2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions - Stanley Cup Final

Stanley Cup Final

(M2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (W2) Nashville Predators

Brad: Nashville Predators
Starting with Pittsburgh, they beat the Columbus Blue Jackets in five games, then went the distance against the Washington Capitals and the Ottawa Senators. The forwards are mostly in tact, and are led by the usual crew of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Phil Kessel is also racking up the points, while Jake Guentzel is tied for the lead in goals. The defense is getting by without Kris Letang, with Justin Schultz leading the way. There is a switch in goal, as Matt Murray has recovered from his injury to be the starter again, while Marc-Andre Fleury is again the backup.

Nashville swept the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round, then disposed of the St. Louis Blues and the Anaheim Ducks in six games each. Up front, Filip Forsberg leads the team with 15 points. The offense took a big hit last round, as Ryan Johansen was injured. The defensive has been the bread and butter for the Predators, as the four-headed monster of P.K. Subban, Ryan Ellis, Roman Josi, and Mattias Ekholm have gotten it done at both ends of the ice. Pekke Rinne has been pretty solid between the pipes throughout these playoffs.

It's a battle between offense and defense, with Pittsburgh having the upper hand offensively and Nashville's defense being head-and-shoulder better. It could be argued that Pittsburgh has a slight edge in goal, assuming Murray is fully healed. Nashville is the more rested team, which may help early on in the series. Pittsburgh just won it last year, so they do know what it takes. I'm guessing a long series, with a new champion. Nashville Predators in seven.

MDK: Nashville Predators
The Stanley Cup Final is finally upon up as the Nashville Predators make their Final debut against the defending champions Pittsburgh Penguins. If I had to pick a team to win the Cup, it would be Nashville. This team really shows that they have the chemistry and the playing style to beat Pittsburgh for their first Cup.

After Round 3
Brad: 9-5
MDK: 8-6

2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs - Round 3 Preview

(M2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (A2) Ottawa Senators

At the beginning of the playoffs, this series would be in the Penguins favour, now it looks to be more of a toss-up. The Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Columbus Blue Jackets in five games before beating rival Washington Capitals in a seven game battle. Offensively, it has been Jake Guentzel whose found the back of the net most often, as he leads the playoffs with nine goals. Evgeni Malkin leads the playoffs with 18 points, while Sidney Crosby and Phil Kessel have also reached the double-digit mark. The defense has managed without Kris Letang, with Justin Schultz leading the way from the backend. Marc-Andre Fleury has ran hot-and-cold in these playoffs, but has posted a respectable 0.927 SV%. The Ottawa Senators have beating an injured Boston Bruins squad and a not-too-good New York Rangers team, both in six game series. It's been Pageau-mania up front, with the forward scoring seven times. Bobby Ryan and Derick Brassard lead the forwards with nine points each. The defense has been all Erik Karlsson, as he has done nearly everything for this team. Karlsson leads the team with 13 points. Craig Anderson has had a few bad games in net, resulting in a somewhat disappointing 0.914SV%. It kind of is a coin flip between the two, especially with both star players playing hurt (Crosby with the possible issues from a concussion, Karlsson with his foot). Pittsburgh may have a slight edge in depth players, which can help in a long series. Pittsburgh Penguins in seven.

(P1) Anaheim Ducks vs. (W2) Nashville Predators
The only two teams to sweep their first round opponents face each other for a chance to go to the Cup Final. The Anaheim Ducks eliminated Alberta (Calgary first, then Edmonton). Ryan Getzlaf has been a force through the playoffs for the Ducks, posting a 8-7-15 stat line. Jacob Silfverberg and Rickard Rackell have also been filling the net. Defensively, it has been their young crop (Josh Manson, Shea Theodore, and Brandon Montour) helping out while Cam Fowler and Sami Vatanen missed time. In the words of a former Maple Leaf coach, John Gibson has been "OK, just OK" in net for the Ducks. The Anaheim goaltender has a 0.907 SV% through two rounds (granted, one blowout loss has skewed the number somewhat). For the Nashville Predators, they went through the Midwest in their two rounds (Chicago and St. Louis). While no one on the team has reached double-digits in points, there were still able to get the offense they need to get this far. Their defensemen have been solid at both ends, thanks the four-headed monster of P.K. Subban, Ryan Ellis, Roman Josi, and Mattias Ekholm. Pekke Rinne has continued to be great in these playoffs, posting a 0.951 SV%. Overall, Nashville's defense and goaltending has been slightly better, and that may be enough to fend off Anaheim's attack. Nashville Predators in six.

