2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs: 5 Bold Predictions
When news initially broke that the NHL would more than likely not even have a season in 2013, hockey fans across the country began to sob. After a lengthy lockout those same fans were awarded a shortened-season featuring just 48 regular season games. The drawbacks of frequent injuries and no inter conference games were disappointing, but the postseason is here and it's time for five risky predictions that will make your jaw drop.
The Toronto Maple Leafs aren't known as an NHL powerhouse, but the 2013 team has what it takes to beat anyone standing in the way. Unlike years prior, this Leafs team has star players who can mix it up in front of the net and an excellent special teams unit to boot. Whether or not Toronto will hoist the elaborate Stanley Cup remains to be seen, but they will make it to the Eastern Conference playoffs this year.
Every year, the Conn Smythe Trophy coincides with the postseason and this year the honors will not belong to a goaltender. Surely, their are plenty of worthy candidates, however the team that wins the cup this year will do so with so-so play between the pipes. A rather illustrious award, it will be interesting to see who gets bestowed the accolade in 2013.
Many fans were surprised to see the New York Islanders reach the playoffs and if they are not done shocking the viewers. Although the Pittsburgh Penguins look like the tougher team, this match up will be far from lopsided. Behind the skates of Matt Moulson and John Taveras, New York will take the Penguins to a seven-game series.
Hopefully all of these bold predictions shake out, but just in case we want to hear what you have to say, so comment below with a few bold predictions of your own!
Devin O'Barr is a senior writer and content assistant for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter (D_Original28), add him to your circle on Google or Email him at [email protected].
The Toronto Maple Leafs will reach the Eastern Conference Finals
This is a team that a lot of people have counted out already, simply because of their lack of success for the past decade. But they have the star power up front, the special teams, and the physical type of game that will make them a very dangerous team in the postseason.
A goaltender will not win the Conn Smythe Award
This is a bold prediction based off of what we've seen the last couple of years in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with the last two champs riding hot goaltenders to a title. The team that wins the Stanley Cup this year will win it with average goaltending.
The Islanders will take the Penguins to 7 games
This is something that almost nobody is expecting. But with the likes of John Tavares and Matt Moulson leading their offensive attack, as well as a very solid blue line, this is a team that can be a threat. They may not beat the Penguins, but they'll make it much more difficult than anyone could have expected.
A no. 2 seed will lose in the first round
Both the Anaheim Ducks and Montreal Canadiens have had their issues in the second half of the season. The Detroit Red Wings are playing great hockey right now and Jimmy Howard will keep them in every game. They have the experience as well. The Ottawa Senators are flying high after the return of Erik Karlsson. That mentality can be dangerous for an opposing team. One of those seven seeds will prevail in the conference quarterfinals.
Jonathan Quick will cost the Kings a deep playoff run
Quick has had his issues throughout the regular season. Whether that's the result of offseason surgery or the shortened season, or a combination of both, doesn't matter at this point. If he doesn't get it together, this team is in trouble.
