Latest Stanley Cup NHL Predictions For The Postseason (May 8th)

Before the Stanley Cup playoffs began, I was asked to make my predictions for each round, which I happily did. I had the Pittsburgh Penguins repeating as champions, taking out the Calgary Flames I 6 games. My choosing the Flames was a longshot pick that I hoped would play out, but they were snuffed out by the Ducks in the opening round. My Penguins pick still looks solid as the second round nears completion. It is now time to so a little revision work and look at how the rest of the playoffs might play out, so let’s get started with some updated NHL betting predictions here.

Analyzing The Latest Stanley Cup NHL Predictions For The Postseason (May 8th)

   

Eastern Conference Predictions

The glamour match-up in the East pits the defending champion Pittsburgh Penguins against the 2-time defending President’s Trophy winning Washington Capitals. The Penguins came into this series with some real playoff pedigree, while the Capitals are a team that have been stunningly ineffective in postseason play. The Penguins have the Caps on the brink of elimination with a 3-2 series lead, and I believe they will finish the job off on home ice on Monday night. The other series is also in the balance, with the Ottawa Senators holding a 3-2 series lead over the New York Rangers. It has been the home team that has won each of the 5 games in this series, which would suggest that the Rangers will win and force a game 7. Even if that happens, you still need to like the Senators here. Regardless of who goes through in that series, they are going to be up against it versus the Penguins. I still think it will be the champions representing the East in the Stanley Cup Final.

Western Conference Predictions

We already know one of the teams that will be taking part in the Western Conference Final, as the Nashville Predators booked their ticket after taking out the St. Louis Blues in 6 games. It has been an improbable run by the Predators, but their great defense and outstanding goaltending from Pekka Rinne has made them very tough to beat. The series between the Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks has become an instant classic, as it has delivered a little bit of everything, including an amazing win by the Ducks in a game in which they were 3 goals down with just 3 minutes to play. This one is going the distance, and the edge needs to go to the Ducks on home ice, despite the fact that the Oilers have beaten them twice there already this series. I haven’t had much luck in predicting the West this season, but I am still going to go out on a limb and take the Predators to reach the Stanley Cup Final.

Stanley Cup Prediction

By my estimation, we are going to have a Stanley Cup Final between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Nashville Predators. That would put two very different styles on display, and while defense and goaltending tends to win championships, I still like the Penguins to win it all.