Making predictions is more fun when you have at least some vested interest, but the Senators weren't able to make it happen this time around. I will get back to the soap opera that is the Senators tomorrow, but after all it is the eve of the Stanly Cup Playoffs.
So, with that being said, is it simply Dustin Brown's turn to accept the Cup from the Commish since Captain Serious did it last year in the Kings and Hawks seemingly endless (but only 5 year) game of hot potato with the Holy Grail? Or will some other contender step up and pry it from their hands?
For what it is worth, without an real in-depth breakdown (you can go to the author's pages for their respective teams for threat), here is what I think will happen over the next two months:
FIRST ROUND
EAST WASHINGTON vs PHILADELPHIA- As good as the Flyers have been of late to manage to pry their way into the final wild-card spot, the Captials have been coasting since January. Washington made the additions in the off-season (actually the last 2 off-seasons) and tweaked a bit during this season that have them in solid form. It might not be the year for Ovi & Co., but it won't be the Flyers that stop them.
CAPS in 5 ---
PITTSBURGH vs NEW YORK RANGERS - Pittsburgh is flowing with momentum and the scare that #2 goalie Matt Murray went down with injury in the last week has been tempered by the news that the return of #1 Marc-Andre Fleury is imminent. While past years suggest that might not be a good thing, based on Fleury's playoff problems, the Pens have to be more confident with him than Jeff Zatkoff between the pipes. The unlikely trio of Kessel, Bonino and Hagelin gives a bit of depth behind Sidney Crosby, who is back on top of his game after a slow start. The Rangers slowed down the stretch (or more accuratley watched Pittsburgh steam past them) but managed to hold off the Islanders for the divisional slot, which might not necessarily have been the most fortunate outcome.
PENS IN 6
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FLORIDA vs NEW YORK ISLANDERS
A very young Florida team is led by a couple of very grizzled veterans, and Roberto Luongo and Jaromir Jagr have seen it all. Their experience will be much needed, and heavily relied upon. Both teams have key injuries and the winning team might be the one who gets their key players back first. Vincent Trochek, Erik Gudbranson, Travis Hamonic are all close to returning and will be a boost to their respective clubs whether it is in the first game or later in the series. Tomas Griess will be making his first career playoff start for the Isles.
PANTHERS in 7
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TAMPA BAY vs DETROIT
It is a case of the injury riddled Lightning taking on the Red Wings, who were fortunate to even squeak into the playoffs to extend their streak to 25 years. The Lightning won't have Steven Stamkos or Anton Stralman and Tyler Johnson is questionable, but they should have Victor Hedman back in time for the opener. Detroit is shuffling their lineup and it looks like they will re-unite their veterans Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg on a line with Justin Abdelkader and run with that. This will be Jonathan Drouin's time to put up or shut up, as he will get the opportunity in the spotlight he has wanted with Stamkos (and possibly Johnson) out. Tampa's biggest edge is in goaltending, with Ben Bishop vs Jimmy Howard, and that will be the difference.
LIGHTNING in 6
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WEST
FIRST ROUND
DALLAS vs MINNESOTA
It is the former Minnesota franchise vs the current Minnesota franchise, and a case of run and gun against kitty bar the door. The Stars are the highest scoring team in the league, and that is without having had Tyler Seguin for the last month, and they may get him back for the start of the series. Jason Spezza is coming off another 30 goal season and his veteran experience will help the Stars. Minnesota has better goaltending, and if they have a shot at the upset Devan Dubnyk has to stand on his head. Dallas' special teams have a distinct edge, and there is too much firepower for the Wild to contend with.
STARS in 5
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CHICAGO vs ST. LOUIS
Is this the year all the hockey played, and roster changes made finally catches up to the Hawks? Can the Blues finally get over that hump? One of the most intriguing first round matchups and one with a lot of history. Patrick Kane had a year for the ages and Jonathan Toews is Jonathan Toews, but the Blues are hungry and Vladimir Tarasenko, Alex Steen and the rest don't have to take a back seat in terms of skill. The Blues are probably deeper up front and on the blue line, but the Hawks won a cup last year essentially playing 4D. Brian Elliott will be the starter for the Blues, something that still must send a shiver down the spines of Sens fans. This is going to be a war
BLUES in 7
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LOS ANGELES vs SAN JOSE
Another bitter feud and one that will be worth staying up late to watch. Joe Thornton has had a resurgent year and Logan Couture is back in form after his broken leg that ruined most of his season. The Kings went from Stanley Cup to missing the playoffs and they want the chalice back. Martin Jones will backstop the Sharks against the team that he played for until last year and won a cup with two years ago. A team that has been there, done that against a team that has disappointed year after year. It is also a battle of two likely Norris nominees (but not winners, that will be Erik Karlsson) in Brent Burns and Drew Doughty. This will go down to the wire and then some, but once again the little brother will come up at the short end of the stick.
KINGS in 7
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DUCKS vs PREDATORS
Who would have thought that the Ducks would be in this situation the way their season started? Two teams that everyone suggested that nobody would want to play in a 7 game series hook up in what could be an underrated series. Adding Ryan Johansen to Filip Forsberg has given the Predators some extra offensive confidence and Pekka Rinne had a bounce-back year. The Ducks showed their true colors down the stretch and won a race with the Sharks and Kings to avoid having a battle of Cali, at least for the first round.
DUCKS in 6
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CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS
PIT vs WAS
Two legends clash once again, but the supporting cast Ovi has been given is enough this time.
CAPS in 7
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FLA vs TB
The Sunshine Series, really would be a pick-em and might rely on how quickly Stamkos can return from the blood clot. If he can get back during this series, advantage Tampa.
BOLTS in 7
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STL vs DAL
Hitchcock finds a way to beat his former team, the one he led to a Cup in '99
BLUES in 6
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LA vs ANH
The Sharks take too much out of the Kings.
DUCKS in 6
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CONFERENCE FINALS
WSH vs TB
Caps overpower the Bolts
CAPS in 6
ANH vs STL
Its a toss up, but I give the Ducks a slight edge
DUCKS in 7
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STANLEY CUP FINAL
WAS vs ANH
Bruce Boudreau coaching against the team that he couldn't get over the hump. This is a deeper and more playoff made Caps team than he was ever given, and Barry Trotz has got the most out of them.
CAPS in 5
Not much of a surprise. The Capitals have floundered in playoffs before and could do it again. The veterans they brought in like Justin Williams and Mike Richards will lend a lot to leading the way and showing what needs to be done to win, and after all, if they get to a final deciding game, they have Mr. Game 7 in their back pocket (Williams).