2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Series Review: (M1) Washington Capitals vs. (W2) Toronto Maple Leafs

Game 1 saw Toronto jump into a 2-0 lead, thanks to goals by Mitch Marner and Jake Gardiner in the first half of the first period. Justin Williams would break the shutout minutes later, finding the back of the net. Williams again struck in the second to tie the game. Washington's offense picked up steam in the third, but the game remained deadlock. In what ended up being a running theme of this series, overtime was needed. The extra frame lasted just over five minutes, as Tom Wilson's shot found it's way past Frederik Andersen, winning the game for Washington. The Capitals came out firing in Game 2, but again it was the Leafs to struck first. James van Riemsdyk scored late in the first to put Toronto in the lead. The second saw a couple of lead changes, as a pair of Washington goals put them out front. The lead lasted all of three minutes, as a late period surge by Toronto saw them score twice to take back the lead. Washington pressed for a tying goal in the third, and would get it thanks to Nicklas Backstrom. Not just one, but two overtime periods were needed to find a winner. Brian Boyle's pass from behind the net found Kasperi Kapanen, who snapped it past an unsuspecting Braden Holtby. The series was tied heading into Toronto. Game 3 saw the Capitals strike early, scoring twice in the first five minutes. Auston Matthews scored later in the period to put the Leafs on the board. The Capitals restored the two goal lead in the second thanks to Evgeni Kuznetsov. That lead didn't last until the end of the period, as the Leafs scored twice before the buzzer went. Toronto's offense pressed in the third, but failed to score. It wasn't the case in overtime, as a Capitals penalty resulted in Tyler Bozak redirecting a pass into the net to give the Leafs the win and series lead. Washington didn't take the defeat lying down, as they came out firing in Game 4. The first period saw the Capitals find the back of the net four times, as they headed into the intermission up 4-1. While the second period was a slow one for the Leafs, van Riemsdyk did score to decrease the deficit to two. Toronto went on the attack in the third, and were rewarded with a Matthews goal. The celebration didn't last long, as T.J. Oshie scored to restore the two-goal lead. A late goal by Bozak was all for naught, as the Capitals win and tie the series back up. The first period in Game 5 was slower than the last game, as Oshie scored the lone goal of the period. Matthews goal six minutes into the second tied the game. Chances would be exchanged, but nothing would be solved until overtime. A minute into the extra frame, Williams ended it with a shot from the slot. Game 6 was blank until the third, when goals by Matthews (Leafs) and Marcus Johansson (Capitals) scored five minutes apart.  For the fifth time this series, 60 minutes wasn't enough. It would be Johansson, with his second of the game, to end both the game and the series. The Washington Capitals needed six games to eliminate the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Games

Toronto Maple Leafs 2 - Washington Capitals 3 (OT)
Toronto Maple Leafs 4 - Washington Capitals 3 (2OT)
Washington Capitals 3 - Toronto Maple Leafs 4 (OT)
Washington Capitals 5 - Toronto Maple Leafs 4
Toronto Maple Leafs 1 - Washington Capitals 2 (OT)
Washington Capitals 2 - Toronto Maple Leafs 1 (OT)

Three Thoughts on the Series (Sponsored by a Leaf Fan)

1. BUDS
2. ALL
3. DAY

Picture of the Series

#DARTGUY

(Original image via @felixpotvin)

Highlight of the Series

Nice pass by Brian Boyle on the Kasperi Kapanen overtime-winning goal.

