Western Conference Final:
This is partially because I'm a Blackhawks fan and partially because I just think the Hawks are too dominant to not make it this far. The Blues really turned it on at the end of the year, and they've also been a really good overtime team, which becomes very important during the playoffs. Although a Chicago vs. Detroit Conference Final would be incredible considering the realignment, I think the Blues are hot at the perfect time. Team defense and physicality will take them a long way.
Hawks win in 6 games
Eastern Conference Final:
The Pens are probably the hottest team heading into the playoffs, and Sidney Crosby in the lineup is a nightmare for opposing teams. Not making it to the conference final would be a gargantuan disappointment for Pittsburgh considering the season they've had. The Caps are too hungry to not make it to the conference final. They really turned things around this year and I think the team has bought in to the system Adam Oates has them playing. Ovechkin's resurgence has been a huge help for Washington this year as well.
Pens win in 7 games
Stanley Cup Final
Rarely do two number one seeds ever meet in the Stanley Cup Final, but this has been a wild year and an incredibly strong year for both of these teams. I think the shortened season is a factor that could propel two number one seeds to the final. Most 1 seeds are tired from a long season of hard work by the time the playoffs roll around, but the shortened season gave these teams just enough time to get hot without getting over-tired. Both teams had streaks during the regular season that were either near record breaking, or in the Hawks case were record breaking. This one would be hard to call, but I have to give it to my team...
Hawks in 7 games
There are a few teams that I could see making it to the final, but I could only choose two. Here are my wildcard guesses at who else has a strong chance at making the final:
Boston has been pretty good this season, and they are built for a playoff run considering how deep they are. They have skill and grit throughout their entire lineup and that will serve them well this postseason. They could be a darkhorse to make it to the final.
Anaheim has had a very good season and they've been surprisingly quiet about it. Not only are they the only team to sweep their season series with the dominant Blackhawks, but they've been able to man handle just about every other opponent. Anaheim has a unique blend of size and skill on every line, and they've gotten very reliable goaltending. Anaheim should be a favorite to win the cup with the way they've played all year, but they somehow have flown under the radar and remain a darkhorse in the race for the cup.
You could say i'm biased for choosing the Blakchawks to win the cup, but that would also mean that you haven't taken the type of hockey they've played this year into account. I would love to see the Senators or Islanders make it to the cup, but they're both just not quite far enough along for that kind of playoff run. I'm excited to what things are to come for those younger teams, but I don't think they have a legitimate chance until next year or the year after that. It should be an exciting playoffs so I can't wait to see how things shake out!
Til next time
No comments:
Post a Comment