Western Conference Playoff Predictions (Round 1)

The Western Conference has had several surprises this year, with the Coyotes making the playoffs instead of the Flames. These playoffs should be much the same with twists and surprises.

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The first series between the San Jose Sharks and the Colorado Avalanche will be very close. The Sharks have been a favoured team but they never seem to come through. The Avalanche coming off the embarrassing last place finish in the conference last season has something to prove in these playoffs. This series should not be a physical one but a passionate and long, with the Sharks winning in the seventh game.

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The Chicago Blackhawks have become a very powerful team with their star young forwards Kane, Toews, and Sharp. The Nashville Predators have an older team but as a team, does not have much playoff success. Electronic Arts also simulated the playoffs and predicted the Hawks to win the Stanley Cup. Because the Hawks won 6 of 8 eight games played this season between these teams, and the Hawks are in second and the Predators are in seventh in the conference, my prediction is that Chicago will sweep this series 4-0 against Nashville.

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The Vancouver Canucks and the Los Angeles Kings have had a few surprises. The Canucks Hart Trophy winner Henrik Sedin has surprised everyone with his contributions to Vancouver. The LA Kings Drew Doughty did not achieve a Hart Trophy but has had a great season with 56 points. Vancouver has had much more “playoff” experience then LA and since the Canucks won the season series, and it leads me to believe that Vancouver will win this series 4-2.

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This last series has been the biggest surprise, between the Phoenix Coyotes and the Detroit Red Wings. Who would have thought the 25th place team in 2008-2009 and the 23rd place team in 2007-2008 would not only make the playoffs, but do very well in the season, coming third in the conference and fourth in the league. During the past summer and this season, there have been debates on who should own this team and where this team should be located if moved. But this team has proven itself and what it is capable of. The Wings, who won the cup in 2008 and came second in the playoffs last year, have not had the year they wanted. The wings came 1st in the league in the 2007-2008 season and 3rd last season. They have had over 110 points since 2005 and this season only earning 102 points, and as such they have something to show these playoffs. In the games these teams have played against each other this season, Detroit has earned 6 points while Phoenix has earned 4 points. The four points the Coyotes won were both in shootouts and four of the six points the Wings won were won in regulation. Despite this, I believe that with Doan’s consistently amazing performance and Stempniak’s surprise goal scoring, the Coyotes will win this series in game seven.

These are my Western Conference predictions for round one of 2010 playoffs. I will also post my predictions for round two of the playoffs. I am very interested in your comments on my predictions or what your predictions are. If you have any statistics that could alter opinions for the next round, please post them in the comments!

Eastern Conference Playoff Predictions (Round 1)

This season has had both ups and downs. From injuries to team slumps, this season has been an eventful one, though it’s nothing like the Stanley Cup playoffs. I am going to analyse and predict which teams will win each series, and explain my reasons.

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The Washington Capitals, the 1st place team, are facing the Montreal Canadiens, the 8th place team, who snuck in this year’s playoff by achieving one point in their last season game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. This season the Capitals and Canadiens have split the season series with one regulation win and one shootout win. Both of these teams have had their problems during the season; Ovechkin’s slump and Markov’s injury both weakened their respective teams. Both teams have recovered however. Washington did finish first place and is very confident going into these playoffs. This sets my prediction for Washington to win the series 4-1.

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The next teams are the New Jersey Devils and the Philadelphia Flyers. This series has been owned by the Flyers who won 5 out of the 6 games. Even though New Jersey has much more playoff experience, the Flyers have the skill to win the series 4-2.

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The season series between the Buffalo Sabres and the Boston Bruins continues to be fiercely fought. It has been very close, with Boston gaining 8 points and Buffalo gaining 6 points. Boston has had its problems with injuries. Marc Savard’s three injuries did not help the Bruins this season and the fact that he is still injured because of a concussion will hurt the Bruins during these playoffs. Therefore, the Sabres will likely win the series in seven games 4-3.

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Now, the Ottawa Senators have the privilege to face the defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Pittsburg Penguins, in the first round, but this is not a privilege the Senators will appreciate. With the season series split even and every game ending in regulation time, these teams are even in the season. The Penguins are a dominating team, both in the playoffs and the regular season. Ottawa has not had much luck in the playoffs since their Stanley Cup appearance and because of this, I believe the Pens will win this series 4-2. I think the senators will come on strong and catch the Penguins by surprise, but the Pens will battle back.

These are my Eastern Conference predictions for the 2010 playoffs. I am very interested in your comments on my predictions and what your predictions are. If you have any statistics that could alter opinions for the next round, please post them in the comments!