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The 2013 NHL playoffs begin tomorrow which means it's time for playoff predictions.
Below are my picks for each of the four Western Conference series' and some reasoning as to why I picked each team.
1. Chicago Blackhawks vs. 8. Minnesota Wild
Prediction: Blackhawks in 5
The Blackhawks were the best team in the NHL all season long and they're loaded with fire power, depth, and experience. The Wild had the fewest goals for among all Western Conference playoff teams and allowed the most goals out of all Western Conference playoff teams. Ultimately, if the Blackhawks get even average goaltending, which I think they will, the Blackhawks will be too much to handle and make it a short series.
2. Anaheim Ducks vs. 7. Detroit Red Wings
Prediction: Ducks in 6
I like this Red Wings team, but I think the Ducks were a bad draw for them. The Wings aren't an overly physical team and don't have the depth we're accustomed to seeing and I think that will really hurt them in this series. The Red Wings defense isn't close to as good as it was, even last year, and when you're going up against a team with the likes of Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Bobby Ryan, Teemu Selanne, etc. that's not good news.
3. Vancouver Canucks vs. 6. San Jose Sharks
Prediction: Sharks in 7
The Sharks have been on fire since the trade deadline and I really like what I saw from them during the stretch run. Antti Niemi has been stellar in goal and the Sharks have been getting production from all four lines. If their defense holds up and they play as they did down the stretch, I think the Sharks can pull off the upset.
4. St. Louis Blues vs. 5. Los Angeles Kings
Prediction: Kings in 7
The Kings have pretty much the same team they did as last year when they won the Stanley Cup. They got off to a slow start this year but have been one of the top teams in the NHL since. They're a dominant puck possession team, they're loaded with talent all throughout their lineup and I think they have the better goaltender in Jonathan Quick. The Blues are a good puck possession team, too, and have a very impressive defense core, but I think the Kings will be too much to handle.
Do you agree or disagree with my predictions? Feel free to post yours in the comment section. I'll be back tomorrow with my Eastern Conference picks.
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The NHL draft lottery is tonight and the Devils have a 3% chance of winning it and moving up to 1st overall. I'll be back tonight with another blog should they win the lottery.
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