The NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs are here, as this is the first time each Canadien team will be watching from home. All three California teams, both Florida teams, but none of the seven Canadien teams is pretty shocking. I originally was liking Montreal to start the season, but losing Price to injury was a big blow to their playoff hopes. Well when it comes to the first round, we have got some close matches as the excitement and playoffs beards grow.
First in the Eastern Conference you have the Panther(1) taking on the Islanders(W). With Jagr being the big story in the news so many times this season and the youngster Barkov, the Panthers will be a tough team to slow down. Tavavres had a great season with New York, but I am going to take the Panthers in six games.
The Lightning(2) are missing Stamkos as he is out due to surgery, while the Redwings(3) will be looking to get another cup, especially after their star Pavel Datsyuk announced he will be throwing in the towel once this season ends. I see the Redwings with their experience taking this series in seven games.
Ovechkin and the Capitals(1) came off unbeatable this year. Their offense was crazy, as Ovechkin reached the 50 goal mark with his hat trick. This is the only sweep I see happening, but I don't think they will have a problem with the Flyers(W) and are ready to go deep in the playoffs. Capitals take in four games.
The Penguins(2) are meeting up with their tough rival the New York Rangers(3) in the first round, as Crosby may not have started to hot but since December has been a big scorer. The name that really matters in this series however is Henrik Lundqvist. The guy is a beast, but he will need to stay consistent and shut down his opponents, as he plays for a team based on defense. With some strong goaltending, the Rangers win in seven.
On to the West, Stars(1) will be hosting the Wild(W). The Dallas Stars are full of weapons that bring home points and gives them the leads they need with the great defense and goaltending they have. It was no mistake that they took home the Western Conference. Seguin impressed me this year, as the veteran Spezza will be a huge contribution as well. Each team in the West will need to figure out how to slow these guys down if they want to make it to the Cup. Stars win in five games.
The Blues(2) are taking on the Blackhawks(3), as these two know each other very well. Playoff experience is going to be the difference maker here. Not to mention Patrick Kane being number one in the NHL in scoring. The Blues are a strong team, but it will be tough to stop that 46 goal scorer and their experienced offense. Blackhawks move on after seven games.
The Ducks (1) are meeting up against the Predators(W), as Anaheim gave up the least amount of goals this season between their two goaltenders Gibson and Anderson. The Predators did put some good points this season, lead by Neal and his 31 goals. Defense will dominate this series, as the Ducks take it in six games.
Finally the Kings(2) and Sharks(3) are back at it, as it is the Bay Area vs. LA yet again. The Sharks make the playoffs will a lot of expectations but never come through. Since they are taking on the experienced and previous successful Los Angeles Kings, you can't put any money on them. Quick has shown the world he knows how to win in the playoffs, as his confidence and experience should only mean that he is just getting better. Kings take it in five.
STANLEY CUP Prediction: Capitals over Kings in seven games.
We are a few days into the new NHL season and things are already getting crazy. I have had fun getting my sneak peak into a few teams, seeing some great moves and of course intense brawls. It will be tough to choose division winners this season, especially this early, but I got a pretty good idea of how teams will battle it out over the winter. Lets start in the Metropolitan, Rangers are already off to a four point lead with their 3-0 start to the year. I have a good feeling about the Rangers this year, with Lundqvist in the net you can always consider them in the game. Ovechkin and the Capitals are the best threat take the division #1 seat away from them. Alex and his team know how to get that puck in the back of the net, as they swarm the net and never give a goaltender a breather from shots. Also the Penguins and Islanders could be contenders, as Tavares and the Islanders have moved in to their new stadium and can continue to improve off their great burst from last season, while you never know what you'll get from Crosby and the Penguins. Seems one year they are hot and unstoppable, then next they are hurt and push overs. They are not a team I would put my money on, but I wouldn't be surprised to see them fighting at the top of the division. Overall I take the New York Rangers to come away witthe Metropolitan.
The Atlantic division should be fun, but I think it will be no competition as Stamkos and the Lightning should run away with it easily. Stamkos is coming into a free agent offseason, so he'll be looking great making sure he gets a huge paycheck from Tampa Bay or another team. The Lightning will only have one problem in their way, and that is Carey Price. I think the Canadiens are the only team that will be giving the Lightning a hard time when it holding the lead in the Atlantic mainly because of their man in the net. It will be interesting to see what kind of a difference Mike Babcock makes for the, shall I say seems like forever struggling Maple Leafs, as he visited the Red Wings and got a standing ovation a few days ago. I don't the Bruins did enough to improve their main defensive problems from last season, while the Panthers definitely did adjust things and should be better this year, but will need a little more time before they can be consistent enough to keep up to Stamkos.
