East has been picked, and now it's time to look at the crystal ball for the West. Again, I'll be brief, since I have some suspicion that I have to return for some corrections later. Enjoy!
First round in the West. Canucks will take down the Kings, but it will take six games. They have too much firepower for LA and the goalies match evenly. Blues will carry on with their respectable regular season and shut down the Sharks in five. San Jose's inconsistency and exhaustion from the fight for the last playoff spots pave the way. Blackhawks will overpower the Coyotes in five games. These teams are quite similar, but Chicago is a bit better pretty much everywhere. Mike Smith is the best goaltender in this match up but it will not carry the team. Nashville Predators have the perfect opportunity to avenge all the losses in the hands of Detroit Red Wings. And that they will do, beating the banged up and tired Wings in straight four. Pekka Rinne will shut the door and let the four lines grind away the victories.
Second round in the West. Canucks will see their second Presidents' Trophy season end in vain too, this time in the hands of St. Louis Blues. The tight defensive system of the Blues combined with some below the expectations play by the Canucks will result in a Blues victory in six games. Predators will outlast the Blackhawks in seven games. Preds win the defensive games, Hawks will take a few guns blazing. In the end it all comes down to massive difference in goal and Rinne will carry the team to West finals.
Third round in the West. Nashville Predators has ended up with a dream team for their style of play this season. They will fight against somewhat similar style of the Blues and will emerge victorious in six games. They go for the ultimate finals in search for the Stanley Cup but also with a lot on line in regards of keeping their lineup together for the following seasons.
Showing posts with label prediction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prediction. Show all posts
2012/04/11
Way to the finals in the East
Finally, the playoffs are here and it's game time! It's also a time to throw in a bold prediction on how the whole show will unwrap. These have reached some legendary levels of missing the mark, so why wouldn't I give a go?
Let's not waste any more time here. In depth analysis can be left for explaining the unexpected. But now, the Eastern Conference.
First round in the East. Rangers will beat Senators in five. Regardless of regular season struggles they just have way more in the tank. Bruins will crush the Capitals in straight four. Despite the return of Niklas Bäckström, the Caps can't get their act together this season. Panthers will be wiped out in clean fashion by Devils, in five games. Way more playoff experience in New Jersey and Panthers are just happy to reach the postseason. Penguins will have rough time with Flyers, but now that they have the full lineup, they'll take the victory in six. Banged and bruised.
Second round in the East. Rangers will handle the neighbors from New Jersey in six. These two know each other really well, but Rangers have a slight edge after a confidence boosting regular season. Bruins will upset the Cup favorite Penguins. They had all the time to recover and prepare after first round and Penguins arrive exhausted and hurt. Maybe even without a key player or two. With an easier route, the Penguins could have taken it, but battling the two toughest teams in the league in a row just wasn't fair.
Third round in the East. Bruins have the mental edge over Rangers after last season's Cup victory. They don't have to squeeze the stick and the media hasn't put as much pressure on them for a repeat. In the end it's the black and gold, standing tall and waiting for a date from the West.
Let's not waste any more time here. In depth analysis can be left for explaining the unexpected. But now, the Eastern Conference.
First round in the East. Rangers will beat Senators in five. Regardless of regular season struggles they just have way more in the tank. Bruins will crush the Capitals in straight four. Despite the return of Niklas Bäckström, the Caps can't get their act together this season. Panthers will be wiped out in clean fashion by Devils, in five games. Way more playoff experience in New Jersey and Panthers are just happy to reach the postseason. Penguins will have rough time with Flyers, but now that they have the full lineup, they'll take the victory in six. Banged and bruised.
Second round in the East. Rangers will handle the neighbors from New Jersey in six. These two know each other really well, but Rangers have a slight edge after a confidence boosting regular season. Bruins will upset the Cup favorite Penguins. They had all the time to recover and prepare after first round and Penguins arrive exhausted and hurt. Maybe even without a key player or two. With an easier route, the Penguins could have taken it, but battling the two toughest teams in the league in a row just wasn't fair.
Third round in the East. Bruins have the mental edge over Rangers after last season's Cup victory. They don't have to squeeze the stick and the media hasn't put as much pressure on them for a repeat. In the end it's the black and gold, standing tall and waiting for a date from the West.
