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In this edition of the hotstove, we share our series predictions for the Stanley Cup Final.
Todd Cordell
I like the Capitals in 7.
They just out played the Lightning at 5v5 over the course of a lengthy series, which is very difficult to do, and have been surprisingly impressive in that game state throughout this run. They've actually controlled a larger percentage of the shot attempts and chances than the Golden Knights despite a tougher string of opponents. I think the Caps have a bit of an edge there.
I also think Marc-Andre Fleury is playing over his head. I mean, he owns a .947 save percentage through 15 games. Nobody is *that* good. If he slows down, the Golden Knights will look a lot more beatable.
I don't expect them to quietly go into the night by any means but I like Alex Ovechkin and co. to take care of business.
Adam French
I would really like to see Ovechkin win the Stanley Cup. Especially with the way the Caps have played this post season. They looked to be down and out against Columbus, only to climb back and kick them out. They stared down their biggest rivals and finally came away with a victory. They outplayed the Lightning the majority of the series and almost let Vasilevski steal it from them, but they got the job done.
The only problem is that there is another equal, if not more compelling, storybook team about to face them.
Vegas has been nigh unbeatable. They smoked the teams using an extremely physical and stringent game plan. Out "Kinging" the Kings. They beat the Sharks using their speed game and taking away the strongest element the Sharks used to beat the Ducks. Then, when the Jets were all but crowned the Western Conference Champions...let alone Cup Champions...the Knights run the table on them with masterful transitions and frustrating capitalization.
The Golden Knights have lost only three games in these playoffs. Three. Unbelievable. You watch the games and they're playing a near perfect team game. Add that to a Marc-Andre Fleury putting on one of the best performances by a goalie...ever and you have a Champion.
Watching the Caps vs Lightning after watching Vegas vs Jets showed me that every other team is just sloppy in comparison. I thought the Caps have done a good job in their own zone, but compared to the Knights, it's just not close.
I'm voting against my heart.
Golden Knights in 5.
Peter Tessier
My heart wants the Caps simply because I don’t like seeing generational talents like Ovechkin not get a ring. That being said betting against Vegas seems silly right now as everything is going there way. This one’s a coin flip for me as i’m going all gut feeling and no data.
Vegas in 6
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