Stanley Cup: Eastern Conference predictions
The Stanley Cup playoffs begin in earnest on the 15th of April, Wednesday. In this topic I will give a brief run-down on my thoughts on the Eastern Conference match-ups. I will follow this up with the Western Conference match-ups tomorrow night. I've already talked about the Penguins and Rangers series so I won't discuss that again, but instead I will concentrate on the other three in the East. Starting with;
Montreal Canadiens v Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators are the inform team at the moment having gotten into the playoffs of the back of the Hamburglar (Andrew Hammond). Hammond has put up some great numbers, a 1.79 GAA and .941 SV% in 24 games. The 20-1-2 record he managed to put up is the big reason why the Senators even made it to the play-offs. The Senators have had help up front though, mostly from Mark Stone who has had a breakout year and leads the Calder race. He combined with Hoffman has given the Senators an influx of youth exuberance. I think the biggest worry for the Senators will be the fact that this is the first play-offs for a few of their key players and nerves could play a part. If they remain composed and can continue their good form they could be a big threat.
Up the other end of the ice is the Montreal Canadiens who have enjoyed a spectacular season from Carey Price in net, setting a record for the most wins in a season in the process. Montreal are traditionally a tough team to play in the playoffs, buoyed by the rampant home crowd. With Subban having a great season in a strong defensive unit which saw them concede the joint fewest amount of goals in the season with the Blackhawks. The only problem for the Canadiens is that they are the joint worst offensive team to make it to the play-offs, along with the Penguins.
Prediction: Montreal 4-2 Ottawa
Tampa Bay Lightning v Detroit Red Wings
The Tampa Bay Lightning have chased the Montreal Canadiens all season at the top of the Atlantic and only missed out on the top spot by 2 points. The Lightning have enjoyed seeing some of their drafted prospects come big and have especially enjoyed the trio of Kucherov, Palat and Johnson who have each had their best seasons to date. All of them put up 60 + points and when you combine Stamkos and Filppula you have to admire the offensive options.
The playoffs wouldn't be the same without the Detroit Red Wings in what is their 24th straight post season appearance. They are firmly in first in that category. The Red Wings backed into the playoffs with a slump at the end of the season but two wins against the Hurricanes were enough in their last few games. The Red Wings are in transition with some of their old guard nearing the end and their new crop making their way through. I don't see the Red Wings making too much of a challenge against the Lightning. They're middle of the road in terms of defense at 16th with 221 goals conceded in the season. I think against the Lightning's offense they will struggle.
Prediction: Tampa 4-1 Detroit
Washington Capitals v New York Islanders
The Washington Capitals have had a good season and finished with more points than I thought they would. They've enjoyed the emergence of Evgeny Kuznetsov and Alex Ovechkin as ever has been dominant with another 50 goal season. The Capitals have some depth in scoring with players able to chip in at regular intervals but during the regular season they only had three players finish with 20 + goal seasons. Mike Green will be a player to watch on defence alongside Braden Holtby who has had a career year. The Capitals had a slight betterment over the Islanders in the regular season with the only regulation win in the four game series. They also earned 6 points as opposed to the Islanders 5. So it was close but slightly in favour of the Capitals.
The New Islanders are a fast team and are vastly different from the teams of two or three seasons ago. They have added pieces that have complemented their team well and have a strong offense which is capable of scoring at will, evidenced by them being the 4th highest scoring team over the course of the season. The problem for the Islanders has been their defence which is 22nd in the league and the worst playoff team in terms of goals conceded. Recently, Halak put in a great performance against the Penguins and if he can replicate that then the Islanders will be a much tougher team to face. One thing that is in the Islanders favour is the Nassau Coliseum. It gets loud and that will roar the players on.
Prediction: Washington 3-4 Islanders
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