2011/09/29
Preseason predictions
Okay, a summer of misfortunate incidents in hockey circles is over. The tragedies involving suicides and the Yaroslavl KHL team plane crash will definitely leave their mark in the seasons to come and the whole international hockey community. Lots of questions, not too many answers. I wish all the strength to the closely affected people around the globe!
Now it's time to put in some prediction for the coming season. Preseason is nearing its end and in a week we'll be off with another thrilling season of world's best hockey. I hope again to catch as much of the action as possible. And to post some thoughts along the way over here.
I'll rush through all the teams and summarize their season in a few words. It'll be fun to return to these thoughts in midseason and the end of regular to see how much of it I got right.
Devils: Will follow their long-time worst season with similar results, now the streaks will be more mixed, but there's going to be more in the L-column.
Islanders: Rising as a challenger with rather young core. Way too inconsistent to break through as a playoff team.
Rangers: Spent again big bucks for premioum players. Maybe it's time to reap some dividends and push through to the playoffs. If duo Richards-Gaborik stays healthy, they'll do a lot of damage this season.
Flyers: Mixed their roster up a lot, but still keep going strong and easily in to the playoffs and further.
Penguins: Very strong preseason, and without Crosby. If Sid the Kid returns and stays healthy, the Pens have a strong grip on the cup in the springtime.
Blackhawks: Still weak from the post-cup roster collapse. However, getting stronger and likely in the playoffs later.
Blue Jackets: All time bottom dwellers might pull off a surprise this season. They have really strong first line and more experience and skill than ever. First playoff appearance in the air?
Red Wings: Getting older and older. Still able to pull off solid numbers throughout the season and get in the playoffs. Can't see them having the juice to go far though.
Predators: Very solid team and Rinne will have a massive year in goal. Not the most entertaining team, but definitely in the playoffs for at least couple of rounds.
Blues: Streaky, inconsistent, but hides some potential for upsets. Not likely going all the way to the playoffs anyway.
Bruins: The B's keep on steamrolling this season like the last. They are one of the sure playoff teams and might not want to let the cup go for another year.
Sabres: Threw a lot of money and got some solid players. No superstars, but definitely strong enough to return to the playoff picture this year.
Canadiens: Keep on being too fragile and are bound to collapse sooner or later and miss the playoffs. May pull off a good streak in the early season again, but will run out of steam.
Senators: If not dead last, then second to it. No chance this season either and will likely loose Jason Spezza along the way for someone with deeper pockets. Need a new ownership or something.
Maple Leafs: Continuing its sad march after seasons of bad decisions on the market. Not going to fight for a playoff spot with this team.
Flames: Dropping fast. Have fought through last seasons and fallen just before the playoffs. This season it's clear that they're out around Christmas. Kiprusoff will hate to see his stock value and start count drop along with the team. Would Iginla bail out seems to be the most interesting topic in Calgary this year.
Avalanche: Very young roster, still learning to play together. If everything clicks perfectly they may become a playoff contender. If not, they'll keep on practising for the seasons to come.
Oilers: Similar to Avalanche, but with a long stretch of bottom finishes, they've gathered a fantastic core of young superstars-to-be. They might be ready enough to make it to the playoffs this season already. A fact is that this team is going to be fun to watch day in and out.
Wild: The once boring Wild may return to the playoffs this season. They're very balanced and have one of the biggest offencive pairs in Koivu-Heatley. Look for 50 goals for Dany and 50 assists for Mikko.
Canucks: Still a bit shocked on the finals result, but will recover for another great season. Thay have all the weapons in the offence and very solid defence, finally locked by Roberto Luongo. Hard to beat, and sure to make the playoffs.
Hurricanes: Surpriser role at best. May fight for the last playoff spots again, especially if Eric Staal stays healthy and happy.
Panthers: Not getting any better this season. Some new bright spots here and there, but still far from becoming a playoff team.
Lightning: Lightning's offence will carry on beng in the top of the leaderboards. Stamkos and St.Louis will keep on conjuring the magic. And that all will carry the team to the playoffs again. Might need more toughness on the middle of the pack to make it any further.
Capitals: Lousy preseason results might lead to some pressure from the management. The team is just too talented to not be better. And they will respond by leading the Southeast again very soon. Time to bounce back mr. Ovechkin.
