The 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs: Conference Finals!

NY Rangers and Tampa Bay start the third round of the playoffs today.

I've got the Rangers in 7. They have the better defense and can match the offense of the Lightning. I would predict the Rangers to win in fewer games, but they don't like to make things easy on themselves. So it's going to go seven. I'm really impressed by Kevin Hayes, so I'm going to pick him to score the series winning goal.

In the West, Hawks-Ducks start tomorrow (another matinee game). Ducks had 7 more points in the regular season, but that's with an easier schedule and pretty much means nothing over the course of 82 games anyway. I do remember the Hawks taking both games at the Honda Center comfortably. Hawks have the edge in defense, especially the top four. Top offensive talent is pretty even, but Hawks have more depth. Goaltending is a wash, but if I had to pick one, I'd take the one with a Cup ring (Crawford).

So, really, the Hawks are the favourites and will earn a split in Anaheim, then get favourable matchups at home ice and win both games in Chicago and take a commanding 3-1 series lead. In recent years, Hawks have been excellent when given the chance to put a team away. I'm tempted to say Hawks in 5, but they are due. A complete meltdown, losing focus, puck luck, statistics, Boudreau utilising the Flying V, whatever - it will give the Ducks enough life to come back and force a game 7.

That game 7 goes to OT, and Ryan Kesler wins it. Ducks in 7.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

New York Rangers (1st in Metropolitan Division) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (2nd in Atlantic Division)
The New York Rangers made NHL history in becoming the very first team to win a seven game series after trailing three games to one back-to-back seasons; they did it against Washington in the second round this year, and last year, they did the same against Pittsburgh (also in the second round). Every game New York has played thus far in the playoffs has been decided by one goal. This marks their first appearance in the playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Tampa Bay defeated Detroit in the opening round and Montréal in the second round. Tampa Bay defeated New York in all three of their regular season matchups.
Prediction: New York Rangers in seven games.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Anaheim Ducks (1st in Pacific Division) vs. Chicago Blackhawks (3rd in Central Division)
The Chicago Blackhawks made it to the Conference Finals for the fifth time in the past seven years, whereas Anaheim have not gone beyond the second round since 2007, their sole Stanley Cup win thus far. This marks the first time that the Blackhawks and Ducks have met in the playoffs. In the regular season, the Ducks and Blackhawks played three times; Chicago won two of them, and Anaheim won one.
Prediction: Anaheim Ducks in six games.

Vegas odds:

Rangers 2/1
Blackhawks 9/4
Ducks 23/10
Lightning 9/2

http://www.vegasinsider.com/nhl/odds/futures/

Glad you didn't pick the 'hawks, it's worked so far.

I'd like to see a Ducks-Lightning finals.

007 wrote:

I'd like to see a Ducks-Lightning finals.

I'd prefer Hawks-Rangers

Hawks @ Ducks game 2 going to overtime.

I've got Kesler. Bickell for the Hawks.

Lari wrote:

Hawks @ Ducks game 2 going to overtime.

I've got Kesler. Bickell for the Hawks.

Man, that game went into the 3rd overtime. Absolutely amazing.

Hawks win, and the series is tied. Still going as I predicted it would.

Yeah and those types of games can be back breakers for the loser.

No more games like that, i'm too old to stay up that late.

Bolts - Rags series 2-2, Ducks - Hawks 2-1.

Hawks and Ducks going at it again tonight in Chicago. Hawks desperately need this one.

Insane series. Ducks up 3-2. Three games have gone to OT. Last night was another roller coaster of emotions.

Get ready for the Super Weekend of Hockey!

Bolts @ Rags Friday
Hawks @ Ducks Saturday

TWO game sevens, both for a big trophy, and for the right to play for the biggest trophy of them all next week.

Lari wrote:

Get ready for the Super Weekend of Hockey!

Bolts @ Rags Friday
Hawks @ Ducks Saturday

TWO game sevens, both for a big trophy, and for the right to play for the biggest trophy of them all next week.

Yeah. It doesn't really get any better than this (except a game 7 in the Cup Finals).

Rangers - Lightning tied at 0-0 after two periods. Pretty much a dud of a hockey game so far. Ineffectual play by both teams. This has been a great series and deserves a better third period...

I love it. I hate any and all New York teams.