 |
| Getty Images |
Yesterday’s #NHL14Playoffs post focused on the First Round. Today, I’ll start it by looking through the crystal glass and projecting ahead. Who will make a run? Should the Pens be odds on favorites over the Hawks? Can someone sneak up and knock them off? Hasan will add his later.
Derek’s Picks
EAST
FIRST ROUND
(1) Penguins over (8) Islanders in 6
(2) Canadiens over (7) Senators in 7
(6) Rangers over (3) Capitals in 6
(4) Bruins over (5) Maple Leafs in 7
CONFERENCE SEMIS
(6) Rangers over (1) Penguins in 6
(4) Bruins over (2) Canadiens in 6
CONFERENCE FINAL
(6) Rangers over (4) Bruins in 6
Why The Rangers? DF: Why not? Henrik Lundqvist is the best goalie on the planet. Nobody is playing better. The deadline addressed the Rangers’ weaknesses. Scoring dramatically improved and the D got deeper. Any run depends on Rick Nash. The development of Derek Stepan takes pressure off. Derick Brassard’s addition along with Mats Zuccarello have changed the dynamic. The status of Ryane Clowe is a factor. The Rangers have great leadership from captain Ryan Callahan, Dan Girardi and Lundqvist. Brad Richards finally is going.
WEST
FIRST ROUND
(1) Blackhawks over (8) Wild in 5
(7) Red Wings over (2) Ducks in 6
(3) Canucks over (6) Sharks in 7
(5) Kings over (4) Blues in 6
CONFERENCE SEMIS
(1) Blackhawks over (7) Red Wings in 6
(5) Kings over (3) Canucks in 6
CONFERENCE FINAL
(1) Blackhawks over (5) Kings in 5
Why The Blackhawks? DF: They’re the most complete team. Their D dwarfs everyone’s. A blueline that boasts Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook and Niklas Hjalmarsson is six deep. Each capable of contributing. Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane lead a balanced attack featuring Marian Hossa, Patrick Sharp and underrated rookie Brandon Saad. Chicago is tough. The only question is Corey Crawford. Ray Emery is injured. So, it’s up to Crawford. The team in front of him is great. Their combination of skill, grit and intangibles make them top dogs.
STANLEY CUP
(1) Blackhawks over (6) Rangers in 6
Conn Smythe-Jonathan Toews
Why Toews? There’s no better leader in hockey. He leads by example and is clutch. He wants another Cup badly. So does Kane. They won’t rest until another banner is raised at United Center.
hasan4978
Derek
Battle Of Hudson 