I know this is irrelevant but could be something to keep the thread alive too...
Anyways here are my first round predictions.
East
Senators Vs Rangers
Rangers in 6
Reason: As much as I would like to see at least one Canadian team make it to the next round, I don't think the Sens have quite what it takes to beat the top seed Rangers. The Rangers have a young physical lineup in players like Dubinsky, Callahan, Prust, Boyle, Del-Zotto. And the list could go on. Gaborik showed us this season that he could remain healthy and jump back to his 40 goal stature that he used to be.
Capitols Vs Bruins
Bruins in 7
Reason: The Bruins won the cup last year after their toughest series versus the Canadiens. After beating them in 7 they pretty much just flew through the rest of the playoffs. Also a big robust team especially back on D, they are a team that will grind, hit, block shots and work hard in the corners. They have a very well balanced offense and their top line lead the NHL in +/-. Look for Ovechkin to keep the series tight despite having a slow season to his usual standards, he finished strong and will run on that fuel.
Devils Vs Panthers
Devils in 5
Reason: I like that Florida finished 3rd, however somewhat by default due to a weaker division they don't have the experience or the star players that the Devils do have. Brodeur has at least one more playoff run in him, and he's going to want to make it count. Kovalchuck is a sure goal scorer that somehow finds a way to score all the clutch goals needed. And I see Sykora being what Mark Recchi was for the Bruins last year. In the mix are sizable wingers in Ponikarovski and Clarkson, and speed and energy will come from players like Zajac and Parise who bring a dynamic game to the ice.
Flyers Vs Penguins
Penguins in 6
Reason: Already one of the bigger rivals out there at the moment. Each team has those agitators and tough guys needed to heat up a game and get under players skin. However the Flyers are afflicted by lots of injuries at the moment which will probably be their downfall in my opinion. Crosby returned with a bang, and however he has been playing safe and racking in assists since his return. I see him playing with even more confidence and more of a flare during the playoffs and he will score some essential goals. Lets not forget Malkin, Staal, Letang, Fleury and Neal who have also been huge factors this season.
West
Kings Vs Cannucks
Cannucks in 5
Reason: Despite Daniel Sedin missing the start of the playoffs due to injury, the Nucks are a very well rounded team that just don't allow many goal against. Also due in part to Luongos stellar net minding, the Nucks Defense is also just as well rounded. Offensively and Defensively this is one of the best balanced teams in the league in my opinion behind Detroit. The Kings have good depth, but lack the playoff experience and rely heavily on Jonathan Quick. If Lu falters, they can always fall back to Schneider who has proven himself enormously this season.
Sharks Vs Blues
Blues in 7
Reason: The Sharks are known for not performing up to par in the playoffs. And I don't see much of a reason for it to be any different this year. Seeing as their largest offense does come from Thornton and Marleau. Havlat was injured most of the season, and with him in the lineup it would add a more rounded threat with Couture, Pavelski and Clowe but it won't be enough for the Blues robust depth. Players such as Oshie, Perron, Backes, Berglund are all bulky players who are not afraid to play in the corners and work for the puck. The blues two goaltenders in Bishop and Halak will alternate games as they did this season keeping them fresh and ready to go each game. Veterans such as Arnott and Langenbrunner who have had slow seasons will help push the team defensively and in those key moments.
Black Hawks Vs Coyotes
Black Hawks in 6
Reason: Mike Smith may have had an outstanding season with 38 wins. He still hasn't had much NHL playoff game time, and could fail under the pressure. Chicago still has nearly the same team as they did when they won the cup a couple years ago. And those players know how to play playoff/cup hockey. However they did part with many of their clutch players from that cup run, they have new players that could fill that gap in Stalberg who had 6 game winning goals and 2 overtime winners, and Andrew Shaw 2-1. They have a solid mix of young talented players who play a fast pace game, and if Toews is in as of game 1 we should see the Hawks making it to the 2nd round relatively easily.
Red Wings Vs Predators
Predators in 7
Reason: This will probably be one of the most defensive minded series in the first round, and will be a battle of the smartest and disciplined. Neither team have players with more then 100 penalty minutes and both teams will look to try and capitalize on the power plays they do get. Detroit is a very experienced playoff team with an immense group of talented players upfront and down low. However I feel that Nashville made some solid acquisitions this season in Gill, Kostitsyn, Radulov, Gaustad and Yip. All depth players that can are all big parts to a successful playoff push. Lets not forget that Rinne is probably the better goalie between the two teams and Weber and Sutter are younger and more physical then the Legendary Lidstrom or Kronwall. Also Gill being the 2nd largest player in the league will block shots and be an asset in the locker room.
Damn Dusty seems to be wrong on almost every pick! Guess it was a bad be to throw $100 on Nasvhille at 20-1 lol
and from everyone in the pool, thanks to Joey Moss to putting this thing together. 3 years of a league running so unreal. Espsecially on HF. Even though 1 team getting 1st overall 3 years straight is bull ****, you are still the best!!!
Damn Dusty seems to be wrong on almost every pick! Guess it was a bad be to throw $100 on Nasvhille at 20-1 lol
and from everyone in the pool, thanks to Joey Moss to putting this thing together. 3 years of a league running so unreal. Espsecially on HF. Even though 1 team getting 1st overall 3 years straight is bull ****, you are still the best!!!
The only picks I'm officially wrong on are the Vancouver one at the moment. The pittsburgh one isn't really shaping out nicely though yet either. But Hell pitts could make a 4 game come back and take them in 6!
EDIT - Also, I predicted Nashville and Philly in the finals before the playoffs, I'll stick with that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alberta Oilfire
JM: Does the draft lottery results change anything for us?
The preds wanting to move up a bit offering 19th and 32nd overall. PM if interested
I thought about having it the same as however the draft lottery went before the actual lottery happened but chose not to. Figured keeping it the same would be fair.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kessel>Seguin +
Damn Dusty seems to be wrong on almost every pick! Guess it was a bad be to throw $100 on Nasvhille at 20-1 lol
and from everyone in the pool, thanks to Joey Moss to putting this thing together. 3 years of a league running so unreal. Espsecially on HF. Even though 1 team getting 1st overall 3 years straight is bull ****, you are still the best!!!
Here is the draft order w/trades. I'm 99.9% sure I have every pick correct with every trade made this season as I checked it over about 3 times.
The Draft will be about two weeks before the real draft so hang tight and just enjoy the playoffs until we get back at it. I'll also be making the roll call around that time.
The Boston Bruins are open to making trades. The only untouchables are Letang, Pietrangelo and Benn. Kopitar is close to untouchable but can be moved for an overpayment. Miller wont be moved unless I'm getting an upgrade in net. Everyone else is available.
The Boston Bruins are open to making trades. The only untouchables are Letang, Pietrangelo and Benn. Kopitar is close to untouchable but can be moved for an overpayment. Miller wont be moved unless I'm getting an upgrade in net. Everyone else is available.
for putting in the work to make this last 3 seasons. Here's to 3 more!
thanks JM for this amazing league, and hope to win it all next year 
First overall pick is not on the table unless a ridiculous overpayment is offered.