2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions - Round 3

Eastern Conference

(M2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (A2) Ottawa Senators

Brad: Pittsburgh Penguins
MDK: Ottawa Senators

Western Conference

(P1) Anaheim Ducks vs. (W2) Nashville Predators

Brad: Nashville Predators
MDK: Nashville Predators

After Round 2
Brad: 7-5
MDK: 7-5

2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Series Review: (A2) Ottawa Senators vs. (A3) Boston Bruins

It took a little while, but Ottawa would open the scoring in Game 1 with a second period goal. The third period belonged to Boston though, as the Bruins scored twice en route to taking Game 1. Just like last game, Game 2 scoring started in the second (this time with the Bruins striking first). Boston built up a 3-1 lead before Ottawa scored twice in the third to tie the game. It took two minutes in the extra frame for Dion Phaneuf to end it on a point shot and tie the series. Game 3 saw Ottawa score twice in the first, taking just 25 seconds between goals. The Senators added one more in the second, then the Bruins came back. Boston added two quick goals, and tied the game before the second period ended. Overtime was once again needed, and it was again a short one. This time, it was Bobby Ryan who won it for the Senators. Ottawa kept their winning ways going in Game 4, thanks to a 22-save shutout by Craig Anderson and Ryan scoring the lone goal of the game. Ottawa looked to close the series in Game 5, scoring once in the first and again early in the second. Boston managed to tie the game up before the period ended. The game stayed tied through the third, and an overtime period. The game ended in the second overtime, with Sean Kurlay scoring his second of the game. Ottawa dominated possession to start Game 6, but it was Boston who got on the board first. The Senators efforts would pay off in the second, as they scored twice to take the lead. Boston picked it up to start the third, resulting Patrice Bergeron scoring to tie the game. For a fourth time, a game would be resolved in overtime. A penalty by Boston in the extra frame sealed their fate. Clarke MacArthur scored on the man advantage, winning the game for Ottawa. The Ottawa Senators eliminated the Boston Bruins in six games, and move on to the next round.

Games

Boston Bruins 2 - Ottawa Senators 1
Boston Bruins 3 - Ottawa Senators 4 (OT)
Ottawa Senators 4 - Boston Bruins 3 (OT)
Ottawa Senators 1 - Boston Bruins 0
Boston Bruins 3 - Ottawa Senators 2 (2OT)
Ottawa Senators 3 - Boston Bruins 2 (OT)

Three Thoughts on the Series

1. Kind of amazing that Boston could not register a shot in the second period of Game 1, then went on to win the game.
2. Poor Riley Nash. Should have been both him and Bobby Ryan going to the box in overtime. Instead, it was just him for retaliating while Ryan scored on the powerplay to win the game.
3. It was nice to see Clarke MacArthur get the series-winning goal after a long road back from a concussion.

Picture of the Series

Shot:

Chaser:

Highlight of the Series

It was a nice goal by Hoffman, but man that pass from Karlsson is the real highlight.

(video via Sportsnet)

2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Series Review: (P2) Edmonton Oilers vs. (P3) San Jose Sharks

The Oilers got off to a good start in Game 1, scoring twice in the first period. The Sharks would start taking control in the second, leading to goals in the second and third period. Overtime lasted a couple minutes, as Melker Karlsson scored to win the game for San Jose. That was the last goal Cam Talbot allowed for a while, as he shut the door in Games 2 and 3, stopping a total of 39 shots. The Oilers didn't need much to win those games, as Zach Kassian registered the game winners in both low-scoring affairs (Connor McDavid also go a goal in game 2). The scripted was flipped in Game 4, as the Sharks made up for their lack of scoring in the two previous games. Five different Sharks scored, while Martin Jones stopped 23 shots in the 7-0 drubbing of the Oilers. Back in Edmonton for Game 5, the Oilers would strike first, but it was the Sharks who ended the opening frame in the lead. San Jose added another one in the second. Edmonton started to claw back, and goals in the second and third help them tie the game. The second overtime game of the series lasted longer, with David Desharnais scoring 18 minutes into the extra period to win the game for Edmonton. The Oilers looked to close out the series in Game 6, and came out firing. They eventually broke through in the second, scoring two quick goals. San Jose picked up their play shortly after, and would get on the board in the third period. It would not be enough, as Cam Talbot didn't let anything by him the rest of the way. McDavid added an empty netter to cap off the game and series. The Edmonton Oilers beat the San Jose Sharks in six games.

