VANCOUVER VS. BOSTON Bob H I can’t remember a Finals match-up this even since 10 years ago when the #1 Avalanche faced off against the #2 and defending Cup champion Devils. Both sides match up well against each other, and where one team has a deficiency, some other aspect of the club makes up the difference. For the Bruins, that is the constant liability of the power play. However, their near-perfect 5-on-5 play and penalty killing covers up that issue. For the Canucks, that’s their seeming lack of consistency through 60 minutes. However, four balanced lines and Roberto Luongo playing the …
2011 third round predictions
Dan A EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL #3 Boston/ #5 Tampa Bay Both teams are coming off of sweeps in the second round, Boston with a quick dismantling of Philadelphia and Tampa with a slightly less convincing romp over top-seeded Washington. Both teams have their top offensive weapons firing on all cylinders with the re-emergence of the Milan Lucic-David Krejci-Nathan Horton line as well as Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis finding their strides. On the defensive sides you have two big bodies on the backend in Boston’s Zdeno Chara and Victor Hedman who can dominate a game. In goal you have …
Playoff predictions checkpoint
Series Winner Marcello D Penaltykiller Bob H Dan A Nick D Frick Pavialax Craig F Capitals/Rangers Capitals Capitals Rangers Rangers Capitals Capitals Flyers/Sabres Flyers Flyers Flyers Flyers Flyers Flyers Bruins/Canadiens Bruins Bruins Bruins Bruins Canadiens Bruins Penguins/Lightning Lightning Lightning Lightning Penguins Penguins Lightning Canucks/Blackhawks Canucks Canucks Canucks Canucks Canucks Canucks Sharks/Kings Sharks Sharks Sharks Sharks Sharks Sharks Red Wings/Coyotes Red Wings Red Wings Red Wings Red Wings Coyotes Red Wings Predators/Ducks Predators Predators Predators Ducks Predators Ducks Capitals/Lightning Lightning Lightning Capitals Capitals Capitals Lightning Lightning Lightning Bruins/Flyers Flyers Flyers Flyers Flyers Flyers Flyers Flyers Flyers Canucks/Predators Canucks Canucks Canucks Canucks …
2011 second round predictions
Penaltykiller EASTERN CONFERENCE Washington Capitals vs. Tampa Bay Lightning In the regular season Tampa boasted the better offense and powerplay while Washington had the better goals against and save percentage. Although I think the gap is closer since Tampa acquired Roloson. Both have good penalty kill units, but Tampa has the powerplay advantage. Tampa also had the advantage in shot differential while Washington had the season series. I am going with Washington because they have enough firepower that could explode at any time and their defense and experience give them a bit of advantage. Washington in six. Philadelphia Flyers vs. Boston …
2011 First round playoff predictions
Penaltykiller EASTERN CONFERENCE Capitals vs Rangers These. teams are more eventually matched that the standings would suggest. They finished close to each other in goals per game, goals against average, PP %, shots against, and save percentage. Both were also in the top ten in PK%. This series could go either way, but I think the Rangers defense and Lundqvist will edge out the Capitals. Rangers in seven. Flyers vs Sabres The Flyers depth will overwhelm the Sabres, but Miller may steal a game or two. Flyers in six. Bruins vs Canadiens Boston beats Montreal in most statistical categories, but …