NHL Playoff Predictions 2012: Round 3

The NHL playoffs this year is featuring some of the most surprising and unexpected performances ever. In my predictions for the last round, I went 1-3 being only right in saying the Rangers would advance and not coming anywhere close on the games played. But the funny thing is this: the better team in every series has won. Even though I picked them to win, Philly, Nashville and St. Louis all did not play with any motivation or competitive energy which in the end got them eliminated. Even though my predictions were very off last round, I hope you still read this rounds predictions and hopefully I will do better. 

Western Conference

Phoenix Coyotes (3) vs LA Kings (8)

I wrote extensively on this matchup here when it was first confirmed but these predictions haven't come out yet because of the longer East series. Like I say in that post, I am surprised that these two teams are the last ones standing in the West, but their play so far has earned them their spots. And with the announcement that the Coyotes could finally be sold by the league, Phoenix chose a good time to make a playoff run. However, their Cinderella story will end this round at the hands of an equally surprising team, the LA Kings. The Kings have beaten the top seeded Vancouver Canucks and the second place Blues, all while only losing one game. I think they will complete the trifecta and knock off the last division winner with a win this series. The matchup of Smith vs Quick will decide this series and no one should be surprised if a game goes to overtime while tied 0-0. I have no idea how many games this series will go but I am going to predict 7 games more has a hopeful thought than an actual prediction. 

Winner- LA in 7

Eastern Conference

NY Rangers (1) vs New Jersey Devils (6)

If anyone predicted this matchup at the start of the playoffs, they deserve a slow clap. Both of these teams have been just as surprising as the West finalists and will now take their unpredictable play to a battle of the Hudson River. Martin Brodeur is playing like a kid, not like the 40 year old he is. He has carried his team this far, but one has to wonder if he is getting a little tired. Henrik Lundqvist has outdueled two hot goalies in two game sevens to get this far and will need to keep playing his regular, near flawless hockey if they want to win. Some might view playing two, seven game series as a bad omen, but Boston last year played in three game sevens on the way to the championship. The Devils have seen the emergence of Dainius Zubrus and the star power of Ilya Kovalchuck help their offence but strong defence from Andy Greene and Marek Zidlicky has been a bigger story. Across the river, the Rangers have been using an aggressive young defence corps for their offence. Players like Michael Del Zotto (who got the game seven winner against Washington) and Marc Staal have provide big goals from the back end. The Rangers have also benefited from the strong play of former Conn Smythe winner Brad Richards, whose veteran leadership and offensive skills have given them a huge boost. I have to think New York is more skilled and deep than New Jersey which will give them an edge in this series. But both teams have been able to take over games all playoffs and will certainly do that again this round. In the end though, New York gets the advantage and my prediction to win.

Winner- NY in 6

The NHL remains the most competitive league in sport because of the exciting playoff matchups that happen every year. And surprisingly, this round will have a couple more of those moments too. With four good goalies and four strong teams left going for the Cup, it really is anyone's for the taking at this point. With four unexpected teams going this far, some interesting statistics emerge. For example, of the 81 players left between the four teams, only twelve have ever won the cup. For this reason alone, the pressure is on all these inexperienced players and some exciting hockey is certainly on the way. 

As always, I look forward to hearing your feedback in the comments below or by emailing josh@jbenny.com. If you want to read more of my writing you can go to my website, www.jbenny.com or follow me on twitter at @jbenny15.