Jets: Supported by the most enthusiastic crowd in the league, the returning Jets will have the "sixth player" through the season. They will need it to make it to the playoffs. Slight chances exist though.
Ducks: Veteran Ducks will carry on for another year and take the team to the playoffs again. They will be too banged up at that point to make it any further though. Great to see Teemu Selänne bring in some more impressive numbers.
Stars: Excellent results in the preseason might not carry over to the regular season. However, they seem to be doing just fine without Brad Richards and might surprise everyone by making it to the playoffs.
Kings: Very strong team and will surely make it to the playoffs this season. Might even fight for the cup if key guys remain in good playing shape. Would be even better if they could settle the negotiations with Drew Doughty. Totally able to handle themselves without him as well.
Coyotes: Have been playing with the idea of making it to the playoffs last couple of seasons. Seem to have very good workmanlike attitude that might take them there. And might go far if they can keep the attitude. If not, they won't make the playoffs either. No skills for fancy stuff.
Sharks: Sure to make it to the playoffs. Very, very strong and talented team and always full of promise. Would this be the year when they make the run all the way to the finals? It's about time, or the team will start falling to pieces.
There, all teams covered. It's easy to pick some favorites but also thrilling to see the younger challengers rise to the new, faster game. It's also going to be very interesting how things get started on the checking department, since last season stirred off the whole headshot debate. It's hard for me to believe we won't have some serious incidents to review again pretty soon. In the preseason it's been all about political correctness and verbal behavior on the rink. Maybe it's time to let that go and let boys be boys without making any major statements out of what is yelled on the ice. Way better idea is to concentrate on keeping the game fair, clean and hard as it's always been.
Bring it on, gentlemen!
Now it's time to put in some prediction for the coming season. Preseason is nearing its end and in a week we'll be off with another thrilling season of world's best hockey. I hope again to catch as much of the action as possible. And to post some thoughts along the way over here.
I'll rush through all the teams and summarize their season in a few words. It'll be fun to return to these thoughts in midseason and the end of regular to see how much of it I got right.
Devils: Will follow their long-time worst season with similar results, now the streaks will be more mixed, but there's going to be more in the L-column.
Islanders: Rising as a challenger with rather young core. Way too inconsistent to break through as a playoff team.
Rangers: Spent again big bucks for premioum players. Maybe it's time to reap some dividends and push through to the playoffs. If duo Richards-Gaborik stays healthy, they'll do a lot of damage this season.
Flyers: Mixed their roster up a lot, but still keep going strong and easily in to the playoffs and further.
Penguins: Very strong preseason, and without Crosby. If Sid the Kid returns and stays healthy, the Pens have a strong grip on the cup in the springtime.
Blackhawks: Still weak from the post-cup roster collapse. However, getting stronger and likely in the playoffs later.
Blue Jackets: All time bottom dwellers might pull off a surprise this season. They have really strong first line and more experience and skill than ever. First playoff appearance in the air?
Red Wings: Getting older and older. Still able to pull off solid numbers throughout the season and get in the playoffs. Can't see them having the juice to go far though.
Predators: Very solid team and Rinne will have a massive year in goal. Not the most entertaining team, but definitely in the playoffs for at least couple of rounds.
Blues: Streaky, inconsistent, but hides some potential for upsets. Not likely going all the way to the playoffs anyway.
Bruins: The B's keep on steamrolling this season like the last. They are one of the sure playoff teams and might not want to let the cup go for another year.
Sabres: Threw a lot of money and got some solid players. No superstars, but definitely strong enough to return to the playoff picture this year.
Canadiens: Keep on being too fragile and are bound to collapse sooner or later and miss the playoffs. May pull off a good streak in the early season again, but will run out of steam.
Senators: If not dead last, then second to it. No chance this season either and will likely loose Jason Spezza along the way for someone with deeper pockets. Need a new ownership or something.
Maple Leafs: Continuing its sad march after seasons of bad decisions on the market. Not going to fight for a playoff spot with this team.
Flames: Dropping fast. Have fought through last seasons and fallen just before the playoffs. This season it's clear that they're out around Christmas. Kiprusoff will hate to see his stock value and start count drop along with the team. Would Iginla bail out seems to be the most interesting topic in Calgary this year.
