Stanley Cup Champion Predictions Anyone???...

[Signal]

Well with most teams having about 20 games to go, I thought it would be a good time to discuss the playoffs and perhaps take a wild guess as to who could come out on top...So here are my thoughts so far...The one thing that could be a positive for Detroit's age is with that age is experience...And perhaps their experience will prevent them from having a let down in a round where they must play an obviously weaker team and taking them for granted...I am still wondering about Chicago...On paper things look VERY promising for them yet it has been a LONG time since Chicago has seen this kind of success, I just don't know if they can go all the way overnight...As for Boston, alot of potential but can they shine when it's all on the line??...I dunno, we'll see...Then there's Colorado, a team being overshadowed BIG TIME by the Wings!...Perhaps that will be a good thing though! :eek: They could be alot more prepared to defend that title than some may think...Somehow I just can't picture the Sharks or 'Canes winning the Cup, that doesn't sound very full of thought but just my guess I suppose...Teams ranked sixth through eighth in either conference don't look very promising at all, including my Devils...But that doesn't mean I won't be cheering them on til the bitter end as always!...*LOL*...With Sundin, Toronto definitely has a shot and honestly I wouldn't be dissappointed if they took it...They just better watch their goaltending situation!...But whether or not they finish first in the East, I pick Philly as the strongest team in the East...Like Toronto though, the goaltending could be an issue...Then there's the two oddball teams, fifth place Ottawa and St. Louis...I say teams better be careful, these two both could be dangerous this year!...My prediction on who the champs will be??...I have no clue!!...*LOL*...That's what makes it so fun though!...But if I had to choose...I would say there could be a HUGE matchup between the 'Lanche and Wings and I honestly see the Avs winning it and having unstoppable momentum going into the finals...I can't believe I'm saying it and as much as I HATE to, I have Colorado as this years champs...That's just one of my theories anyways...I have a couple...Another one does NOT include a big Wings/Avs Western final because the Wings get upset but the Avs still winning...Of course there's the obvious theory that Detroit whips everyone's butt and takes the Cup with only moderate resistance in the finals...Quite frankly I think it's less fun predicting stuff like this and way more fun just sitting back and watching the action explode!!...But I thought it would be fun to see what everyone else's predictions were!...

:cool:

Jason

[P.J Stock]

The oilers are winning it:)

Its gonna come down to Wings-Flyers...Wings will win the series.

[ChrisFrez]

I certainly don't want another Philly matchup for the Cup - that would be boring. We've already seen Detroit sweep Philly and Washingston back to back years to win 2 Cups.

Detroit vs Boston in the Cup Finals - two original six teams.

[5 and a game]

Atlanta vs. Nashville. :D

[Cane Says]

I have to agree with jason that you will not see my beloved Canes in the Cup finals. :( And sorry Chris, but you can't count out Philly, they are looking mighty tough this year. One team i don't think anyone is mentioning is the Senators. They are a tough team and could play spoiler in the playoffs. and if they fill their hole at center, wwho knows what could happen.

[cASe SenSiTive]

If Cujo is back, and in form, it'll be the Wings over the Laffs in 5 games.

Honestly, the Wings only real competition is going to come from the West.

[wingwop]

If the wings are to lose this year, it won't be an early round spoiler. They have enough bodies around that remember the last two years. To have a team down 2-0 and lose a series is something...it's something alright!! Anyway, I'd like to see Detroit play Toronto for the cup, I think Cujo may have played spoiler to that. It wouldn't bother me to see Boston in the finals, but we'll see what they're made of early on here!! The west is easy to predict who'll be around, with a few wild card exeptions i.e., Chicago, Calgary and Edmonton. The east is anyone's guess. But be sure of this, before the trade deadline, the Rangers will double their payroll!!

[originalsix]

So how's our buddy Martin Lapointe doing in Boston these days?

KC

[Signal]

ChrisFrez--Actually, I would have to disagree with ya on that one! ;) I think Wings/Philly has the potential to be an AWESOME series!...Now obviously other than the Devils making it to the finals, I'd have to say my favorite matchup would be a Wings/Philly final...Maybe Wings/Toronto cause my grandmother has Maple Leafs blood running through her vains!...Hehehe...Besides Sundin could make things interesting...But anyhow, Philly is a BIG and PHYSICAL team right now...I think those boys would be ready to knock the Wings from one end of the rink to the other...At least they'd better or they'll be scheduling a round of 18 for the day after game four. :D I think a physical game is a MUST to beat the Wings Machine...I think there'd be some 'J.R. hockey' going on in Detroit too which could make things fun...Speaking of fun, Donald Brashear would make sure Wings and Flyers fans didn't fall asleep in their seats...Hehehe...Not to mention Simon Gagne could be that special something extra that most teams need to enter and win in the Finals...Of course Philly just better hope their goalie situation is good going into the playoffs if they are to make the finals...Same goes for any team because Detroit's offense is just going to overwhelm any team...And Hasek in net???...Despite any predictions any of us make, there's just no denying that as of right now the Wings just look invincible!...

:)

Jason

[FLII ME]

I am telling you guys, bet the farm on it, it will be a team from the west versus a team from the east.

$ in the bank :)

[wingwop]

Hey Signal, you sound like your slowly talking your way into realizing that the wings look like the sure bet right about now. We all know that doesn't mean sh!t, but I agree, even though my opinion is tainted with a little homer sindrome!!

[Count Cane]

Canes win the Cup. Hell we just want to win a playoff series. Baby steps, baby steps.

[5 and a game]

Originally posted by wingwop
Hey Signal, you sound like your slowly talking your way into realizing that the wings look like the sure bet right about now. We all know that doesn't mean sh!t, but I agree, even though my opinion is tainted with a little homer sindrome!!

Homer syndrome? Nah... maybe if you were a Sharks fan.

[Signal]

Wingwop--Well the thing is that they ARE the best team this year by far, so they are the clear favorites...No arguing about that...However I just can smell an upset cooking!! :D Or maybe I'm just angry that the Devils simply stink...Hell maybe THAT'S what I'm smelling huh??...*LOL*...

:cool:

Jason