2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions - The Stanley Cup Final

The Stanley Cup Final is finally here, and features the first-time finalist Sharks against a Crosby-led Penguins squad looking for their second Cup under his leadership.

(M2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (P3) San Jose Sharks

Brad: San Jose Sharks in seven

Starting with Pittsburgh, their offense has been a highlight of the playoffs. Crosby is his usual self, Malkin is also doing pretty well, but all the talk has been the HBK line (Hagelin, Bonino, and Kessel). This line has done wonders for Kessel in particular, as the winger leads the Penguins in goals (9) and points (18). Letang has lead the defense, and will continue to do so, but the rest now have to step up with Daley out for the series with an injury. Goaltending has been another story for Pittsburgh, as rookie Matt Murray took over in the first round and looked good (sans a hiccup in the third round), posting a 0.924 SV%. Regular starter Marc-Andre Fleury is now healthy, and will likely take back the net if Murray slips up again. For San Jose, its been the Joes up front, as Pavelski leads the playoffs in goals (13) and Thornton being his usual self. Couture has been great on the second line, and Marleau has been versatile, swapping between the second and third line in matchup situations. Chewbacca Burns leads the Sharks defense, and most of their offense, in points with 20. Vlasic and the rest have played pretty well over the course of the playoffs. Martin Jones has proven to be the answer to the Sharks goaltending woes, posting a SV% of 0.919. Overall, I think the Sharks are the slightly better team on paper. My prediction essentially comes down to what I'd want to see most. Option 1: Kessel going back to Toronto with the Cup, filling it up with hot dogs, and one-by one eat them in front of the Toronto Sun office. Option 2: Joe Thornton, having just one the Cup, goes 4-goal game during the celebration. Dammit, I can't resist Thornton's celebration (although I hope Kessel wins the Conn Smythe as consolation prize). Go Sharks!

MDK: San Jose Sharks in six

This will be a series that I will be very interested in, a couple of reasons is that Cole Harbour's own Sidney Crosby is back in the Final and San Jose finally has a chance to win the Cup. It's hard to pick one of these teams due to the fact I'd love to see both of them win. If I have to pick one, I'm going for San Jose. They've been far in the playoffs but never in the Final, and have a lot of talent like Joe Thornton who never won the Cup. I'm mainly going for the Sharks, but also love to see Crosby and the Penguins win the Cup again.


After Round 3

Brad: 11-3
MDK: 10-4