Bruins (East) vs. Blues (West)
My prediction: Blues in 7
RESULT: BLUES IN 7
Post-Series Thoughts: My record with predictions this year was pretty mediocre, but I called this one exactly. The Bruins indeed showed up strong, and two of the three games they won, they won in emphatic fashion. But the Blues just kept showing up, kept showing their consistency. And Binnington played out of his mind when it counted. The Blues' depth showed and their heart showed even more. Congratulations to St. Louis! Great series, great hockey.
Pre-Series Thoughts: I think the Bruins will make this a long series. It kind of surprises me that they are the underdogs in this series. On the other hand, I do think the Blues will take it. They have more balance across their lineup. A lot of this series will hinge on two things: coaching, and goaltending. But in the end I think this will go to the Blues.
Thursday, May 23, 2019
Wednesday, May 08, 2019
2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs Predictions, Conference Finals
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Bruins vs. Hurricanes
My prediction: Hurricanes in 7
RESULT: BRUINS IN 4
Post-Series Thoughts: Wow I got this one wrong. The Canes were just finding ways to win...until they didn't. They never figured out this Bruins club. A lot of coaches take the blame but in this case I think it's probably accurate. The Canes got out-coached (all due respect to Rod). This was not all on the players. Adjustments should have been made to their approach. I also think they should have stuck with Mrazek. But either way, good job by the Bruins to get back to the Stanley Cup finals.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Bruins won their series against the Jackets, but the Hurricanes have been just finding ways to win. I just think the Canes will keep rolling and take out Boston, though this one could certainly go the distance.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Blues vs. Sharks
My prediction: Blues in 7
RESULT: BLUES IN 6
Post-Series Thoughts: Craig Berube has shown that he is a legitimately good coach and the odds-on favorite for the Jack Adams. He made adjustments to deal with the Sharks' style of play...and it worked. His team really delivered, and showed that they belong in the finals, to compete for Lord Stanley's Cup.
Pre-Series Thoughts: I keep going back and forth on this one. I really think it's going to be a good series, and my first instinct was to pick the Sharks in 7, just because of their regular season record and their overall depth. But the Blues are also an incredibly deep team, and they are possibly the most close-knit team this year other than maybe the Canes. And in the end I guess this is just a "gut" pick.
Bruins vs. Hurricanes
My prediction: Hurricanes in 7
RESULT: BRUINS IN 4
Post-Series Thoughts: Wow I got this one wrong. The Canes were just finding ways to win...until they didn't. They never figured out this Bruins club. A lot of coaches take the blame but in this case I think it's probably accurate. The Canes got out-coached (all due respect to Rod). This was not all on the players. Adjustments should have been made to their approach. I also think they should have stuck with Mrazek. But either way, good job by the Bruins to get back to the Stanley Cup finals.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Bruins won their series against the Jackets, but the Hurricanes have been just finding ways to win. I just think the Canes will keep rolling and take out Boston, though this one could certainly go the distance.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Blues vs. Sharks
My prediction: Blues in 7
RESULT: BLUES IN 6
Post-Series Thoughts: Craig Berube has shown that he is a legitimately good coach and the odds-on favorite for the Jack Adams. He made adjustments to deal with the Sharks' style of play...and it worked. His team really delivered, and showed that they belong in the finals, to compete for Lord Stanley's Cup.
Pre-Series Thoughts: I keep going back and forth on this one. I really think it's going to be a good series, and my first instinct was to pick the Sharks in 7, just because of their regular season record and their overall depth. But the Blues are also an incredibly deep team, and they are possibly the most close-knit team this year other than maybe the Canes. And in the end I guess this is just a "gut" pick.
Thursday, April 25, 2019
2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs Predictions, Round 2
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Bruins vs. Blue Jackets
My prediction: Blue Jackets in 6
RESULT: BRUINS IN 6
Post-Series Thoughts: The Jackets played pretty well in this series, actually. They just ended up snake-bitten at the end. And more than that, there was a REALLY botched penalty call in game 6 that really could have turned this game into an entirely different scenario. But props to Boston who continued playing their strong game after a grueling prior series.
