Round two starts tomorrow, so here is a look at each series.
(A2) Ottawa Senators vs. (W1) New York Rangers
Initially, it looked like New York would have the advantage, but then the first round happened. For the Rangers, they got by a Montreal Canadiens teams that lacked the ability to score. New York's offenses did chip in a bit, and Henrik Lundqvist was his usual self, but they also got by despite their deficiencies on the back end. The Rangers were also pretty up-and-down, managing to get hot one minute and go cold the next. For most of the series though, they were losing the possession battle. Ottawa meanwhile, managed to get by a depleted Boston Bruins team (who, by the end of it, was icing an AHL lineup). Erik Karlsson was a stud (as usual) and Bobby Ryan started turning things on, while in net Craig Anderson was solid. The Senators were the slightly better possession team in that series. Overall, Ottawa has been the more consistent team between the two, and it seems like New York may not be able to handle them if they can find a way to beat Lundqvist. Ottawa in six.
(M1) Washington Capitals vs. (M2) Pittsburgh Penguins
Ah yes, a good old Sid vs. Ovi series. Washington got by Toronto after six games in what was a very tight (and entertaining) series. While Ovechkin only managed three goals, line mates T.J. Oshie and Nicklas Backstrom managed to pick up the offense (along with Justin Williams). Holtby played well, sporting a save percentage of 0.925. The other series saw Pittsburgh take care of Columbus in five games. It's no surprise that Malkin, Kessel, and Crosby lead the way in points (11, 8, and 7 respectively). What is a surprise is who's scoring the goals. Jake Guentzel (5) and Bryan Rust (4) have been filling the net. Taking over for an injured Matt Murray, Marc-Andre Fleury showed that he is still reliable, putting up a 0.933 SV%. It's hard to go with a team that has some key players injured (along with Murray, Kris Letang is out). However, the Penguins do own some real estate in this Capitals team's head, which accounts for something. One thing we're all hoping for is this to be another long series. Pittsburgh in seven.
(C3) St. Louis Blues vs. (W2) Nashville Predators
A tale of two different (yet similar) teams. St. Louis was completely outplayed in their series against Minnesota, but one man, Jake Allen, was there to propel the team to the next round. Allen stood on his head, and ended the series with a 0.956 SV%. All the while, St. Louis didn't have one player being an offensive game breaker (Jaden Schwartz led the team with 5 points). The other series saw the more offensive-minded Nashville Predators take care of Chicago in four game. Pekke Rinne was lights out in goal, only giving up three goals in the four games, good enough for a 0.976 SV%. Ryan Johansen led the team with 6 points, as scoring on the team was spread out. This series is set up to be a repeat of round one for St. Louis, with Nashville expecting to control play while Allen turns into Jaroslav Halak circa 2010. Unfortunately, it's hard to see the Blues advance if they can't beat an even better Rinne at the other end. Nashville in five.
(P1) Anaheim Ducks vs. (P2) Edmonton Oilers
The good news for both teams is that their travel schedules are similar to round one. Anaheim swept Calgary in four games, in a series that was closer than the amount of games played indicates. What helped the Ducks end the series early was some not-so-good goaltending from Calgary. It shows in the stats, as Anaheim has 5 players (Ryan Getzlaf, Rickard Rackell, Shea Theodore (!), Kevin Bieksa (!!), and Nate Thompson (!!!)) at a point per game or better pace. The other series saw Edmonton need six games to get past San Jose. Edmonton was the better possession team in that series. It's no surprise that Connor McDavid leads the team offensively (four points in six games). Cam Talbot held the fort in goal, earning two shutouts in the series and finishing with a 0.927 SV% (which includes the five goals the Sharks scored in the 7-0 drubbing). Edmonton is a quicker team, which helped them get past San Jose, but Anaheim should be able to keep up with them. The Ducks defense is better (and should get a boost as Cam Flower may be back soon). The Oilers will likely win a few, but right now it's the Ducks for the taking. Anaheim in six.
