2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs: 1st Round Predictions

NOTE: I am by no means a hockey expert, the playoffs are the most hockey I watch all year, I am basing these predictions off what I know of this year and past years of watching.

Western Conference:

1) Anaheim Ducks
wc) Winnipeg Jets
Prediction: Ducks in 5
Why?: Anahiem took the Kings 7 games last year and even had a 3-2 lead, back with one of the best records in the NHL this year the Ducks shouldn't have much of a problem reaching the West Semis again this year.

2) Vancouver Canucks
3) Calgary Flames
Prediction: Flames in 6
Why?: I'm not sure, but I do know these teams hate each other.  I'm going on a limb and say Johnny Hockey and Calgary get off to a 3-2 start and finish Vancouver on their home ice.

1) St. Louis Blues
WC) Minnesota Wild
Prediciton: Wild in 6
Why?: Minnesota has been red hot to finish the year, I believe this will carry over into consecutive upsets over 1 seeds for the Wild.

2) Nashville Predators
3) Chicago Blackhawks
Prediction: Blackhawks in 7
Why?: Separated by only 2 points, these teams are pretty evenly matched, the Blackhawks have much more experience, having won 2 of the last 5 Stanley Cups, and made the West finals last year, they get the job done in round 1 this year.

Eastern Conference:

1) Montreal Canadians

WC) Ottawa Senators

Prediction: Canadians in 5

Why?: Last year Montreal swept Tampa Bay, and took down the Boston Bruins in 7, they know how to win in the playoffs and that's just what they do in round 1.

2) Tampa Bay Lightning

3) Detroit Red Wings

Prediction: Lightning in 6

Why?: Tampa Bay has had a great year, Detroit is always in the playoffs and they don't call themselves "hockeytown" for nothing.  This year the Lightning don't get beat in round 1 and hockeytown will have to wait another year for a shot at the cup.

1) New York Rangers

WC) Pittsburg Penguins

Prediction: Rangers in 5

Why?: New York was the best team in the league this year for a reason; they got talent, and a lot of it.  Not to mention they are looking to make it back to the Stanley Cup Finals and this time finish the job.  The duo of Crosby and Malkin are the only reason I see Pittsburg taking a game.

2) Washington Capitals

3) New York Islanders

Prediction: Islanders in 7

Why?: Both teams finished with 101 points in the same division. Both have two stars, Washington with Russian goal machine Alex Ovechkin, Islanders with John Tavares. NYI went 2-1-1 against the Caps in the regular season, that is why I give them the edge and set up and all New York semifinal.