Eastern Conference seeds:
Bruins, Rangers, Canadiens, Lightning, Red Wings (can't see them missing two playoffs in a row), Blue Jackets Penguins, Islanders (that's right, I said it...#8 seed, this will be the year they finally, barely squeak in, with a healthy Tavares.)
Eastern Conference Finals:
Canadiens over Penguins in 5
Western Conference seeds:
Ducks, Kings, Sharks, Blackhawks, Blues, Wild, Avalanche, Canucks (they'll rebound.)
Western Conference Finals:
I'll preface this by saying that if the Kings go all the way, 1. It wouldn't surprise me at all, they're probably the most battle-tested team in the NHL, 2. That being said, there hasn't been a repeat champ since the '97-98 Red Wings, and while this Kings team is starting to get to that level, whereas the East is wide open, the West is BRUTAL, and 3. I may not be able to take another Kings win...I might have to drink myself into oblivion were that tragedy to occur. ;)
But I see a year of redemption in the West...
The Blues were red-hot before getting bounced, as were my Ducks...I think they both make it this year, albeit in part just because everyone will gun for LA and Chicago so much...
So, Ducks over Blues in 6 games.
STANLEY CUP FINAL:
Come on, like I'm gonna pick against my guys...
Ducks in 6 again over the Habs for the Cup ;)
That being said--
I'd say the Ducks, Kings, Blackhawks, and Canadiens all have equal shots of winning Lord Stanley's Cup.
"THE BLUE JACKETS WILL WIN THE CUP ITS PROVEN FACT"
I'll drink the Kool-aid enough to say the Blue Jackets will win a SERIES...
Do that for me this year, and we'll see about a Cup down the road. :p
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banned frozen, good position, early game
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