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
Monday, April 24, 2017
2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions - Round 2
Eastern Conference
(A2) Ottawa Senators vs. (W1) New York Rangers
Brad: Ottawa Senators
MDK: Ottawa Senators
(M1) Washington Capitals vs. (M2) Pittsburgh Penguins
Brad: Pittsburgh Penguins
MDK: Pittsburgh Penguins
Western Conference
(C3) St. Louis Blues vs. (W2) Nashville Predators
Brad: Nashville Predators
MDK: Nashville Predators
(P1) Anaheim Ducks vs. (P2) Edmonton Oilers
Brad: Anaheim Ducks
MDK: Edmonton Oilers
After Round 1
Brad: 3-5
MDK: 4-4
Thursday, April 13, 2017
2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs - Round 1 Preview
A day late, but better than never. Here's a quick preview of each series.
(A1) Montreal Canadiens vs. (W1) New York Rangers
Ah yes, Carey Price vs. Chris Kreider round 4,324. The division-winning Canadians have been one of the hottest teams in the league since they hired Claude Julien as the head coach. There is a good team in front of Price, with Max Pacioretty leading the offense and Markov, Weber, and co. on the blueline. The only issue is if they ever give Alex Galchenyuk his rightful spot at center. It can be argued that New York has a slight advantage with forwards. The defense is another story, as their blueline has mostly been Ryan McDonagh and...well that's about it. Combined with Henrik Lundqvist showing his age (especially after last year's playoffs), it's hard to see the Rangers going too far. They'll win a few games, but it looks to be the Canadiens for the taking. Montreal in six.
(A2) Ottawa Senators vs. (A3) Boston Bruins
Ottawa is the higher seed, but the Bruins look to be the better team. Ottawa does have their weapons though, as Erik Karlsson once again leads the team in points, with Mark Stone and Mike Hoffman up front. Craig Anderson is pretty solid in net, and does show up in the playoffs. The Boston line of Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, and David Pasternak has been straight fire for the Bruins though, and they look to have more depth than Ottawa. Tuukka Rask is a solid goalie as well. Anderson may steal a game for the Sens, but the Bruins look to be the better overall team. Boston in six.
(M1) Washington Capitals vs. (W2) Toronto Maple Leafs
CAPS IN THREE!!! Joking, joking. While Washington is the favourite to win (and with good reason), due has to be given to Toronto. The Leafs team has a young core that can play, a couple of good veterans, and a great coach in Mike Babcock. The Presidents Trophy-winning Capitals are the most established team, with firepower aplenty, and a Vezina-winning goaltender in Braden Holtby. It seems like the time for this Caps team to finally break through to the third round, while the Leafs will be happy for the experience (for now). Washington in five.
(M2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (M3) Columbus Blue Jackets
This will be an interesting series. There is the usual Sidney Crosby vs. Brandon Dubinsky headline, but these teams can create a good series. Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Phil Kessel lead the offense for Pittsburgh, and Matt Murray has proven to be a starting goalie (who at the time of writing, is injured). Injuries do hurt the Penguins, especially losing defenseman Kris Letang. Columbus is no slouch though, as they do have some viable offensive weapons. Their defense does look a little better on paper, thanks to the emergence of Zach Werenski. Sergei Bobrovsky has also returned to Vezina form. Injuries do hinder the Penguins, but in the end they are the better team. Pittsburgh in seven.
(C1) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (W2) Nashville Predators
Usually every year it seems like there is one first round matchup were it feels like the winner of it will go on to the Cup. This is that series. Both teams are solid offensive and defensively. The difference may come down to goaltending. Last time the teams met, Corey Crawford was replaced by Scott Darling, who helped the Blackhawks win that series. This time around Crawford should be better. Pekka Rinne is the question mark, as his play has decreased over the years. It's a close one, but I can see the Blackhawks eeking it out in a long series. Chicago in seven.
