2014 Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions - Otto

West:

Anaheim vs Dallas: (Season series: Stars 2-1)

The Ducks wrapped up the top spot in the West a few days before the end of the season. Their opponent was still up in the air until Dallas was able to overtake the final wildcard spot from the Mike Smithless Phoenix Coyotes.

Anaheim has been among the trio of California teams batting for the top spot in the Pacific Division all season. The Ducks have been one of the league’s best home teams this season, their 29 home wins are good for second best. They do not struggle to score, however they do not have the scoring depth of some of the teams in this year’s playoffs. They will need to get good goaltending from Jonas Hiller if they are to make a deep run this year.

The stars quietly made their way back into the playoffs for the first time since the 07-08 season despite a loss to the Coyotes in the final game of the season. A balanced scoring attack led by Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn is what helped the Stars back to the playoffs.  Steady goaltending provided by Kari Lehtonen didn't hurt their chances either. They will need the same performance that they got in his 33 wins to get past the Ducks in the first round.

While I like to think that the Stars have the ability to grind it out with Anaheim’s top two lines, I think that in the end the Ducks will be able to overpower the Stars.  I’ll take the Ducks in 6.

Colorado vs Minnesota (Season Series: Avs 4-0-1)

Last season, the Colorado Avalanche were near the bottom of the league in virtually every category. Their only major win was the draft lottery, which provided them with the first overall pick. This season has been a complete change in fortune. The Avs were competing for the top seed in the west up until the last game of the season. While that bid came up short, they were able to pass both the Blues and Blackhawks to claim the Central Division title, landing them a date with the Minnesota Wild in the first round. They keys to success for the Avs were outstanding goaltending from Semyon Varlamov  (a team record 41 wins in 63 games played) and unbelievable play from the young stars. They Avs are a threat to score at any point of the game while not sacrificing defense to do so. They speed that the Avs possess doesn't compare to any team I have watched this season.

The Wild put together a nice push at the end of the season to walk away with the top wild card spot. After a quick scare that they might falter like they did to close out the 2012-13 campaign, not counting a lopsided loss to the Predators on the final day of the season, the Wild won their last 4 meaningful games. In that stretch, the wins came against Pittsburgh, Boston, St Louis, and Winnipeg. Healthy goaltenders have been an issue for the Wild this season. 4 goalies have made 10 or more starts, all 4 of them registering at least 5 wins. It appears Ilya Bryzgalov will be the starter for the Wild, though youngster Darcy Kuemper will be ready to go if called upon.

Although I will be rooting for the Wild to win, I have a feeling they have one more year to go before making a playoff run. Qualifying for a second straight year is definitely something to build upon. Overall it’s the speed and goaltending that will allow the Avs to win this series in 5.

San Jose vs Los Angeles (Season Series: Kings 3-1-1)

This battle of California is the series that I am looking forward to watching the most. They Sharks have been sharp all season while battling for the Pacific division title. However, they have struggled this decade (and some of the last) to get their wins when it matters. On paper their team game should be successful, they have a great combination of leadership and youth. They have consistent goaltending which is all that they need when everyone buys in to the system.

The Kings are one of those teams that don’t play their best hockey in the regular season. As long as they are in position to make the playoffs they re content. Their grind it out style game is exactly what is needed for the second season. A healthy Jonathan Quick may be the difference in this series, unless trade deadline Marian Gaborik can shake of his playoff struggles and provide some offensive firepower. If the Kings can start scoring some goals to go along with their team defense, they may become the team to beat in 2014.

Seeing San Jose win this series at home wouldn't surprise me in the least. However, since they have been there before and have proved that they can win, I’ll take the Kings in 6.

St Louis vs Chicago (Season Series: Blues 3-2)

Just two weeks ago, the Blues were looking to knock off the Pacific powerhouses and claim the top spot in the west. Six games, and six losses later, not only did they not get the top spot in the west, they didn't even finish with the top spot in the Central. Ryan Miler has looked average at best, possibly the result of few to many pucks in Buffalo. They Blues haven’t been able to score lately either. They will need both to get back on track to make a run at the Blackhawks, even though the Blues are the higher ranked team.

Chicago might have gotten an odd form of benefit from the injuries to Jonathan Towes and Patrick Kane. Both players are keys to the success of the Blackhawks and were important to their Olympic teams as well. So, given that both return above 90% healthy, the rest could rejuvenate the defending champions. Cory Crawford has been reliable again this season, registering 32 wins.

