Alex's Playoff Predictions
Eastern Conference
Detroit Red Wings v Boston Bruins
This is one of the more difficult series to predict because both teams are of equal quality. The Red Wings hold a 3-1 regular season record against the Bruins, but it has been Boston who tops the Eastern conference and they have been showing this season just why they are contenders. I predict this one to be a tight one, but based on form alone, I have to give this one to the Bruins, sorry Mike!
Prediction: Boston Bruins
Tampa Bay Lightning v Montreal Canadiens
Tampa Bay have been the one of this years real surprise packages, finishing 4th in the Eastern conference despite star Steven Stamkos being injured for a long period and currently holds a 3-1 record against Montreal. But the Canadiens are not a team that should be ruled out (unless Subban goes to the box) and I still think they could spring a surprise here. But overall, I think Tampa has just enough quality to see this one through.
Prediction: Tampa Bay Lightning
Columbus Blue Jackets v Pittsburgh Penguins
One of the more uneven series of the playoffs, Columbus has done well to make the playoffs again for the first time since 2009,considering their limited quality on the ice. But Pittsburgh has one of this best roster's in the NHL and their 5-0 overall season record against this team is an indicator of what to come. Sidney Crosby and friends should quite easily see this one through with the minimum of fuss.
Prediction: Pittsburgh Penguins
Philadelphia Flyers v New York Rangers
If you had asked anyone at the beginning of this season, they probably would not have included either of these teams in their playoff predictions! Both sides have done through a dramatic resurgence and their games have always been tight affairs. Their series record stands at 2-2, and either team can expect this one to be far from straight forward. But based on player quality and spirit, I would have to back the Flyers to just sneak this one.
Prediction: Philadelphia Flyers
Western Conference
Minnesota Wild v Colorado Avalanche
Under Patrick Roy, the Avs have once again become a genuine threat in the NHL again which is great to see and they have a team which is built for the future! Compare this to large spending Minnesota who have just about snuck into the playoffs and the difference in quality shows. Colorado holds a 4-1 season record against this team and I firmly back them to make a splash in this series.
Prediction: Colorado Avalanche
Chicago Blackhawks v St. Louis Blues
The Blackhawks have fallen from grace and have been looking vulnerable all season, whereas St. Louis have incredibly become one of the form teams this year, achieving 3rd place in the West! This series will be a close one, but I feel that Chicago doesn't have enough this year to retain their trophy, St. Louis however look a far more organised team and that is why I will give this series to them.
Prediction: St. Louis Blues
Dallas Stars v Anaheim Ducks
This I feel will be one of the more open and shut series of the playoffs, Dallas does have a better regular season record against Anaheim, but the sheer class of the Ducks offense including Ryan Getzlaf and the fact they topped the Western Conference, I feel makes them the clear favourite for this series- time for Stanley Cup number two at the Honda Center?
Prediction: Anaheim Ducks
LA Kings v San Jose Sharks
An all California series is the final showdown of the playoffs, both teams make excellent cases for advancing, though San Jose has become one of the leagues most under rated attacking units. The Kings haven't been as spectacular as normal, but regular season has never been their speciality and they always tend to come alive during the playoffs, which is why they have my seal of approval for this series.
Prediction: LA Kings
Detroit Red Wings v Boston Bruins
This is one of the more difficult series to predict because both teams are of equal quality. The Red Wings hold a 3-1 regular season record against the Bruins, but it has been Boston who tops the Eastern conference and they have been showing this season just why they are contenders. I predict this one to be a tight one, but based on form alone, I have to give this one to the Bruins, sorry Mike!
Prediction: Boston Bruins
Tampa Bay Lightning v Montreal Canadiens
Tampa Bay have been the one of this years real surprise packages, finishing 4th in the Eastern conference despite star Steven Stamkos being injured for a long period and currently holds a 3-1 record against Montreal. But the Canadiens are not a team that should be ruled out (unless Subban goes to the box) and I still think they could spring a surprise here. But overall, I think Tampa has just enough quality to see this one through.
Prediction: Tampa Bay Lightning
Columbus Blue Jackets v Pittsburgh Penguins
One of the more uneven series of the playoffs, Columbus has done well to make the playoffs again for the first time since 2009,considering their limited quality on the ice. But Pittsburgh has one of this best roster's in the NHL and their 5-0 overall season record against this team is an indicator of what to come. Sidney Crosby and friends should quite easily see this one through with the minimum of fuss.
Prediction: Pittsburgh Penguins
Philadelphia Flyers v New York Rangers
If you had asked anyone at the beginning of this season, they probably would not have included either of these teams in their playoff predictions! Both sides have done through a dramatic resurgence and their games have always been tight affairs. Their series record stands at 2-2, and either team can expect this one to be far from straight forward. But based on player quality and spirit, I would have to back the Flyers to just sneak this one.
Prediction: Philadelphia Flyers
Western Conference
Minnesota Wild v Colorado Avalanche
Under Patrick Roy, the Avs have once again become a genuine threat in the NHL again which is great to see and they have a team which is built for the future! Compare this to large spending Minnesota who have just about snuck into the playoffs and the difference in quality shows. Colorado holds a 4-1 season record against this team and I firmly back them to make a splash in this series.
Prediction: Colorado Avalanche
Chicago Blackhawks v St. Louis Blues
The Blackhawks have fallen from grace and have been looking vulnerable all season, whereas St. Louis have incredibly become one of the form teams this year, achieving 3rd place in the West! This series will be a close one, but I feel that Chicago doesn't have enough this year to retain their trophy, St. Louis however look a far more organised team and that is why I will give this series to them.
Prediction: St. Louis Blues
Dallas Stars v Anaheim Ducks
This I feel will be one of the more open and shut series of the playoffs, Dallas does have a better regular season record against Anaheim, but the sheer class of the Ducks offense including Ryan Getzlaf and the fact they topped the Western Conference, I feel makes them the clear favourite for this series- time for Stanley Cup number two at the Honda Center?
Prediction: Anaheim Ducks
LA Kings v San Jose Sharks
An all California series is the final showdown of the playoffs, both teams make excellent cases for advancing, though San Jose has become one of the leagues most under rated attacking units. The Kings haven't been as spectacular as normal, but regular season has never been their speciality and they always tend to come alive during the playoffs, which is why they have my seal of approval for this series.
Prediction: LA Kings
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