(C2) Minnesota Wild vs. (C3) St. Louis Blues
Minnesota seems like the favourite and it's not too hard to see why. They have a more balanced attack and Devan Dubynk is pretty solid in goal (despite a recent sputter). Bruce Boudreau is also a damn good coach (just might want to avoid seven game series). St. Louis is a little more top heavy on the attack, led by Vladimir Tarasenko. The Blues are coming into the playoffs on a hot streak, so they have a bit of momentum. Still, the Wild look to be the better team, and I'm still not completely sold on Jake Allen backstopping the Blues to playoff success. Minnesota in six.
(P1) Anaheim Ducks vs. (W1) Calgary Flames
Talk about home advantage, the Flames haven't won in Anaheim since 2004. Despite this, Calgary has a team that can cause a few upsets. Led offensively by Johnny Gaudreau, rolling the 3M line, and having one of the best defense core in the league, Calgary should be poised for playoff success. Anaheim is still Anaheim though, and they are a pretty solid team. Ryan Getzlaf can still put up the points, Ryan Kesler looks to be regaining his form from years ago, and they also have a pretty good defense core. Despite the Flames having an edge in net (I like Brian Elliot over John Gibson), it seems like Calgary is still a year away from being a serious contender, while the Ducks Cup window is still open, even though it's a sliver. Anaheim in six.
(P2) Edmonton Oilers vs. (P3) San Jose Sharks
I guess all those first overall picks finally paid off, as the Oilers are back in the playoffs for the first time since their Cup run 2006. They will be in tough, as they face last year's finalist, the Sharks. Edmonton is lead by Connor McDavid and...well mostly McDavid (ok, Leon Draisaitl has been good as well). Cam Tablot has had a decent season in net for the Oilers. San Jose is still San Jose, with guys like Joe Thronton, Brent Burns, Joe Pavelski, and Logan Couture leading the way. The Sharks also have the better goalie in Martin Jones. Edmonton will get a few in the series, but San Jose will end up the winner. San Jose in six
(A1) Montreal Canadiens vs. (W1) New York Rangers
Ah yes, Carey Price vs. Chris Kreider round 4,324. The division-winning Canadians have been one of the hottest teams in the league since they hired Claude Julien as the head coach. There is a good team in front of Price, with Max Pacioretty leading the offense and Markov, Weber, and co. on the blueline. The only issue is if they ever give Alex Galchenyuk his rightful spot at center. It can be argued that New York has a slight advantage with forwards. The defense is another story, as their blueline has mostly been Ryan McDonagh and...well that's about it. Combined with Henrik Lundqvist showing his age (especially after last year's playoffs), it's hard to see the Rangers going too far. They'll win a few games, but it looks to be the Canadiens for the taking. Montreal in six.
(A2) Ottawa Senators vs. (A3) Boston Bruins
Ottawa is the higher seed, but the Bruins look to be the better team. Ottawa does have their weapons though, as Erik Karlsson once again leads the team in points, with Mark Stone and Mike Hoffman up front. Craig Anderson is pretty solid in net, and does show up in the playoffs. The Boston line of Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, and David Pasternak has been straight fire for the Bruins though, and they look to have more depth than Ottawa. Tuukka Rask is a solid goalie as well. Anderson may steal a game for the Sens, but the Bruins look to be the better overall team. Boston in six.
(M1) Washington Capitals vs. (W2) Toronto Maple Leafs
CAPS IN THREE!!! Joking, joking. While Washington is the favourite to win (and with good reason), due has to be given to Toronto. The Leafs team has a young core that can play, a couple of good veterans, and a great coach in Mike Babcock. The Presidents Trophy-winning Capitals are the most established team, with firepower aplenty, and a Vezina-winning goaltender in Braden Holtby. It seems like the time for this Caps team to finally break through to the third round, while the Leafs will be happy for the experience (for now). Washington in five.
(M2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (M3) Columbus Blue Jackets
This will be an interesting series. There is the usual Sidney Crosby vs. Brandon Dubinsky headline, but these teams can create a good series. Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Phil Kessel lead the offense for Pittsburgh, and Matt Murray has proven to be a starting goalie (who at the time of writing, is injured). Injuries do hurt the Penguins, especially losing defenseman Kris Letang. Columbus is no slouch though, as they do have some viable offensive weapons. Their defense does look a little better on paper, thanks to the emergence of Zach Werenski. Sergei Bobrovsky has also returned to Vezina form. Injuries do hinder the Penguins, but in the end they are the better team. Pittsburgh in seven.