Pre-Series Thoughts: I didn't give the Jackets a remote chance against Tampa Bay, the league's best team. I'm not going to make the same mistake. I still think the Bruins will make this a series, but if the Jackets play remotely as cohesively as they did in round one, they should take it. And they are well rested, though this might work against them. The Bruins had a long and grueling series, but the Jackets have been inactive. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
Hurricanes vs. Islanders
My prediction: Hurricanes in 6
RESULT: HURRICANES IN 4
Post-Series Thoughts: The Canes showed that they are one of the better teams in the league this season. They dispatched the defending champs who were vastly superior to this Isles team and then dealt with the Isles quickly and easily. I think they will be playing for the cup this year no matter who they face next round.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Islanders not only showed up in round one, but they did so convincingly and emphatically (and quickly). But this year's Penguins team is not remotely on the same level as the Hurricanes who knocked off the defending champs. Here again, the length of the respective series' may play a factor, as the Hurricanes just finished a long and difficult series while the Islanders will be well rested. I still think the Canes will take it though.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Stars vs. Blues
My prediction: Blues in 6
RESULT: BLUES IN 7
Post-Series Thoughts: Wow, was this a great series. The Stars played the best they have in a long time, but the Blues found a way to win. In game 7. In overtime. Second overtime.
Pre-Series Thoughts: These are two good clubs going at it. But the Stars are inconsistent, whereas the Blues are a steady, consistent team in pretty much every area. The Stars may steal a couple of games, but I think the Blues will take it.
Sharks vs. Avalanche
My prediction: Sharks in 7
RESULT:
Pre-Series Thoughts: I'm tempted to pick the Avs here, as they played fantastic hockey in round one. But the Sharks are just a stronger club in most areas, so we'll see how things play out. I expect a long series.
Bruins vs. Blue Jackets
My prediction: Blue Jackets in 6
RESULT: BRUINS IN 6
Post-Series Thoughts: The Jackets played pretty well in this series, actually. They just ended up snake-bitten at the end. And more than that, there was a REALLY botched penalty call in game 6 that really could have turned this game into an entirely different scenario. But props to Boston who continued playing their strong game after a grueling prior series.
Pre-Series Thoughts: I didn't give the Jackets a remote chance against Tampa Bay, the league's best team. I'm not going to make the same mistake. I still think the Bruins will make this a series, but if the Jackets play remotely as cohesively as they did in round one, they should take it. And they are well rested, though this might work against them. The Bruins had a long and grueling series, but the Jackets have been inactive. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
Hurricanes vs. Islanders
My prediction: Hurricanes in 6
RESULT: HURRICANES IN 4
Post-Series Thoughts: The Canes showed that they are one of the better teams in the league this season. They dispatched the defending champs who were vastly superior to this Isles team and then dealt with the Isles quickly and easily. I think they will be playing for the cup this year no matter who they face next round.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Islanders not only showed up in round one, but they did so convincingly and emphatically (and quickly). But this year's Penguins team is not remotely on the same level as the Hurricanes who knocked off the defending champs. Here again, the length of the respective series' may play a factor, as the Hurricanes just finished a long and difficult series while the Islanders will be well rested. I still think the Canes will take it though.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Stars vs. Blues
My prediction: Blues in 6
RESULT: BLUES IN 7
Post-Series Thoughts: Wow, was this a great series. The Stars played the best they have in a long time, but the Blues found a way to win. In game 7. In overtime. Second overtime.
Pre-Series Thoughts: These are two good clubs going at it. But the Stars are inconsistent, whereas the Blues are a steady, consistent team in pretty much every area. The Stars may steal a couple of games, but I think the Blues will take it.
Sharks vs. Avalanche
My prediction: Sharks in 7
RESULT:
Pre-Series Thoughts: I'm tempted to pick the Avs here, as they played fantastic hockey in round one. But the Sharks are just a stronger club in most areas, so we'll see how things play out. I expect a long series.
