 5
Post-Series Thoughts: The Jackets were just outmanned by a superior squad. I really expected more out of them, but they just looked on their heels most of this series.
Pre-Series Thoughts: On paper, Pittsburgh is the stronger team, and the Jackets limped into the playoffs with a pretty sad record to end the season. But if Bob plays up to his earlier-season form and Tortorella has them ready, I think the Jackets could go deep this year.
Ottawa (5) vs. Boston (6)
My prediction: Boston in 6
RESULT: Ottawa in 6
Post-Series Thoughts: Ottawa really showed up in this series, and Boston looked out of sorts the whole time. I'm not sure what it was...they just looked disjointed for much of this series. And their injured defense certainly didn't help. Kudos to Ottawa for a fantastic series.
Pre-Series Thoughts: Boston is just a much stronger team. I'd call this a 4 game series, but the Bruins' blue line is pretty banged up. But their special teams will be a huge difference, and they're just stronger overall.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Blackhawks (1) vs. Predators (8)
My prediction: Blackhawks in 7
RESULT: Predators in 4
Post-Series Thoughts: Wow I got this one wrong. After looking so good in the regular season, the Hawks fell apart. They were stifled by the Preds' defense, and weren't really ever in this series. Toews was a complete no show. Great job by Nashville.
Pre-Series Thoughts: Nasvhille has arguably the best defense in the NHL. But the Blackhawks are looking back to form after a let down last year. I think the series will go deep, but expect the Hawks to prevail.
Ducks (2) vs. Flames (7)
My prediction: Ducks in 6
RESULT: Ducks in 4
Post-Series Thoughts: So, it turned out Elliott didn't play as well as he did down the stretch, and even then the Flames were just overwhelmed by a better team.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Ducks are just a much stronger team. The only reason I think it goes to 6 is because of how well Elliott played down the stretch. I just don't think that will be enough.
Wild (3) vs. Blues (5)
My prediction: Wild in 6
RESULT: Blues in 5
Post-Series Thoughts: Man, the Blues showed up to play. And this series came down to goaltending, largely. The Wild looked tired at times, but basically Allen outplayed Dubnyk. Which shocked me, and a lot of other people. But kudos to the Blues for making it happen.
Pre-Series Thoughts: I'm not even sure this one will go this long. The Blues have a solid lineup, but Budreau is the difference here. I'd argue he's the best coach in the NHL currently, and I think this series will show why (not that he needs it to; he's pretty much already proven it in countless ways).
Oilers (4) vs. Sharks (6)
My prediction: Oilers in 7
RESULT: Oilers in 6
Post-Series Thoughts: The Oilers just played a great series, as I expected, and overwhelmed the Sharks even more than I expected. I think they'll go deep. There are just no major weak areas of their game right now.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Oilers are firing on all cylinders, and it's time for their superstars to step up. I expect McDavid to be a major factor in this series. He's been made out to be a superstar, but until you win some playoff series, you're just another player with potential.
Capitals (1) vs. Toronto (8)
My prediction: Capitals in 5
RESULT: Capitals in 6
Post-Series Thoughts: The Leafs put up a good fight, actually. They were pretty resilient in this series, and showed that they have a bright future under Babcock. But the Caps were just too strong. They are firing on all cylinders and outside of a few random breakdowns, they owned this series. The 2 games the Leafs won weren't as close as they seemed. They were both high scoring games but they were OT wins that could have gone either way. I think the Caps will go deep this year.
Pre-Series Thoughts: Give Mike Babcock credit for getting the Leafs this far in a shorter time than expected. They've played well down the stretch (for the most part). But they just can't hang with the Caps. I think they MIGHT steal one game, but I expect this to be a short series.
Canadiens (2) vs. NY Rangers (7)
My prediction: Canadiens in 6
RESULT: Rangers in 6
Post-Series: I think the main reason the Rangers won this is because Kenrik looked back to form, despite his regular season dip. I also think the Canadiens underachieved and the Rangers overachieved a bit.
Pre-Series Thoughts: I've gone back and forth on this one, but I just think Henrik has been a let down this year (I feel that he's always been overrated, but had a definitely down year) and I just think the Habs are stronger throughout their lineup.
Penguins (3) vs Blue Jackets (4)
My prediction: Blue Jackets in 6
RESULT: Penguins in 5
Post-Series Thoughts: The Jackets were just outmanned by a superior squad. I really expected more out of them, but they just looked on their heels most of this series.
Pre-Series Thoughts: On paper, Pittsburgh is the stronger team, and the Jackets limped into the playoffs with a pretty sad record to end the season. But if Bob plays up to his earlier-season form and Tortorella has them ready, I think the Jackets could go deep this year.
Ottawa (5) vs. Boston (6)
My prediction: Boston in 6
RESULT: Ottawa in 6
Post-Series Thoughts: Ottawa really showed up in this series, and Boston looked out of sorts the whole time. I'm not sure what it was...they just looked disjointed for much of this series. And their injured defense certainly didn't help. Kudos to Ottawa for a fantastic series.
Pre-Series Thoughts: Boston is just a much stronger team. I'd call this a 4 game series, but the Bruins' blue line is pretty banged up. But their special teams will be a huge difference, and they're just stronger overall.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Blackhawks (1) vs. Predators (8)
My prediction: Blackhawks in 7
RESULT: Predators in 4
Post-Series Thoughts: Wow I got this one wrong. After looking so good in the regular season, the Hawks fell apart. They were stifled by the Preds' defense, and weren't really ever in this series. Toews was a complete no show. Great job by Nashville.
Pre-Series Thoughts: Nasvhille has arguably the best defense in the NHL. But the Blackhawks are looking back to form after a let down last year. I think the series will go deep, but expect the Hawks to prevail.
Ducks (2) vs. Flames (7)
My prediction: Ducks in 6
RESULT: Ducks in 4
Post-Series Thoughts: So, it turned out Elliott didn't play as well as he did down the stretch, and even then the Flames were just overwhelmed by a better team.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Ducks are just a much stronger team. The only reason I think it goes to 6 is because of how well Elliott played down the stretch. I just don't think that will be enough.
Wild (3) vs. Blues (5)
My prediction: Wild in 6
RESULT: Blues in 5
Post-Series Thoughts: Man, the Blues showed up to play. And this series came down to goaltending, largely. The Wild looked tired at times, but basically Allen outplayed Dubnyk. Which shocked me, and a lot of other people. But kudos to the Blues for making it happen.
Pre-Series Thoughts: I'm not even sure this one will go this long. The Blues have a solid lineup, but Budreau is the difference here. I'd argue he's the best coach in the NHL currently, and I think this series will show why (not that he needs it to; he's pretty much already proven it in countless ways).
Oilers (4) vs. Sharks (6)
My prediction: Oilers in 7
RESULT: Oilers in 6
Post-Series Thoughts: The Oilers just played a great series, as I expected, and overwhelmed the Sharks even more than I expected. I think they'll go deep. There are just no major weak areas of their game right now.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Oilers are firing on all cylinders, and it's time for their superstars to step up. I expect McDavid to be a major factor in this series. He's been made out to be a superstar, but until you win some playoff series, you're just another player with potential.
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