(C1) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (W2) Nashville Predators
Usually every year it seems like there is one first round matchup were it feels like the winner of it will go on to the Cup. This is that series. Both teams are solid offensive and defensively. The difference may come down to goaltending. Last time the teams met, Corey Crawford was replaced by Scott Darling, who helped the Blackhawks win that series. This time around Crawford should be better. Pekka Rinne is the question mark, as his play has decreased over the years. It's a close one, but I can see the Blackhawks eeking it out in a long series. Chicago in seven.
(C2) Minnesota Wild vs. (C3) St. Louis Blues
Minnesota seems like the favourite and it's not too hard to see why. They have a more balanced attack and Devan Dubynk is pretty solid in goal (despite a recent sputter). Bruce Boudreau is also a damn good coach (just might want to avoid seven game series). St. Louis is a little more top heavy on the attack, led by Vladimir Tarasenko. The Blues are coming into the playoffs on a hot streak, so they have a bit of momentum. Still, the Wild look to be the better team, and I'm still not completely sold on Jake Allen backstopping the Blues to playoff success. Minnesota in six.
(P1) Anaheim Ducks vs. (W1) Calgary Flames
Talk about home advantage, the Flames haven't won in Anaheim since 2004. Despite this, Calgary has a team that can cause a few upsets. Led offensively by Johnny Gaudreau, rolling the 3M line, and having one of the best defense core in the league, Calgary should be poised for playoff success. Anaheim is still Anaheim though, and they are a pretty solid team. Ryan Getzlaf can still put up the points, Ryan Kesler looks to be regaining his form from years ago, and they also have a pretty good defense core. Despite the Flames having an edge in net (I like Brian Elliot over John Gibson), it seems like Calgary is still a year away from being a serious contender, while the Ducks Cup window is still open, even though it's a sliver. Anaheim in six.
(P2) Edmonton Oilers vs. (P3) San Jose Sharks
I guess all those first overall picks finally paid off, as the Oilers are back in the playoffs for the first time since their Cup run 2006. They will be in tough, as they face last year's finalist, the Sharks. Edmonton is lead by Connor McDavid and...well mostly McDavid (ok, Leon Draisaitl has been good as well). Cam Tablot has had a decent season in net for the Oilers. San Jose is still San Jose, with guys like Joe Thronton, Brent Burns, Joe Pavelski, and Logan Couture leading the way. The Sharks also have the better goalie in Martin Jones. Edmonton will get a few in the series, but San Jose will end up the winner. San Jose in six
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions - Round 1
The playoffs start tonight with five games on the docket. Here is our predictions for who will win the first round. Previews will be out tomorrow.
Eastern Conference
(A1) Montreal Canadiens vs. (W1) New York Rangers
Brad: Montreal Canadiens
MDK: Montreal Canadiens
(A2) Ottawa Senators vs. (A3) Boston Bruins
Brad: Boston Bruins
MDK: Ottawa Senators
(M1) Washington Capitals vs. (W2) Toronto Maple Leafs
Brad: Washington Capitals
MDK: Toronto Maple Leafs
(M2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (M3) Columbus Blue Jackets
Brad: Pittsburgh Penguins
MDK: Pittsburgh Penguins
Western Conference
(C1) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (W2) Nashville Predators
Brad: Chicago Blackhawks
MDK: Nashville Predators
(C2) Minnesota Wild vs. (C3) St. Louis Blues
Brad: Minnesota Wild
MDK: Minnesota Wild
(P1) Anaheim Ducks vs. (W1) Calgary Flames
Brad: Anaheim Ducks
MDK: Calgary Flames
(P2) Edmonton Oilers vs. (P3) San Jose Sharks
Brad: San Jose Sharks
MDK: Edmonton Oilers
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