Tuesday, April 09, 2019
2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs Predictions, Round 1
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Bruins vs. Maple Leafs
My prediction: Bruins in 6
RESULT: BRUINS IN 7
Post-Series Thoughts: This one sure went the distance, and the Leafs really pushed hard. But Boston won out in the end. I expect them to get through the next round too.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Leafs' aggressive attack won't be enough to overcome Boston's solidity in almost every other area. The Leafs might steal a game or two, but I wouldn't be surprised if not.
Lightning vs. Blue Jackets
My prediction: Lightning in 4
RESULT: BLUE JACKETS IN 4
Post-Series Thoughts: Wow. I did not remotely see this coming. The Jackets showed up and the Lightning really didn't. These looked like different teams than during the season. Great job by the Jackets, taking down the regular season's best team, seemingly effortlessly.
Pre-Series Thoughts: I just don't think the Jackets will be able to solve the Lightning at all. They are too relatively weak in too many areas, and the Lightning are the league's best team, IMO.
Capitals vs. Hurricanes
My prediction: Capitals in 6
RESULT: HURRICANES IN 7
Post-Series Thoughts: The Hurricanes showed that they can play with anyone. I figured this would be a close matchup and it was. How amazing is Justin Williams? And the Canes just dominated the overtime periods and deserved to take this one. Incredible win.
Pre-Series Thoughts: This is really a much closer match-up than it seems. The Hurricanes are strong. But I think the defending champion Caps will prove stronger.
Penguins vs. Islanders
My prediction: Penguins in 7
RESULT: ISLANDERS IN 4
Post-Series Thoughts: I've never been more excited to be wrong. The Isles really showed up in this series and took it to the Penguins every game. I don't think they'll make it past round 2, but stranger things have happened (like the Blue Jackets beating the best team in the league in 4 games. Or this same series, lol).
Pre-Series Thoughts: I really don't think this Penguins club is as strong as they've been any of the last several years. The Islanders are the only team in the East that I think they can beat this year. I still think the Islanders will make this a long series.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Jets vs. Blues
My prediction: Blues in 6
RESULT: BLUES IN 6
Post-Series Thoughts: The Blues showed up just like I thought they would. They aren't the most exciting team to watch, but they are consistent. Good job.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Jets on paper should take this series. But they have tanked lately and I just think the Blues will turn in an overall better performance.
Predators vs. Stars
My prediction: Predators in 7
RESULT: STARS IN 6
Post-Series Thoughts: Simmonds continued in his limited-minutes role, which severely hurt the Preds. No, he's not the same player he once was. But yes, he is that much of a difference maker in the playoffs. Kudos to the Stars, too, for bringing their A-game.
Pre-Series Thoughts: Both of these teams have stumbled in different ways. But I think if the Preds give Simmonds playing time, he will be a difference maker. He steps up in the playoffs. There's also the Stars' lack of scoring consistency. I think the Stars will make it a long series, but I think the Preds will take it.
Sharks vs. Golden Knights
My prediction: Knights in 6
RESULT: SHARKS IN 7
Post-Series Thoughts: The Sharks really showed up when it counted, especially in their come-from-behind win in game 7. Yes, the major call on Cody Eakin was laughably bad and quite possibly turned the tide of that game. But the Sharks still came back and won. Kudos for getting it done when it counts.
Pre-Series Thoughts: This is a hard matchup. The Sharks are a fantastic team, but their goaltending is suspect. The Knights are a fantastic team, but their special teams are suspect. I just think the Knights will find a way to win with their depth.
Flames vs. Avalanche
My prediction: Flames in 5
RESULT: AVALANCHE IN 5
Post-Series Thoughts: Well the "streaks of brilliance" Avs showed up and the Flames barely showed up at all. Great job by the Avs taking this series in a relatively easy fashion.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Flames are just a better team. The Avs have shown streaks of brilliance, but have also been wildly inconsistent. Flames shouldn't have much trouble here.