Games

San Jose Sharks 3 - Edmonton Oilers 2 (OT)
San Jose Sharks 0 - Edmonton Oilers 2
Edmonton Oilers 1 - San Jose Sharks 0
Edmonton Oilers 0 - San Jose Sharks 7
San Jose Sharks 3 - Edmonton Oilers 4 (OT)
Edmonton Oilers 3 - San Jose Sharks 1

Three Thoughts on the Series

1. The Oilers charged $80 for a ticket to the concourse, for $79.99 an Oilers fan could come over and I'd let them watch the game here. 
2. The Oilers charged $80 for a ticket to the concourse, guess Katz needs to up his offer for "companionship".
3. The Oilers charged $80 for a ticket to the concourse, for *gets yanked from the keyboard*

Picture of the Series

GRETZKY FACE!

Highlight of the Series

Oscar Kelfbom's goal in Game 1. It may not be the highlight, but it deserves mention since it's the first Oilers playoff goal since their 2006 Cup run.

2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Series Review: (A1) Montreal Canadiens vs. (W1) New York Rangers

The series started unexpectedly, as Tanner Glass opened the scoring in Game 1. The rest of the way was Carey Price and Henrik Lundqvist, as both netminders stopped what came at them. An empty netter would seal a Rangers victory for Game 1. Game 2 saw more goals in the first than the total of Game 1, with the Canadiens up 2-1 after 20 minutes. It turned in the second when the Rangers scored twice to take the lead. Montreal poured on the pressure, which would be rewarded very late in the game. Tomas Plekanec deflected a Alex Radulov pass into the Rangers net with 18 seconds left in regulation. Overtime was needed, where Radulov snuck the puck past Lundqvist to tie the series. Game 3 saw Montreal play arguably their best game of the series, and were rewarded as such. A goal in the second and two in the third (including a highlight one by Radulov) was more than enough to beat the Rangers, who did managed to break the shutout late in the game. New York did rebound in Game 4, opening the scoring in the first. Montreal did managed to tie the game up later in the period. Rick Nash broke the deadlock in the second, and his goal would stand as the game winner. The Rangers win tied the series at 2-2. Game 5 was similar to Game 2, in that the Canadiens outscored the Rangers 2-1 in the first period. Montreal would keep up the attack, but it was New York who managed to score in the second period, tying the game. Chances were exchanged, but overtime was eventually needed. The game would end when Chris Keider's shot was deflected and found a streaking Mika Zibanejad, who snapped it past a sliding Price. Facing elimination, it was Alexei Emelin who opened the scoring for the Canadians in Game 6. The second period was the Mats Zuccarello show, as the Norwegian forward scored twice in the period. Montreal did try to tie the game, but Lundqvist stood in the way. An empty netter by the Rangers assured victory for them. The New York Rangers beat the Montreal Canadiens in six games.

Games

New York Rangers 2 - Montreal Canadiens 0
New York Rangers 3 - Montreal Canadiens 4 (OT)
Montreal Canadiens 3 - New York Rangers 1
Montreal Canadiens 1 - New York Rangers 2
New York Rangers 3 - Montreal Canadiens 2 (OT)
Montreal Canadiens 1 - New York Rangers 3

Three Thoughts on the Series

1. The Rangers were a Jekyll and Hyde team. They could turn it on one minute, then turn into a pumpkin the next.
2. To all the Habs fans wanting to trade Price because of this series: Did you even watch this series?!?!
3. Nice to see the leadership of Weber gloriously lead the Canadiens all the way to a first round exit in six games.

Picture of the Series

It's cool that the NHL brought back the rover position.

Highlight of the Series

RADULOV!