I don’t know if the Blues can snap out of their slump in time to beat a very talented and experienced Blackhawks team. Chicago in 6 is my pick.

East:

Boston vs Detroit (Season Series: Wings 3-1)

Boston is the most balanced team in the East by a long shot. They can score goals, they have great defense, and their goalie is in the running for the Vezina trophy. The Bruins have been able to take it easy down the stretch, resting a few key players without the threat of being caught by anyone else in the East. The idea that it might have been a bad thing that most of season was played without much competition is concerning for those outside of the Boston locker room. Whether or not they are able to flip the switch to playoff competition will be interested, especially against an opponent like the Wings

The Red Wings simply don’t know how to miss the playoffs. Only a few weeks ago, the possibility of a Detroitless playoffs seemed to be real. As the weeks wound down, the young players took over and the Wings started to get healthy. Datsyuk and Zetterberg returned to the lineup, providing the leadership and experience that was needed to make the playoff push that always seems to happen. They Wings have to like their chances against the Bruins as well given their regular season success against them. They play of Jimmy Howard will be the key to this series. If he can steal a game early, especially on the road, it may swing the momentum enough to change the series.

Of all the wild card teams, I think Detroit has the best chance to move on. However, I think that Boston might just be too good to lose this one. I’ll take the Bruins in 7,

Pittsburgh vs Columbus (Season Series: Penguins 5-0)

Baring another collapse by Marc-Andre Fleury, I believe that this series will be the most lopsided for the first round. The Pens can score with anyone in the league, as long as they are able to stay healthy. While that wasn't the case for most of the year, they are getting most of their key guys back as the playoffs start.

Columbus cannot match the offensive output of the Pens so they will be relying heavily on the services of the Bob. Sergei Bobrovski led the Jacket to 32 wins this year, 5 by shutout, while posting a .923 save percentage.  He will need to keep up those numbers just to keep the Blue Jackets in the series.

I think Bobrovski steals one at home but it will be just that. The Jackets get overpowered and the Pens take the series in 5.

Tampa Bay vs Montreal (Season Series: Lightning 3-0-1)

This match-up pairs 2 of the hottest teams in the league headed into the playoffs. Both have registered 7 wins in their last 10. While the season series looks like the Lightning dominated, 3 of the 4 games were decided in a shootout.

Tampa Bay has continued to succeed despite the departure of Marty St Louis. The team play of Ryan Callahan has allowed Steven Stamkos to excel as one as the league’s best players upon his return from injury. Ben Bishop, another potential Vezina candidate, has been important too. An X factor to start the year, his 37 wins kept the Lightning near the top of the division all season.

Montreal has quietly had a good season as well. Olympic goal medalist Carey Price led the Habs to second place in the division. Trade deadline acquisition Thomas Vanek helped solidify a solid offensive group. 

I think Carey Price’s career year continues and he leads the Canadians on to the second round in 6 games.

New York vs Philadelphia (Season Series: Tied 2-2)

This match up is arguably the biggest rivalry of the first round on the eastern side, though Detroit and Boston might not be too far behind for long.

The Rangers battled most of this year with the transition between the old and new style that comes with the hiring of a new coach. Now that they have settled in and added experience in Marty St. Louis, the Rangers have become a formidable opponent for anyone in the East. Brad Richards returned to being a 20 goal scorer, along with Rick Nash, while 5 other players got within 3 of the 20 goal mark. If Henrik Lundqvist can find playoff consistency to match his 2.36 regular season goals against average, this team looks mighty dangerous.

Philadelphia is surprise team in these playoffs given their terrible start to the season. A quick pull of the plug and changing of the coach allowed the Flyers to turn their season around and climb back into the playoff hunt. Another surprise this season for the Flyers is the play of Steve Mason. Written off by many, he returned this season and posted 33 wins. Seven, twenty goal scorers is the key for the Flyers. The Rangers might be able to shut down a line or two but if they can get secondary scoring, the Flyers have a chance to make a run.

I feel that the Rangers are going to have a good post season this year. They have the weapons to score goals and Lundqvist is due for a big playoff performance. In what should be a very intense series, I’ll take the Rangers in 6. 

