If you are reading this article it is safe to say you read the article last week giving an outline on what the writer believed would be the outcome of the Stanley Cup Playoffs this year. While reading, you probably thought to yourself, does this person watch hockey? Naming the LA Kings as the champions when they are already struggling in the first round, crazy. So, here I am to tell you what will actually happen during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, as last year my prediction article yielded 14 out of 15 correct picks, with the incorrect one being a tough first round match. Time for some real hockey.
As we have seen in the Western Conference so far, the Sharks are handing it to the Kings currently, as expected by (almost) everyone. Therefore, I have the Predators and the Sharks moving on to round two, consistent with the play so far. To no surprise, I have a feeling the wildcard Wild will fall to the Stars and, shockingly, I do not think we will see last year’s champs take down the Blues. Our round two match-ups featuring the Stars against Blues and Predators against Sharks will send the Blues and Sharks into a round 3, sending the Sharks to the Stanley Cup final the represent the Western Conference.
The Eastern Conference does have some tricky first round matchups this year. Nonetheless, whoever would think the Rangers would beat the Penguins in the first round and go all the way to the final should get an award be being the most die-hard fan ever (cough cough). With that being said, the Penguins and the Capitals will both make it through the first round as two strong teams. On the other side of things, the two Florida teams, the Panthers and Lightning, will both come out of the first round. While there are rumors that Steven Stamkos could make a return, it is not guaranteed and I feel that the Panthers will be able to come out on top either way. His return is possible, but it would be a full return in spirit and a partial return in strength, which is not enough to keep going. As for the round two match up with the Capitals and the Penguins, that is a tough one. After a lot of going back and forth, I feel that the Penguins will be the one to come out on top, and will beat the Capitals and then the Panthers to go on for a spot in the Stanley Cup final representing the Eastern Conference.
The final round is a no brainer, Penguins over the Sharks. Last winning the Stanley Cup in 2009, this will sure be a big year for them if they win, making Pittsburgh proud. So there you have it, another look at what will most likely follow the first round this year. All we can do now is sit back and watch the games unfold to see who actually comes on top. While my bracket was on point last year, I will say nothing can be guaranteed this year, beginners luck can only get you so far. Only time will tell, and who knows, maybe the Kings will win (but probably not).