2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Prediction Round 2

Minnesota Wild vs. Chicago Blackhawks

The Red-Hot Minnesota Wild (WC-1) and the Chicago Blackhawks (C-3) face-off once again in a rematch from last year’s Western Conference Semifinals. This is the 3rd match-up between the Central Division foes in the last 3 years. In 2014, we saw the Chicago Blackhawks eliminate the Wild in a tough 6 game series, with Patrick Kane netting the winner in OT.

The Wild are coming off of an impressive 6 game victory over the Blues, who once again failed to meet expectations. The postseason has not slowed down Devan Dubnyk and company, who are hoping that the 3rd times the charm. On the other end of the spectrum, the Hawks won a 6 game series of their own over the pesky Predators. It wasn’t easy as Chicago won games in triple and double overtime.

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The season series went to the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2. The Hawks took the first 3 games, followed by Minnesota taking the final 2. On paper, this appears as a very lopsided series. Chicago surely has more firepower  up front and on the blue line, and both goaltenders boast very good stats. The real question is what have you done for me lately?

Corey Crawford was benched for Scott Darling after an atrocious start to the series, but came up big when his team needed him the most in Game 6. Devan Dubnyk has been cool and steady since joining the Minnesota Wild, as no such controversy is relevant to the Wild. Both squads seem to be playing their best hockey at the most important time of the year. Can Minnesota’s hot streak carry them over to the Western Conference Finals?

In what I see being a fantastic and highly contested series, I’m going to take the Chicago Blackhawks. As I stated earlier, the Hawks are too talented up front and have too many weapons. The dull yet very effective style of the Minnesota Wild takes the Hawks to the limit, but just isn’t enough. Chicago will expose the flaws of Devan Dubnyk’s game. Hawks in 7.

Calgary Flames vs. Anaheim Ducks

Speaking of teams on fire, how about the Calgary Flames (no pun intended). The Flames scratched and clawed through a very physical and exciting series between the rival Canucks. This time around, the Flames (P-3) will face off against the dynamic duo of the Anaheim Ducks (P-1).

What more can you say about Calgary? They’re young, exhilarating, and also a pretty good hockey team. The Flames proved me wrong, they’re no fluke. Forget the injury to Captain Mark Giordano, these guys are awesome without him. Jonas Hiller faces off against his former team, which will surely be an interesting dynamic. On the other side of the match-up, those Anaheim Ducks are also pretty damn good.

The Ducks finished off the Winnipeg Jets in a tough 4 game series. Although it was a sweep, the Jets gave Anaheim lots of fits, and a few bounces here and there and we could have had a completely different story. Resiliency came into play for the Ducks just as it has all-year, fending off 3rd period leads and finding ways to win. The thing is, the Flames have also been just as resilient. Something has to give.

Here’s an interesting stat, the Anaheim Ducks have defeated the Calgary Flames 20 times IN A ROW at the Honda Center. I understand that both these teams had different rosters when this streak started but a 20 game winning streak at home is no joke.

In this series I’m going with the favorites, the Anaheim Ducks. Calgary has been playing great and deserves to be in this spot, but the Ducks are just too talented. The Flames simply don’t have an answer for Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf. I believe that Giordano’s injury will show this series, as the Flames fail to have a shutdown defense-men. Hudler-Monahan-Gaudreau will do their fair share, but Calgary simply doesn’t have the horses. Home-ice will play a huge role in this series. Ducks in 5.  

 Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers

After just squeaking by the Islanders, the Capitals (M-2) take aim at New York’s other team. The Rangers (M-1) who are coming off of a lackluster 5 game series win over the shorthanded Penguins, will need to play better against a much more talented Washington team.

The Washington Capitals, coming off of their best game of the postseason, must continue to keep it going against the Rangers. Braden Holtby had a very average series for the Caps and will need to elevate his game if the Caps want to advance. New York boasts a very talented and deep forward corps, and arguably the best all-around team in the final 8.

Taking a look at the season series, the Rangers went 3-1 against the Caps, winning each game by 2 goals. The last two times these teams played in the postseason, Washington was bested by New York both times in game 7.  The Washington Capitals have geared up for this moment, adding Brooks Orpik and Matt Niskanen during free agency. The Rangers made moves of their own, the biggest being the acquisition of Keith Yandle.

When comparing rosters, you have to give the goaltending edge to the Rangers. To Holtby’s credit, he’s had a fantastic year and can easily out duel King Henrik. I’m going with the guy who’s proven to do it consistently in Henrik Lundqvist. On the blue line, the Rangers boast a huge advantage as they have 6 very good defense-men. Up front, Washington wins the superstar battle with Ovechkin/Backstrom but the Rangers boast more depth and balanced scoring.

The big question will be whether or not the Rangers/Capitals can neutralize goal scoring leaders Rick Nash and Alex Ovechkin. In what I think will be a low scoring affair, I’m going to give a very slight edge to the Rangers. Rangers in 7.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadiens

Now we take a look into the final match-up of round 1, featuring the Tampa Bay Lightning (A-2) and the Montreal Canadiens (A-1). Montreal staved off elimination after a relentless comeback from the Senators that eventually saw them fall short. The Lightning had trouble of their own, inching by a veteran Red Wings club in game 7.

Tampa Bay struggled massively with the Detroit Red Wings, failing to get their offense going. Steven Stamkos was shut down all series as Tyler Johnson carried the load for the Bolts. The Canadiens on the other hand leaned on Vezina and Hart nominee Carey Price, who was unstoppable in the Habs series clinching game.

The Lightning swept the season series against the Habs 5-0. Tampa Bay didn’t just dominate the season series, they single-handedly showed they were the better team. Montreal swept the Bolts in the postseason just a year ago, with Ben Bishop sidelined due to an injury. The bad news for Montreal fans is that Ben Bishop is healthy and Tampa Bay has revenge on their mind.

This series will be decided based off of the play of Steven Stamkos. If Stamkos lays an egg against Montreal and plays like he did in Round 1, the Canadiens will take the series. This has to be the main focus for Montreal, using the blueprint that Detroit drew up. Carey Price played well in Round 1 but will have to play even better against the Lightning.

I expect this to be an emotional and intense series as a rivalry is starting to brew. Although Tampa Bay struggled in round 1, they are too talented to lose to a mediocre Montreal team. Steven Stamkos will be back and the Habs just doesn’t have enough scoring depth. Carey Price will be fantastic as usual, but it won’t be enough. Bolts in 6.

Please post your predictions below as I would love to hear them!