Central Division Preview

Central: The central division has long been owned by the Detroit Red Wings as they make their annual march to the playoffs. In recent years the Chicago Blackhawks have given them a challenge and look to do so again this season. At the bottom of this division are three teams that could push to make the postseason depending on how things go.

Chicago

The Hawks look to rebound from a season long hangover and have retooled themselves after having to dump salaries to get out of salary cap jail. Back again to lead the way is Captain Jonathan Toews and fellow top sixers Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp, Marian Hossa, and Dave Bolland. Joining them is newcomer Andrew Brunette who figures to start out on the top line with Toews and Kane, which allows Coach Joel Quinnville to put Patrick Sharp on the 2^nd line with Hossa and Bolland to spread out the offensive punch. Last season the Hawks lacked the role players that helped them win the Cup in 2009-2010, so this offseason GM Stan Bowman picked up Dan Carcillo, Jamal Mayers, Sean O’Donnell, Steve Montador, and Sami Lepisto, who along with Brunette will provide support for the stars that already glitter the roster.

The blue line features the top defensive pairing in the league with Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. The pair had a down year last season and look to bounce back to the form that earned them spots on the Canadian Olympic team. With the departure of Brian Campbell (Florida), Nick Hjalmarrson, and Nick Leddy are the only other two returnees to the group. Newcomers Montador, O’Donnell, and Lepisto will bring experience to the group with a little bit of toughness. Leddy will be the odd man out for the most part but could find a way to crack the line up since they like the speed he brings.

In goal the hawks are young but skilled. #1 goalie Corey Crawford took charge and became the go to guy the second half of last season and they will rely on him again next season. His back up will be former Amerk Alexander Salak. Not the calmest of characters, and a little unorthodox but he does very well for himself. My favorite memory of him was watching him squirt his water bottle at the goal judge in Syracuse and clean the glass for him after the turned the light on for a shot that clearly hit the post. (1^st Cent. 3^rd WC)

Detroit

The Red Wings boast many veteran players up and down their line up and two early playoff exits have given their older players time to rest up and get hungry to make a deep run this year. The team and it’s defense is led by Nicklas Lidstrom who is back for his 20^th season in Motown. The loss to retirement of Brian Rafalski will be offset by free agent addition Ian White who will start out paired with the Captain. Niklas Kronwall and Brad Stuart team up to form a very solid second pairing for Coach Mike Babcock. His third pair will be made up from a combination of Jonathan Ericsson, Mike Commadore, and Jakub Kindl. The wings are hoping for Ericsson to finally put everything together and no longer be a question mark on the back end. Commadore is getting a chance to get back in the league after spending most of last season in the AHL. The wings are hoping he can bring some toughness to their squad. There is an outside chance that prospect Brendan Smith can make the squad and begin to take his place as their future franchise defenseman.

Up front the Wings have two superstars and a bunch of solid two way players that slide up and down the line up. Coach Babcock has the luxury of being able to roll four lines that can do damage. Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg lead the charge with offensive punch that is only rivaled by their defensive ability. Tomas Holmstrom is back for anther round of punishment in front of the opponents net on the powerplay. Johan Franzen, Jiri Huddler and Daniel Cleary form a solid second line. The rest of the forwards include Patrick Eaves, Darren Helm, Valtteri Filppula, Todd Bertuzzi, Drew Miller and Jan Mursak.

Jimmy Howard is looking to solidify his place as number one goaltender in Detroit after taking over from the aging Chris Osgood, Howard has put up decent numbers but some say the skaters in front of him have carried him. Ty Conklin the journeymen back up will be back in Detroit for his second go round. (2^nd Cent. 5^th WC)

Columbus

One of the busier teams in the offseason, the Blue Jackets are looking to get themselves back into the playoffs for the second time in franchise history. The addition of number one center Jeff Carter will help. GM Scott Howson made a blockbuster move sending underachieving winger Jakub Voracek and 8^th pick overall in the June draft to Philadelphia for Carter. This was great news for franchise cornerstone Rick Nash who has never had a real number one center on his line, and still has managed to put up solid numbers. With a premier center on his line who knows what Nash will produce point wise. Joining Nash and Carter on the top line will most likely be R.J. Umberger who has found a nice home for himself in Columbus. There’s an outside chance that veteran Vinny Prospal could find himself on the top line at some point. The second line will be made up of thus far disappointment Derick Brassard, Antoine Vermette, and Krisitan Huselius. The 3^rd and fourth lines are a mix of grinders and youngsters such as Derrick Dorsett, Matt Calvert, and Jared Boll.

