2013 Cup Predictions

[shooker]

With the start of the regular season one day away, I think it is time to make our annual predictions. I am betting there will be a lot of Pittsburgh fans in here.

Western Conference Champions:
San Jose Sharks

Huge acquisition in Brad Stuart to help shore up their D. Too many off seasons last year from proud nhlers. I really think this is a team that is ready to win.

Eastern Conference Champions:
New York Rangers

With Rick Nash and their young core one year older, I think they may finally have the offense to match their amazing defense and top flight keeper. Conference final last year, Cup final this year.


Stanly Cup Champions:

New York Rangers

A team built for the playoffs. Too many heart and soul players in this lineup to count them out of any game.

[MSP4LYFE]

I swear to god, I just posted the exact same predictions on my facebook wall... That is really eerie.

[shooker]

I swear to god, I just posted the exact same predictions on my facebook wall... That is really eerie.

That is creepy. I'd say great minds think alike but I think that goes without saying.

[The BBKL Insider]

The Kings will come out of the West

The Rags will come out of the East


It goes 7 games, I think the Kings repeat.

[Shep]

St. Louis vs. Carolina

[Shoalzie]

Rangers over the Hurricanes in the East and the Blues over the Blackhawks in the West...Rangers over Blues in 6 games

[shooker]

St. Louis vs. Carolina

Love the Hurricanes pick. With Eric and Ward you never know come playoff time. If they had more than two NHL Caliber Dmen (Joni P and Faulk) I might be with you.

[Shep]

Corvo and Gleason are definitely NHL caliber.

[Robin Hood]

Pens - Blues

[Nick]

Lightning - Wild

[Tony]

Western Conference Champions:
San Jose Sharks

[MSP4LYFE]

I swear to god, I just posted the exact same predictions on my facebook wall... That is really eerie.

That is creepy. I'd say great minds think alike but I think that goes without saying.

[hong57]

St. Louis vs. Carolina

coz semin's in carolina.. lol
or boychuk =)

[hong57]

Lightning - Wild

hope that's for BBKL =)

[Mike]

Kings/Bruins

Kings

[Tony]

Sharks/Sharks

Sharks

[Arian The Insider]

Leafs/Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets

[anton]

Cup Final: St. Louis vs Pittsburgh
Champion: St. Louis

[Shep]

St. Louis vs. Carolina

coz semin's in carolina.. lol
or boychuk =)

Nah, upgraded.

[kimmer]

impressive predictions thus far guys


I think I agree with most of ya'll. eastern conference will once again be tested by hard work rather than finesse factor. but with that being said the addition of Rick Nash of the rangers will truly come out as one of the most complete teams out there. I'm not sure at this point while sids return for the pens is enough to refuel their heart and soul to compete like they did in 07. In the end I pick the rangers as the top dog of he East.


as for the West it is still quite open. Lots of teams with finesse type scoring line and top end d pairing using special teams to their fullest potential possible. I had hard time deciding between the two of Los Angeles kings and the Chicago blackhawks. The hawks new addition of their young core (Kruger/Saad/Shaw) on top of all the established stars like Kane/Toews/Hossa who are NOW actually in their age of pure prime should have some sick chemistry as well as clutch factor in my opinion. However Crawfords consistency will be key in providing them success. Therefore I trust to go with the kings as the best in the west.


The kings repeat... as The Stanley cup champions. I'm a huge fan of lombardis heart and dedication in running his team. He constantly studies and learns from his past. I think his keeness and motivation to definitely repeat what they had to avoid the conventional cup hangover curse to make it a thing of the past has me convinced.