Bruins vs. Maple Leafs
My prediction: Bruins in 6
RESULT: BRUINS IN 7
Post-Series Thoughts: This one sure went the distance, and the Leafs really pushed hard. But Boston won out in the end. I expect them to get through the next round too.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Leafs' aggressive attack won't be enough to overcome Boston's solidity in almost every other area. The Leafs might steal a game or two, but I wouldn't be surprised if not.
Lightning vs. Blue Jackets
My prediction: Lightning in 4
RESULT: BLUE JACKETS IN 4
Post-Series Thoughts: Wow. I did not remotely see this coming. The Jackets showed up and the Lightning really didn't. These looked like different teams than during the season. Great job by the Jackets, taking down the regular season's best team, seemingly effortlessly.
Pre-Series Thoughts: I just don't think the Jackets will be able to solve the Lightning at all. They are too relatively weak in too many areas, and the Lightning are the league's best team, IMO.
Capitals vs. Hurricanes
My prediction: Capitals in 6
RESULT: HURRICANES IN 7
Post-Series Thoughts: The Hurricanes showed that they can play with anyone. I figured this would be a close matchup and it was. How amazing is Justin Williams? And the Canes just dominated the overtime periods and deserved to take this one. Incredible win.
Pre-Series Thoughts: This is really a much closer match-up than it seems. The Hurricanes are strong. But I think the defending champion Caps will prove stronger.
Penguins vs. Islanders
My prediction: Penguins in 7
RESULT: ISLANDERS IN 4
Post-Series Thoughts: I've never been more excited to be wrong. The Isles really showed up in this series and took it to the Penguins every game. I don't think they'll make it past round 2, but stranger things have happened (like the Blue Jackets beating the best team in the league in 4 games. Or this same series, lol).
Pre-Series Thoughts: I really don't think this Penguins club is as strong as they've been any of the last several years. The Islanders are the only team in the East that I think they can beat this year. I still think the Islanders will make this a long series.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Jets vs. Blues
My prediction: Blues in 6
RESULT: BLUES IN 6
Post-Series Thoughts: The Blues showed up just like I thought they would. They aren't the most exciting team to watch, but they are consistent. Good job.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Jets on paper should take this series. But they have tanked lately and I just think the Blues will turn in an overall better performance.
Predators vs. Stars
My prediction: Predators in 7
RESULT: STARS IN 6
Post-Series Thoughts: Simmonds continued in his limited-minutes role, which severely hurt the Preds. No, he's not the same player he once was. But yes, he is that much of a difference maker in the playoffs. Kudos to the Stars, too, for bringing their A-game.
Pre-Series Thoughts: Both of these teams have stumbled in different ways. But I think if the Preds give Simmonds playing time, he will be a difference maker. He steps up in the playoffs. There's also the Stars' lack of scoring consistency. I think the Stars will make it a long series, but I think the Preds will take it.
Sharks vs. Golden Knights
My prediction: Knights in 6
RESULT: SHARKS IN 7
Post-Series Thoughts: The Sharks really showed up when it counted, especially in their come-from-behind win in game 7. Yes, the major call on Cody Eakin was laughably bad and quite possibly turned the tide of that game. But the Sharks still came back and won. Kudos for getting it done when it counts.
Pre-Series Thoughts: This is a hard matchup. The Sharks are a fantastic team, but their goaltending is suspect. The Knights are a fantastic team, but their special teams are suspect. I just think the Knights will find a way to win with their depth.
Flames vs. Avalanche
My prediction: Flames in 5
RESULT: AVALANCHE IN 5
Post-Series Thoughts: Well the "streaks of brilliance" Avs showed up and the Flames barely showed up at all. Great job by the Avs taking this series in a relatively easy fashion.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Flames are just a better team. The Avs have shown streaks of brilliance, but have also been wildly inconsistent. Flames shouldn't have much trouble here.
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