The NHL Playoffs are set to drop the puck and the PHN writers are weighing in on how they think will win the two month marathon. We strongly encourage you to use this for entertainment purposes only.
Using our picks to place wagers could end up costing you a lot of money. Looking back at our preseason picks, clearly we had no clue what we were doing with the Eastern Conference. The Panel predicted Boston and Philadelphia to win their respective divisions. Of course, both teams are making tee times.
Credit has to be given with the panel’s picks for the Western Conference. The staff picked St. Louis in the Central and Anaheim in the Pacific. One in a while this group knows what they are doing it appears.
The Stanley Cup Final according to the group would be Chicago over Boston, so there is still one horse left in that race.
On to revisionist predictions:
Jeff Adams
St. Louis vs. Montreal
Basically, I think Price is the best goalie in the league and he’s playing at his best right now. He’s going to be tough to beat. I think the Blues are strong enough to get through the West with a little help, but they won’t be able to solve Price.
Linda Morgan Davis
Nashville vs. Ottawa
Although Nashville lost all of their final games of the season, six to be exact, they have home ice advantage to start the playoffs and get back on pace. Peter Laviolette has gotten them this far his first year as coach and can take them all the way.
Ryan Hrankowski
Winnipeg vs New York Rangers
Winnipeg has been one of the hardest teams to play against with their size, speed and physical play. Their new found depth I think they will ride the fan frenzy in Winnipeg.
Rangers are the most rounded team being finalists last year and they will take that next step this year bring the Big Apple Lord Stanley’s Cup.
Brian Jennings
St. Louis vs. New York Rangers
Too much balance on the New York Rangers. I see them returning to the Final this year and finishing the job they didn’t last season.
Lou Lafrado
Minnesota Wild vs New York Rangers
I don’t usually pick the Rangers as a winner. After so many decades of disappointment I have learned. The difference is Alain Vigneault as head coach. After last season he seems to have a handle on the roster and molded a team this year. Add in the speed and you have a tough opponent. The Wild have been a favorite of mine all season. Their rally to a post season was not as furious as the Ottawa Senators so they are not as spent heading into the post season. If they get past the St Louis Blues I have them in the Final.
Adam Minnick
Chicago vs. Tampa Bay
This was my preseason pick and I am sticking with it. The Blackhawks struggled down the stretch without Patrick Kane in their offense. His speedy recovery will be a difference maker. Brian Bickell needs to show why the team gave him the huge contract extension this past offseason. Tampa has been consistent throughout the regular season. Ben Bishop has looked strong in net and will enjoy his first ever playoff run. In the end, Chicago’s depth wins out.
Dennis Morrell
St. Louis vs. New York Rangers
Both teams settling into playoff-ready teams, getting solid goaltending from both, good speed and depth through all four lines and rugged, puck-moving defense corps who contributes offensively. St. Louis gets their first Cup winning in six games.
Casey Romero
Chicago vs. Montreal
I’m not sure where the Habs get their scoring from, but Price and their defense can carry them all the way to a Stanley Cup. The Hawks will be tired and beat up after a tough battle through the Western Conference.
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