2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Series Review: (C2) Minnesota Wild vs. (C3) St. Louis Blues

While starting in Minnesota, it was St. Louis who opened that series scoring (thanks to Vladimir Sobotka). The Wild started to pour it on, but it wasn't until the late minute of the third when Zach Parise scored to tie the game and forced overtime. The game ended late into the fourth period, with Vladimir Tarasenko doing the work and Joel Edmundson finishing the play. The Wild took control in Game 2, but it was the Blues who again scored first. The Wild did tie the game, this time late in the second period. Despite the Wild's best efforts, they could not get anything by Jake Allen. Jaden Schwartz's goal late in the third was enough, as St. Louis won another game by the score of 2-1. Game 3 in St. Louis saw the home team strike early and keep up the attack. Minnesota did tie the game in the second, but St. Louis scored moments later to retake the lead. From there it was much of the same, with the Wild controlling the puck while the Blues hung on. An empty netter capped off the game, as St. Louis needed one more win to move on. Facing elimination, Minnesota started out on the attack and kept it up. Their efforts led to Charlie Coyle scoring late in the first period. Martin Hanzal added one in the second, and Devan Dubnyk stopped 28 of 28 shots, as the Wild shut out the Blues 2-0 to starve off elimination. Game 5 saw St. Louis build up a two-goal lead in the first before Minnesota managed to get one back before the period ended. Paul Stastny's third period goal extended the Blues lead. The Wild's offense started firing soon after, as they potted two goals to tie the game. Overtime lasted about 10 minutes, with Magnus Paajarvi scoring to end the series. Jake Allen was the star for the St. Louis Blues, as his play helped them finish off the Minnesota Wild in five games.

Games

St. Louis Blues 2 - Minnesota Wild 1 (OT)
St. Louis Blues 2 - Minnesota Wild 1
Minnesota Wild 1 - St. Louis Blues 3
Minnesota Wild 2 - St. Louis Blues 0
St. Louis Blues 4 - Minnesota Wild 3 (OT)

Three Thoughts on the Series

1. Uh, Boudreau may want to rethink this quote (although, it is amazing that his team won that game).
2. Seriously, when did Jake Allen turn into Ken Dryden?
3. (Goes to last year's post, CTRL+C, CTRL+V) Poor Bruce Boudreau.

Picture of the Series

Again, Jake Fricken Allen! (There are better pictures, but this one will work)

Highlight of the Series

The Blues overtime goal in the first game was nice. Tarasenko does the work, Edmundson streaks in and finishes the play.

2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Series Review: (C1) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (W2) Nashville Predators

The star of the first two games of the series was Pekka Rinne. The Nashville goaltender escaped Chicago stopping all 59 shots he faced. On the offensive end, only Viktor Arvidsson managed to get a goal in the first game. The second game saw five different Predators find the back of the net. Rinne's shutout streak would end in the second period of Game 3, as Dennis Rasmussen scored 1:05 into the middle frame to put Chicago on the board for the first time in the series. Patrick Kane added on ten minutes later to make it 2-0 Blackhawks. The home team kept up their attack though, and would try the game thanks to Filip Forsberg's two-goal effort in the third. Kevin Fiala ended the game 16 minutes into the extra frame, beating Corey Crawford with a backhander. Nashville kept up the attack in Game 4, with Roman Josi opening the scoring midway through the second. Colton Sissons added to the lead in the third when his shot managed to get caught in Crawford's blocker, got loose, and trickled into the net in a contender for weirdest goal of the playoffs. Josi added another moments later. Jonathan Toews got one late for Chicago, but that's all they could muster. An empty net goal by the Predators sealed it. The Nashville Predators pull off an unlikely sweep of the Chicago Blackhawks to move on to the second round.

Games

Nashville Predators 1 - Chicago Blackhawks 0
Nashville Predators 5 - Chicago Blackhawks 0
Chicago Blackhawks 2 - Nashville Predators 3 (OT)
Chicago Blackhawks 1 - Nashville Predators 4

Three Thoughts on the Series

1. Out of all the series, this was probably the only one I couldn't see a sweep happening...but it did.
2. Credit to Pekka Rinne, who got the shutout in the first two game and only let in three goals all series.
3. I guess Subban's lack of character hindered the Predators so much they needed four games to make it to the next round (No, you're still bitter about that trade)

Picture of the Series

Pekka Rinne gets back in time to stop a clearing attempt from going into an empty net.

Highlight of the Series

Crawford own goal. Man, that is brutal, just falls out of the blocker and into the net.