The Central Division has the Cup Champs Blackhawks looking to come back and keep on winning, as they have run off with the trophy many times in the recent years. My friend was calling them the Yankees of the NHL the other day, as some appear to be getting sick of their success. Well I don't think they will take the division this season, as they started the season with a lot of drama and unneeded distractions. I think Nashville has got it this season, I really like Weber and I bet he hets the Norris this season. I think the Predators will fight a close division all season, but come away with it in the end. If your'e not feeling the Predators, I also think the Blues will be successful as they impressed me with a couple breakaways already on the season. Blackhawks will of course be in the fight as well, but sitting a top of the Central in my opinion with be Nashville thanks to their overall good offense, Rinne in the net, and a strong defense lead by Weber.
Going into the season, when it comes to the Pacific Division I was thinking Ducks all the way. Now I know its only been two games, but the team that has impressed me is the San Jose Sharks. The HSarks missed the playoffs for the first time in fifteen something years last season, but hey have this speed that the Kings couldn't keep up with while their new young goaltender Jones shut the door allowing only one goal against both the Kings and Ducks. Now its way to early to base a pick off of, but look for the Sharks to get back in the playoff picture and be a threat if that Jones goalie is able to keep up what I have seen so far. I think the Coyotes and Ducks will be the teams fighting for the top seat in this division. Kings and Canucks also wont make it easy, while the Flames impressed me last season and I don't know why any of that would back off. Overall I got to go with my gut and say the Ducks will win this one, but I think its the biggest toss up. The Cup will be decided by whoever is the hottest at the time and the streaky teams that may come away with it are the Capitals and Lightning thanks to the leadership and great skill both teams perform with.
The Atlantic division should be fun, but I think it will be no competition as Stamkos and the Lightning should run away with it easily. Stamkos is coming into a free agent offseason, so he'll be looking great making sure he gets a huge paycheck from Tampa Bay or another team. The Lightning will only have one problem in their way, and that is Carey Price. I think the Canadiens are the only team that will be giving the Lightning a hard time when it holding the lead in the Atlantic mainly because of their man in the net. It will be interesting to see what kind of a difference Mike Babcock makes for the, shall I say seems like forever struggling Maple Leafs, as he visited the Red Wings and got a standing ovation a few days ago. I don't the Bruins did enough to improve their main defensive problems from last season, while the Panthers definitely did adjust things and should be better this year, but will need a little more time before they can be consistent enough to keep up to Stamkos. 
The Central Division has the Cup Champs Blackhawks looking to come back and keep on winning, as they have run off with the trophy many times in the recent years. My friend was calling them the Yankees of the NHL the other day, as some appear to be getting sick of their success. Well I don't think they will take the division this season, as they started the season with a lot of drama and unneeded distractions. I think Nashville has got it this season, I really like Weber and I bet he hets the Norris this season. I think the Predators will fight a close division all season, but come away with it in the end. If your'e not feeling the Predators, I also think the Blues will be successful as they impressed me with a couple breakaways already on the season. Blackhawks will of course be in the fight as well, but sitting a top of the Central in my opinion with be Nashville thanks to their overall good offense, Rinne in the net, and a strong defense lead by Weber.
Going into the season, when it comes to the Pacific Division I was thinking Ducks all the way. Now I know its only been two games, but the team that has impressed me is the San Jose Sharks. The HSarks missed the playoffs for the first time in fifteen something years last season, but hey have this speed that the Kings couldn't keep up with while their new young goaltender Jones shut the door allowing only one goal against both the Kings and Ducks. Now its way to early to base a pick off of, but look for the Sharks to get back in the playoff picture and be a threat if that Jones goalie is able to keep up what I have seen so far. I think the Coyotes and Ducks will be the teams fighting for the top seat in this division. Kings and Canucks also wont make it easy, while the Flames impressed me last season and I don't know why any of that would back off. Overall I got to go with my gut and say the Ducks will win this one, but I think its the biggest toss up. The Cup will be decided by whoever is the hottest at the time and the streaky teams that may come away with it are the Capitals and Lightning thanks to the leadership and great skill both teams perform with.
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