So here we are! It's that time of year again and for once (as a Leaf fan) I get to see my team in the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs. This is always one of my favourite times of the year. Every team starts with a clean slate, every team is on even terms. Whether you're the first seed of the eighth seed, every team has the opportunity to make it to the big dance and get their names inscribed not just on the Cup itself, but also in the annals of history. Sure this may be a short season, but that doesn't reduce in any way the power of Lord Stanley's Mug.
I do not pretend to be an expert on predictions as my first round predictions last year were, well, a little off and I will be honest in saying that. When it comes to the Western Conference specifically, I'm kind of reaching as I do not watch very many games. The East I know a little more about, but that doesn't make me any more accurate. So enough said, here they are.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Minnesota Wild
Given how good the Blackhawks were all year and being heavily favoured to win the Cup, I don't think it's a stretch to say Chicago makes it through to the next round. Both cities have a rockin' crowd and I believe that will get Minnesota at least one win at home. The Wild don't score that many goals in a game, and with Chicago's defence to contend with, I don't think they have enough to make it through. Blackhawks win the series 4-1.
Anaheim Ducks vs. Detroit Red Wings
It can't be denied that the Red Wings have the experience advantage in the playoffs over, well, every other team. Detroit and Post-season are synonymous with each other and I believe are ahead overall against the Ducks. While it's true this may not be the same Anaheim team that swept the Red Wings years ago, they have earned their second spot thanks to solid goaltending so I pick the Anaheim Ducks to win the series 4-2.
Vancouver Canucks vs. San Jose Sharks
Vancouver comes off the heels of another very successful season and once again made the playoffs. It looks like Cory Schneider will get the nod this year, which may be a surprise, but I believe he is more than capable. Vancouver tends to do well (until the Cup is on the line) early in the playoffs so I pick them to win the series 4-2.
St. Louis Blues vs. Los Angeles Kings
The Kings are looking to defend their Stanley Cup Title from last year, but they won't surprise anyone this year with the team looking nearly the same. The Blues know who to watch for and how to prepare and with their excellent goaltending, they will be a force to be reckoned with. I believe this to be the only series in the West to go seven games and I believe it will be a joy to watch. I pick the Kings to win the series 4-3.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Islanders
The Penguins start the first round after a stellar season and after picking up some huge players at the deadline, mainly Jarome Iginla. While it's true that the Islanders have some star power and that Pittsburgh has had trouble winning a playoff series since their Stanley Cup win, I don't see them having a problem eliminating New York. I pick the Penguins to win the series 4-2.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Ottawa Senators
This series makes me happy in the knowledge that there is guaranteed to be a Canadian team in the second round. Ottawa lost some key players early in the season and although they look to be healthy in time for the start of the playoffs, I don't think it will be enough. The Senators put up a good fight last year against the Rangers, but I think Montreal is prepared for a solid playoff performance and, with Subban playing well at the right time and arguable the best playoff crowd in the league on their side, I predict the Canadiens to win the series 4-2.
Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers
Despite his slow start, Alex Ovechkin propelled the Capitals to a playoff berth with an excellent finish to the season. There is no denying that both teams are gifted and have a lot of star power, but when it comes to the Rangers, there is one man no one can ignore and that is Henrik Lundqvist. As good as Washington is, I see them having great difficulties scoring on Lundqvist. The best chance for them is to get on him early and chase him from the net, no easy feat, especially when the Rangers have their own gifted players to watch out for. Therefore I predict the Rangers to win the series 4-2.
Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
While it is true that I (the author) am a Leafs fan, I will be unbiased in my assessment of this original-six matchup because I am a realistic Leaf fan as well. The Leafs saw the emergence of a lot of young players this season and I do believe are primed for future playoff runs once this young team gets some playoff experience, something it is seriously lacking. The Bruins struggled to close out the season, but in the wake of the Boston Marathon Bombings, I don't think anyone blames them for that. This is a city that looks to it's athletic heroes at a time like this and I expect Boston to give all they got for the hometown fans. As impressed as I am at Toronto making the playoffs, I think the Bruins are too big and too strong as a team to be defeated this early and with a record of 15-4-3* since the Kessel trade, I pick the Bruins to win the series 4-1.
*Any information about team records, trades, player performances, etc. are taken from TSN's website.
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