2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs

It's time for playoff hockey. The Stanley Cup Playoffs are as grueling and intense as any playoffs you can find.the action officially gets going tonight. The Boston Bruins are the favorite to hoist the Cup this season. The Bruins were dominant in the second half of the regular season, and look to get back to the Stanley Cup Finals for the second consecutive season. The Bruins edged out the Anaheim Ducks to claim the President's Trophy. The best team in the NHL for much of the season was the St. Louis Blues. The Blues were my preseason pick to win the Stanley Cup, but a recent streak of injuries and poor play has them skidding into the playoffs. The Blues will need to regain some of their health and have Ryan Miller elevate his game for that pick to come to fruition. Here is how I expect the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs to play out.

Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

Boston (-320) vs. Detroit (+260)

The Boston Bruins had the best record in the NHL this season. Their reward? Drawing the Detroit Red Wings in the opening round. The Red Wings defeated the Bruins three out of four times they played this season. Boston has the talent and experience to withstand their regular season woes against Detroit. I expect the Bruins to advance.

Prediction - Boston over Detroit 4-2

Tampa Bay (-105) vs. Montreal (-115)

The Tampa Bay Lightning played great hockey at the beginning of the season. They faded late, but were able to hang on to 2nd place in the Atlantic Division and earn home ice for this series. That could be crucial in such an even matchup. Carey Price will need to come up big against the offensive firepower of Tampa. I think he will.

Prediction - Montreal over Tampa Bay 4-3

Pittsburgh (-295) vs. Columbus (+245)

Pittsburgh has been the most disappointing playoff team of the last few seasons. They will play the up and coming Columbus Blue Jackets in the Quarterfinals. Many will view this as an easy matchup for the Penguins, but the Blue Jackets are a young and hungry bunch. Pittsburgh needs to win now or face major changes to the team that it is currently constructed.

Prediction - Pittsburgh over Columbus 4-1


NY Rangers (-150) vs. Philadelphia (+130)

This has the potential to be an outstanding series. The Rangers and Flyers both played their best hockey in the second half of the season, and have the confidence to make a playoff run. Steve Mason is battling injury for Philly. If he misses any games in net, as it appears he will, that will swing the momentum in the Rangers' favor in a big way.

Prediction - NY Rangers over Philadelphia 4-3

Western Conference Quarterfinals

Anaheim (-185) vs. Dallas (+160)

The Anaheim Ducks were consistently good all season long. They wound up clinching home ice throughout the Western Conference playoffs. They have been great throughout the last couple regular seasons, but they have had a history of underachieving in the postseason. Dallas is capable of winning this series. But it all begins with the goaltending. They must win that battle to have a fighting chance.

Prediction - Anaheim over Dallas 4-1

San Jose (-145) vs. Los Angeles (+125)

San Jose and Los Angeles are making it a habit of playing playoff hockey against one another. This will be the third time in four years that they meet when it matters most. The Kings won the Stanley Cup as recently as 2012. The Sharks are still chasing that elusive Cup. They are making their 10th consecutive playoff appearance and expect it to end differently from the previous nine. Will this be the year? I'm taking the Kings.

Prediction - Los Angeles over San Jose 4-3

Colorado (-140) vs. Minnesota (+120)

Patrick Roy has completely changed this Colorado team around. The Avs have not been relevant in years. They were expected to be that way this year as well. Enter Patrick Roy as head coach, and they win the Central Division. Will that translate into postseason success? Minnesota may very well have a more talented roster than Colorado, despite the way the standings look.

Prediction - Minnesota over Colorado 4-2

St. Louis (-105) vs. Chicago (-115)

This is as good as you will see for a Quarterfinal matchup. Unfortunately, the matchup has lost some of its luster because of the mounting injuries on both sides. I picked the Blackhawks to win the Cup last season and they didn't disappoint. I picked the Blues to win it this year. I'm not feeling nearly as confident. I need the Blues to right themselves if I want to correctly pick the Cup winner for a fourth consecutive year.

Prediction - St. Louis over Chicago 4-3

Eastern Conference Semifinals
Boston over Montreal 4-1
Pittsburgh over NY Rangers 4-2

Western Conference Semifinals
Los Angeles over Anaheim 4-2
St. Louis over Minnesota 4-1

Eastern Conference Finals
Boston over Pittsburgh 4-2

Western Conference Finals
St. Louis over Los Angeles 4-2

Stanley Cup Finals
St. Louis over Boston