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My Stanley Cup Playoff Picks No One Asked For |
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Hello All,
Here are my Stanley Cup Playoff picks that no one asked for. In addition, I added two reasons that are generally uneducated takes on why I do or dont feel some type of way. Enjoy!
FLA vs. WSH: Caps in 7
-There is no pressure for this Caps team that has traditional felt the weight of the world come playoff time. Absolutely no one is expecting the Caps to do anything. Just the way we want it!
-Playoff Bob is a real thing. He has been exposed by other teams but specifically the Caps lit him up in the playoffs in 2017-2018. The Caps also beat up on Spencer Knight this season so he will be no issue for the Caps either if he is called upon.
TOR vs. TBL: Lightning in 7
-Lightning have the better goaltending. Vasilevskiy is battle tested. Which goalie is going to make the saves in a do or die game 7? Vasilevskiy most likely.
-The Monkey on the Back. The Leafs core reminds me a lot of the young Washington Capitals teams from 2007 and on. Those Caps made the playoffs in 9 of 10 seasons but never made it past the second round until they eventually did in 2017-2018 and went on to win the Stanley Cup. I think the playoff drought continues this year for the Leafs against a what I consider to be a better Lightning team on paper.
CAR vs. BOS: Bruins in 6
-Carolia goaltending is big question mark right meow.
-Boston had a sneaky solid end to the regular season. They are hitting their stride at the right time and getting healthy. Strong power play is starting to surge when they will really need it against a strong Hurricanes PK
NYR vs. PIT: Rangers in 7
-Shesterkin could take the Rangers all the way to the Cup. If I wasn't picking the Caps, id put money on the Rangers to win it all. Not sure why, but I am just catching Stanley Cup vibes from this squad.
-Penguins Goaltending. Jarry is out for game one and maybe beyond. Casey DeSmith is Mr. Inconsistent this season. The Rangers top 10 offense should be able to light him up.
COL vs. NSH: Avs in 6
-Suros for the Predators is not at 100%. If he cant go, the Preds are dunzo. This team would not be in the playoffs without him. If hes able to play, he likely isnt 100%. But who is, am I right?!
-The Avs are loaded with offensive potential. They are stacked with talent and can blow any game wide open. Preds can compete but can they hang? Ill go with Avs.
MIN vs. STL: Blues in 7
-Tough call here but ill go with the veteran Blues squad who has been there before. Wild are younger (I think) and get a bad break facing the Blues in the first round. This playoff format is lame.
-Fleury has not been spectacular since being acquired. Fleury certainly gives them the best chance to win, but by no means is he playing lights out right now. Talbot has been more consistent here to end the season. For St. Louis, Husso can propel them to the promised land and he could be the eventual Conn Smythe winner. Hes that good.
CGY vs. DAL: Flames in 7
-Markstrom = 9 shutouts in the regular season
-Gaudreau and Tkachuk will carry the offense to the 2nd round. Stars will hang but will not have the gas for game 7 in Calgary.
EDM vs. LAK: Kings in 6
-Similar to the Leafs, Oilers have a history of disappointing when it matters the most. That trend continues this year.
-No one is expecting the Kings to do anything, All the pressure is on Edmonton. The young defenders will play great to make up for Drew Doughty's absence. Dustin Brown is set to retire after the playoffs so lets get one last hoorah from the Kings, eh? Also, how about a Quinton Byfield breakout series?
So there you have it. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Its playoff time, baby! Lets goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Washington Capitals Blogger • 
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