2015 Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions: Round 1

Minnesota Wild vs. St. Louis Blues

One of the more compelling match-ups of Round 1 includes the Central Division face-off between the Minnesota Wild (WC-1) and the St. Louis Blues (C-1). It has been well-noted that Minnesota has been one of the hottest teams in the league thanks in large part to the addition of Devan Dubnyk, who has given the team stability and confidence in net. The Wild wouldn’t have been here if it wasn’t for Dubnyk, who have gone 27-9-2 when he’s been in net.

The Blues on the other hand have been steady and a very good club over the course of the season, always near the top of the standings. St. Louis gained the most from the Nashville Predators stumbling, avoiding another match-up with the Chicago Blackhawks.

The season series between the Blue and the Wild is dead-even, with both teams netting two wins. If the regular season means anything, then we’re in for a long series.

On paper, the Blues and the Wild have given up the same amount of goals, 201. It would’ve been interesting to see Minnesota’s Goals Against if they had a full year of Dubnyk. The Blues have scored 17 more goals than the Wild (248:231).

With the emergence of Vladimir Tarasenko, who was 10th in the league in points with 73, and Kevin Shattenkirk fully healed from his injury, I expect the Blues to reach the 2nd round, something they haven’t done since the 2011-2012 season. I believe that the fantastic run of Devan Dubnyk is going to come to an end, as the Blues are simply too balanced. This is by no means going to be an easy series, but I’m taking the Blues. Blues in six.