James Wisniewski was brought in over the summer to take over a defensive unit that lacked an established top player. Though I don’t think he’s a real number one guy, he is an upgrade over what they have. Fedor Tyutin, and Kris Russell could see top minutes though the Jackets would prefer it was Russell since he was supposed to be the guy when he was drafted 10^th overall. Grant Clitsome, Marc Methot, and Radek Martinek fill out the defense and do an adequate job.

The goaltending is the biggest question on this squad. Which goalie will they get? The guy who carried the team to the playoffs in 2008-2009 or the stiff who has sunburn on his neck from all the red lights behind him from 2009-2011? The Jackets hope it’s the 2008-2009 model that will again bring them to the postseason. If not, then they will turn to an unknown in Mark Dekanich and that won’t bode too well. (3^rd Cent. 8^th WC)

St. Louis

The Blues could jump up the standings and into the playoff picture but injuries and failure to devleop top line talent will most likely keep them out of the hunt. The Blues brought in veteran leadership this offseason in the form of Jamie Langenbrunner and Jason Arnott, who are very solid role players that are successful in 2^nd and 3^rd line roles at this stage in their career’s. But the Blues will go as far as their home grown talent will take them. Top line of newly elected captain David Backes, T.J. Oshie, and David Perron, have all come up through the system and have great potential but have yet to show it consistently. Backes is the most proven of the three and is close to being an elite power forward in the NHL. Oshie has had problems with growing up and being in the NHL at a young age. There were some disipline issues with him and the team last season. Perron is on the comeback trail from a concussion suffered early last season. Funny how nobody talks about his injury yet we get updates on Crosby’s daily. A combination of Langenbrunner, Arnott, Chris Stewart, Andy McDonald, Alexander Steen and Patrick Berglund will form the second and third lines. There is plenty of talent and experience lines 2-4, the question is if they will stay healthy.

On the back end the Blues rely heavily on Alex Pietrangelo. The 21 year old’s emergence as a franchise defensemen made former number one pick Erik Johnson expendable and was used to bring Stewart to the Show Me State. After Pietrangelo the group isn’t flashy and could use some help. Roman Polak and Barrett Jackman bring a physical presence but lack speed to keep up with speedy forwards. Kent Huskins came over from San Jose and might get top pair minutes. Kevin Shattenkirk who also came over with Stewart can put points on the board for both teams, and Carlo Colaiacovo continues to be an average NHL defenseman even though he was drafted 4^th overall by Toronto.

The biggest question in St. Louis is if Jaroslav Halak is a real #1 goalie like he was during the 2009-2010 playoffs where he stonewalled Pittsburgh and Washington in consecutive series’ or is he the stiff that played for them last season? They hope he can return to his playoff form and also stay healthy which was a problem last season. Brian Elliot will be his backup and is best suited for that role. (4^th Cent. 10^th WC)

Nashville

This season will be the season that the “little engine that could,” can’t. The Predators magic will wear out this year and they will end up moving two out of their three star players at the deadline. My guess is they send Pekka Rinne and Shea Weber packing, and sign Ryan Suter to a long-term deal. As for the rest of the team, there aren’t many big names and not a lot of scoring. The top line is Martin Erat, David Legwand, and Colin Wilson. Does anyone else see a problem with that? David Legwand is your top center? Ouch…. After that the second line is made up of Sergi Kostitsyn, Mike Fisher and Patric Hornqvist. That line has some scoring punch but not a lot. The rest of the group is made of youngsters and grinders that Coach Barry Trotz has to develop annually to be competitive.

The strength of this team is in its approach to defense. Suter and Weber form a great top pairing and can shut down any line any time. Jonathan Blum and Kevin Klien developed into a solid second pair and might make the departure of the top guys a little easier. Veterans Brett Lebda and Francis Bouillon form the third pair.

Behind the skaters is a solid European pair of goalies. Pekka Rinne became a Vezina Trophy candidate last season and could be in line for a big raise in pay if he does it again this season. His back up is Anders Lindback who filled in for Rinne last season during an injury stint and didn’t skip a beat. Lindback is looking to prove that he can be the #1 guy if Rinne ends up getting moved. (5^th Cent. 11^th WC)