2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Series Review: (M2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (M3) Columbus Blue Jackets

The series didn't start well for the Penguins. Already missing Kris Letang, Matt Murray would go off during Game 1's warm-up. This put Marc-Andre Fleury back between the pipes, and it ended up paying dividends. Fleury only let up a goal in both the first two games, as Pittsburgh went on to win 3-1 and 4-1 despite Columbus being the better possession team. Game 2 didn't end peacefully, as Matt Calvert cross-checked and hit Tom Kuhnhackl, earning him a one game suspension. Transitioning to Columbus, the floodgates would open. Game 3 saw four goals in six minutes, with the Blue Jackets leading 3-1. The Penguins eventually took over and fought their way into the lead in the third. Brandon Dubinsky scored minutes later to tie the game. Overtime was needed, and saw Sidney Crosby feed Jake Guentzel, who capped off his hat-trick. Facing eliminating in Game 4, the Blue Jackets managed to build a -0 lead before the shutout was broken. Despite Pittsburgh's best efforts, Columbus kept in control, eventually winning the game 5-4 for their first regulation playoff win in franchise history. Back in Pittsburgh, the Penguins looked to close out the series. They built a 3-0 lead before Columbus came back with two goals in the second. Pittsburgh scored twice in the third and held on to win 5-2. The Pittsburgh Penguins got by the Columbus Blue Jackets in five games.

Games

Columbus Blue Jackets 1 - Pittsburgh Penguins 3
Columbus Blue Jackets 1 - Pittsburgh Penguins 4
Pittsburgh Penguins 5 - Columbus Blue Jackets 4 (OT)
Pittsburgh Penguins 4 - Columbus Blue Jackets 5
Columbus Blue Jackets 2 - Pittsburgh Penguins 5

Three Thoughts on the Series

1. The Columbus Dispatch was going to give away a crying Crosby mask, then cancelled it. First: it's really dumb to do the "whining Crosby" thing now. Second: they got the tears wrong, they are tears of laugher after how Crosby has dominated them in this series.
2. Matt Calvert should have gotten more than a game. At least one for the cross-check and another for the second hit.
3. Congrats to the Blue Jackets for winning their first playoff game in regulation.

Picture of the Series

Werenski after getting hit by the puck.

Highlight of the Series

Jake Guentzel gets his hat-trick in overtime. Full credit to Crosby on the play, who shows the definition of puck protection on this play.

2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Series Review: (P1) Anaheim Ducks vs. (W1) Calgary Flames

The series started in Anaheim, where Calgary has struggled since 2004. It looked like the Flames would stop their losing streak in the Southern California city when they made it a 2-1 game midway through the second. The Ducks had other plans, scoring twice moments later and keep the third period scoreless, as Anaheim took the first game 3-2. Anaheim started stronger in Game 2, scoring twice early in the game. Calgary fought their way back to tie the game, but a late penalty in the third seal their fate. Ryan Getzlaf scored on the man advantage, as the Ducks won another 3-2 game. Going to Calgary, Game 3 was the Flames to lose. The outscored the Ducks 2-1 in the first and second period. Things changed in the third, starting with Nate Thompson tipping a shot past Brian Elliot that might have been a high stick (the goal would stand). A late goal tied the game, and Corey Perry put it away 1:30 into overtime. Game 4 didn't start well for the Flames. Elliot let up a goal five minutes into the game, and was pulled for Chad Johnson. He didn't fare much better, getting scored on the second shot he faced. The Flames got one back in the second, but despite their efforts, remained the only time they found the back of the net. An empty net capped the game and the series. The Anaheim Ducks swept the Calgary Flames in four game to move on to the second round.

Games

Calgary Flames 2 - Anaheim Ducks 3
Calgary Flames 2 - Anaheim Ducks 3
Anaheim Ducks 5 - Calgary Flames 4 (OT)
Anaheim Ducks 3 - Calgary Flames 1

Three Thoughts on the Series

1. Obligatory: IT WAS 4-1 (Game 3)
2. Flames may want to look into an exorcist for their woes in Anaheim.
3. The hunt for "Mr. Flames" is still ongoing.

Picture of the Series

What's with Calgary and controversial goals against in the playoffs?

Highlight of the Series

The last we might see of Brian Elliot in a Flames jersey (as a side note, why even start him in Game 4 if he had basically no room for error).