Established in 2006 as a Community of Reality

Welcome to the Neno's Place!

Neno's Place Established in 2006 as a Community of Reality


Neno

I can be reached by phone or text 8am-7pm cst 972-768-9772 or, once joining the board I can be reached by a (PM) Private Message.

Join the forum, it's quick and easy

Established in 2006 as a Community of Reality

Welcome to the Neno's Place!

Neno's Place Established in 2006 as a Community of Reality


Neno

I can be reached by phone or text 8am-7pm cst 972-768-9772 or, once joining the board I can be reached by a (PM) Private Message.

Established in 2006 as a Community of Reality

Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.
Established in 2006 as a Community of Reality

Many Topics Including The Oldest Dinar Community. Copyright © 2006-2020


    Calgary Flames

    jedi17
    jedi17
    Moderator
    Moderator


    Posts : 10738
    Join date : 2013-02-20

     Calgary Flames Empty Calgary Flames

    Post by jedi17 Wed 12 Apr 2017, 12:59 pm

    NHL Western Conference playoff predictions: Round 1
    April 12, 2017, 11:39 AM ET [7 Comments]
    Todd Cordell
    Calgary Flames Blogger • RSS • Archive • CONTACT
    Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell

    Here are my Western Conference playoff predictions for the opening round:

    (1) Chicago Blackhawks vs (WC2) Nashville Predators

    Prediction: Predators in 7

    While everyone trips over themselves to pick the Blackhawks, I'm cozily relaxing over here on Predators Island.

    I think Chicago has more flaws than what means the eye (their penalty kill is horrendous, for example) while the Predators are better than a lot of people give them credit for.

    If you take away 3-on-3 OT, empty net goals, etc. and look strictly at 5v5 play in regulation the Predators' goal differential is actually 17 better than Chicago's.



    That's no small margin and the vast majority of every game is played at 5v5, especially in the playoffs, so the Preds may have an advantage not many realize.

    The Preds also have the best top-4 in the league and I think the Filip Forsberg - Ryan Johansen - Viktor Arvidsson line is going to cause the Blackhawks a lot of problems. Give me the underdogs in a hard fought series.

    (1) Anaheim Ducks vs (WC1) Calgary Flames

    Prediction: Ducks in 6

    Over the last 25 games, the Ducks generated more scoring chances at 5v5 than any team in hockey and allowed fewer 5v5 goals than anyone. Their offense is firing on all cylinders, their defense has been stingy and John Gibson/Jonathan Bernier have combined to give the Ducks steady goaltending all season long.

    Johnny Gaudreau will make some plays and the 3M line will do its thing but I don't think the Flames have enough depth to take out the Ducks. Brian Elliott will have to be spectacular for the Flames to win this one.

    (2) Minnesota Wild vs (3) St. Louis Blues

    Prediction: Wild in 6

    The Blues played some good hockey down the stretch and the addition of Vladimir Sobotka will help them. That said, I like the Wild. They have a ton of scoring depth (nine players had 40+ points!) and I don't think the Blues have enough on defense to slow them down. The Wild also have the better goaltender, and home ice, so I think the Blues are going to have an early exit this year.

    (2) Edmonton Oilers vs (3) San Jose Sharks

    Prediction: Oilers in 6

    I went back and forth on this series but the picture became clear when I simplified things for myself. Edmonton has a) the best player in the series; b) the best goaltender in the series and; c) home-ice advantage. I think that'll be enough to propel them into the next round.

      Current date/time is Fri 11 Oct 2024, 1:09 am