(M1) New York Rangers vs. (A2) Tampa Bay Lightning
It's the battle of the exes. St. Louis vs. Callahan, Moore vs. Stralman, Boyle vs. Boyle. By the end of it, Lundqvist and Stamkos will trade jerseys just to fit into the narrative. Offensively, the Lightning have the advantage, as Stamkos looks to be finding his game while Tyler Johnson has been on fire all playoffs. Kucherov and Palat (the other 2/3rds of the Triplets) have also kicked in offensively. The Rangers top forwards are struggling, as Nash and St. Louis have combined for 9 points in 12 games (Brassard, the team's point leader, has 8 by comparison). Both defensive crops are pretty even, as McDonagh and Hedman have led their teams from the blueline (Rangers and Lightning, respectively). Goaltending swings heavily in New York's direction, as Lundqvist has been a rock for the Rangers. Bishop, by comparison, has been up and down these playoffs. Tampa Bay was the better possession team during the season, holding a 53.9 CF% to New York's 50.6 CF% (score-adjusted numbers). The Lightning have already taken out one all-world goalie in Carey Price. They may have a bit more trouble this time around, but this team should be able to beat another high-end goalie in Lundqvist. Tampa Bay in seven.
(P1) Anaheim Ducks vs. (C3) Chicago Blackhawks
A series so predicable, Disney had guessed it back in the 90's. Both teams are heavily stacked. Starting with offense, the dynamic duos of Getzlaf/Perry (Ducks) and Toews/Kane (Blackhawks) have been near unstoppable in the playoffs. Offensively, it may come down to who's deeper in depth, and for that Chicago may have a slight advantage. Defensively, it looks to favour the Ducks. Excluding Stoner, all defensemen for the Ducks have 5 or more points (granted, a couple are prop up because of powerplay points). It's almost the opposite of the Blackhawks, as everyone (out of Keith's outstanding 10 points in 10 games) have 5 or less. Goaltending looks to be in the Ducks favour, as Andersen has performed well. Crawford is a question mark. Will he be the Crawford that was shaky against Nashville or the one that stood tall against Minnesota. Chicago was the better possession team in the regular season, placing second with a 53.7 CF% (just behind Los Angeles). Anaheim wasn't a slouch, but their 51.3 CF% was middle of the league. I picked the Ducks to go to the Final at the start of the playoffs, and damn if I'm changing now. It won't be easy for them though. Anaheim in seven.
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