Avalanche: Very young roster, still learning to play together. If everything clicks perfectly they may become a playoff contender. If not, they'll keep on practising for the seasons to come.
Oilers: Similar to Avalanche, but with a long stretch of bottom finishes, they've gathered a fantastic core of young superstars-to-be. They might be ready enough to make it to the playoffs this season already. A fact is that this team is going to be fun to watch day in and out.
Wild: The once boring Wild may return to the playoffs this season. They're very balanced and have one of the biggest offencive pairs in Koivu-Heatley. Look for 50 goals for Dany and 50 assists for Mikko.
Canucks: Still a bit shocked on the finals result, but will recover for another great season. Thay have all the weapons in the offence and very solid defence, finally locked by Roberto Luongo. Hard to beat, and sure to make the playoffs.
Hurricanes: Surpriser role at best. May fight for the last playoff spots again, especially if Eric Staal stays healthy and happy.
Panthers: Not getting any better this season. Some new bright spots here and there, but still far from becoming a playoff team.
Lightning: Lightning's offence will carry on beng in the top of the leaderboards. Stamkos and St.Louis will keep on conjuring the magic. And that all will carry the team to the playoffs again. Might need more toughness on the middle of the pack to make it any further.
Capitals: Lousy preseason results might lead to some pressure from the management. The team is just too talented to not be better. And they will respond by leading the Southeast again very soon. Time to bounce back mr. Ovechkin.
Jets: Supported by the most enthusiastic crowd in the league, the returning Jets will have the "sixth player" through the season. They will need it to make it to the playoffs. Slight chances exist though.
Ducks: Veteran Ducks will carry on for another year and take the team to the playoffs again. They will be too banged up at that point to make it any further though. Great to see Teemu Selänne bring in some more impressive numbers.
Stars: Excellent results in the preseason might not carry over to the regular season. However, they seem to be doing just fine without Brad Richards and might surprise everyone by making it to the playoffs.
Kings: Very strong team and will surely make it to the playoffs this season. Might even fight for the cup if key guys remain in good playing shape. Would be even better if they could settle the negotiations with Drew Doughty. Totally able to handle themselves without him as well.
Coyotes: Have been playing with the idea of making it to the playoffs last couple of seasons. Seem to have very good workmanlike attitude that might take them there. And might go far if they can keep the attitude. If not, they won't make the playoffs either. No skills for fancy stuff.
Sharks: Sure to make it to the playoffs. Very, very strong and talented team and always full of promise. Would this be the year when they make the run all the way to the finals? It's about time, or the team will start falling to pieces.
There, all teams covered. It's easy to pick some favorites but also thrilling to see the younger challengers rise to the new, faster game. It's also going to be very interesting how things get started on the checking department, since last season stirred off the whole headshot debate. It's hard for me to believe we won't have some serious incidents to review again pretty soon. In the preseason it's been all about political correctness and verbal behavior on the rink. Maybe it's time to let that go and let boys be boys without making any major statements out of what is yelled on the ice. Way better idea is to concentrate on keeping the game fair, clean and hard as it's always been.
Bring it on, gentlemen!
2011/08/11
Cup retrospective and setting the sight for the future
Okay, Boston took the cup, Vancouver was ablaze on the riots after disappointed fans vented their frustration on the streets. This just says something about the emotion tied to this fantastic game. Not that the rioting wouldn't have been completely and utterly stupid and the worst pr for the sport, though..
Boston just had a little something more. Thomas outplayed Luongo, especially on the mental side. Media did its best in shaking Luongo's balance. Sedins came up short while Boston's big guys just responded as expected. It took all seven games but in the end Boston put a big exclamation mark on the board next to the convincing 4-0 victory. Canada just has to wait some more for the next cup. Vancouver has had some great runs and has built a very solid team, maybe they're up for the challenge in the coming years.
It's a bit early for predictions on the next season, but let's give it a playful go. Lots of key players have changed teams, which makes the dynamics of the coming season very interesting. Who'll be able to rise to superstardom in their new teams and who will be just waste of money? What about the teams that have been able to build a solid foundation in the past years, improving year by year with more experience?
