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Stanley Cup Playoffs: Bold Predictions Postseason Edition

By Ryan Ritchie

Apr 17, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) warms up prior to the first period in game three of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) warms up prior to the first period in game three of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Stanley Cup Playoffs: 5 Bold Predictions For the Remainder of the Postseason

Over the course of 2015-16, we released occasional editions of “Bold Predictions“. In our very first edition during preseason, Dallas was predicted to be Cup contenders – so far, so good.

With the Stanley Cup Playoffs first round set to wrap-up tonight, we look forward to five predictions for the remainder of the postseason.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: 5 Bold Predictions

Winner of Dallas/St.Louis and Washington/Pittsburgh Will Meet in the Stanley Cup Finals

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The Western Conference’s top three teams in regular season points were set to face-off in the first two rounds – the only flaw in the new playoff system. With Dallas and St.Louis remaining, it seems likely that either could sneak by San Jose in a Conference Final (in six of seven games).

In the Eastern Conference, the Presidents’ Trophy winning Washington Capitals square off against the NHL’s hottest team, Pittsburgh Penguins. While either Tampa Bay/NY Islanders can challenge these two teams in a Conference Final, it’s unlikely either comes out victorious.

More puck prose: Stanley Cup Playoffs: 10 Bold Predictions

Matt Murray Plays Himself out of Pittsburgh

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Already beginning to trend that way, it seems as though Matt Murray has NHL starter potential. The Pens may be able to hide him behind Marc-Andre Fleury for a short while, but at some point he needs to get an opportunity. Don’t be surprised if Pittsburgh opts to re-sign pending UFA Jeff Zatkoff, and listen to offers on Murray heading into the draft, or throughout the offseason.

If he outplay’s Braden Holtby or steals a round for the Penguins, you can expect Jim Rutherford to be fielding all sorts of calls – perhaps he can replace the first rounder he lost in the Phil Kessel deal?

More puck prose: Penguins Eliminate Rangers in Round 1

Vladimir Tarasenko Sees Over 20 Minutes of Ice-Time/Game in Round Two

Anger boiled over for the Russian superstar in game six when he publicly displayed his displeasure with head coach Ken Hitchcock. His minutes were cut down further in response in game seven.

If the Blues want to get by the offensively charged Stars, they’ll need their superstar forward to log north of 20 minutes/game. If the Tarasenk-show isn’t outscoring Jamie Benn, St.Louis could be in trouble.

More puck prose: Blues Knock Off Defending Cup Champions

Apr 20, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks defenseman Brent Burns (88) celebrates scoring against the Los Angeles Kings in the second period of game four of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 20, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks defenseman Brent Burns (88) celebrates scoring against the Los Angeles Kings in the second period of game four of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

San Jose Sharks Will Make a Conference Final Appearance

Round two begins on Wednesday night, and San Jose is still without an opponent after an odd scheduling overlap. They’re set to play the winner between Anaheim/Nashville, but should be able to handle either in the second round.

If they face Anaheim, it could be a seven game battle with the Sharks coming out on top. Should Nashville advance, San Jose is playing well enough to make quick work of the Preds.

Next: NHL Mock Draft 4.0: Rounds 1-7

Predicting Draft Lottery Winners for Saturday

Okay, so predicting the top three selections is near impossible. Instead we’ll present a sub-set of predictions that are more generalized. Regardless, it’s difficult to project what might happen.

1) One of the bottom five teams with lowest odds (BOS, CAR, OTT, NJ, COL) wins one of the top three selections.
2) Canadian teams secure the top three picks
3) Toronto Maple Leafs win one of the top three selections.

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