Just following the first thoughts here, I'd list Vancouver, Chicago, Boston, San Jose and Washington definitely in the mix of claiming the cup in the end. Pittsburgh's success lies on the shoulders of Sidney Crosby. If he's been able to recover from the nagging concussion and avoids further issues next season, th Penguins will be in there for the fight. Philly, LA, Tampa, Anaheim and Detroit are ready for a surpsise run, even all the way to the end. Philly was shaken up on the roster a lot, LA has grown up, Tampa might pull it off with "just one line", Anaheim has tons of talent up front and Detroit, as a graybearded gentleman, might just find some magic out of sheer experience.
Some new challengers may also rise for the fight. It'll be great to see how Winnipeg Jets come back to the NHL. Their supporters will definitely be the legendary "sixth man" out there, pushing the rather light team forward with undonctional love. NY Rangers have again put some money on the table and expect Brad Richards to be the man carrying them over to the playoffs and further. If it all clicks together, the consistent underachiever might live to its potential. Also Nashville, against all odds, might carry on being the thorn on the sides of the more flashy teams. Just playing their blue collar, no nonsense, defence first style and grinding away the needed victories.
It's hard to see the bottom of the pack of last seasons producing any massive improvements this season either. Edmonton Oilers are still too young, like Colorado Avalanche. Calgary Flames just keep on falling, Columbus hasn't got enough talent on any level, Florida stays confused and NY Islanders just can't get out of the shadow of the big brother on the Manhattan island.
Out of the unmentioned, the black horse is New Jersey Devils. Constantly on the top of the pack for the last decade, falling miserably on the bottom last season. How will they respond lies still a lot on the shoulders of Kovalchuk and Brodeur.
All in all, it's a great season to wait for. Let's analyze some more when the leaves turn yellow and red.
Boston just had a little something more. Thomas outplayed Luongo, especially on the mental side. Media did its best in shaking Luongo's balance. Sedins came up short while Boston's big guys just responded as expected. It took all seven games but in the end Boston put a big exclamation mark on the board next to the convincing 4-0 victory. Canada just has to wait some more for the next cup. Vancouver has had some great runs and has built a very solid team, maybe they're up for the challenge in the coming years.
It's a bit early for predictions on the next season, but let's give it a playful go. Lots of key players have changed teams, which makes the dynamics of the coming season very interesting. Who'll be able to rise to superstardom in their new teams and who will be just waste of money? What about the teams that have been able to build a solid foundation in the past years, improving year by year with more experience?
Just following the first thoughts here, I'd list Vancouver, Chicago, Boston, San Jose and Washington definitely in the mix of claiming the cup in the end. Pittsburgh's success lies on the shoulders of Sidney Crosby. If he's been able to recover from the nagging concussion and avoids further issues next season, th Penguins will be in there for the fight. Philly, LA, Tampa, Anaheim and Detroit are ready for a surpsise run, even all the way to the end. Philly was shaken up on the roster a lot, LA has grown up, Tampa might pull it off with "just one line", Anaheim has tons of talent up front and Detroit, as a graybearded gentleman, might just find some magic out of sheer experience.
Some new challengers may also rise for the fight. It'll be great to see how Winnipeg Jets come back to the NHL. Their supporters will definitely be the legendary "sixth man" out there, pushing the rather light team forward with undonctional love. NY Rangers have again put some money on the table and expect Brad Richards to be the man carrying them over to the playoffs and further. If it all clicks together, the consistent underachiever might live to its potential. Also Nashville, against all odds, might carry on being the thorn on the sides of the more flashy teams. Just playing their blue collar, no nonsense, defence first style and grinding away the needed victories.
It's hard to see the bottom of the pack of last seasons producing any massive improvements this season either. Edmonton Oilers are still too young, like Colorado Avalanche. Calgary Flames just keep on falling, Columbus hasn't got enough talent on any level, Florida stays confused and NY Islanders just can't get out of the shadow of the big brother on the Manhattan island.
Out of the unmentioned, the black horse is New Jersey Devils. Constantly on the top of the pack for the last decade, falling miserably on the bottom last season. How will they respond lies still a lot on the shoulders of Kovalchuk and Brodeur.
All in all, it's a great season to wait for. Let's analyze some more when the leaves turn yellow and red.
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