In a remarkable turn of events that highlights a potential lack-of-parity that's beginning to arise, the four remaining teams in the hunt for the Stanley Cup Finals are the same four teams that lifted the Stanley Cup each in the last four seasons.
(a bit of trivia: this is the first time this has happened since 1984 when the Islanders were in the conference finals (the Islanders had won the Stanley Cup the previous four years!))
But I'll save the lack-of-parity discussion for some other time because right now we have 2 incredible series to break down.
Let's begin:
1. Pittsburgh Penguins vs. 4. Boston Bruins
1. Well this is awkward
Well the hockey gods prove to be existent once again. At the trade deadline earlier in season, Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli got a call from the Calgary Flames that a trade was in place for forward Jarome Iginla. Later that night, the Bruins were informed that Iginla chose not to go to Boston and instead selected Pittsburgh as his destination.
So now, Iginla has to go up against a team that he felt wasn't good enough for him. The Bruins fans have been giving him hell whenever he played there and the fans, and the team, will be motivated for the series to shut him down.
2. Young guns on the blueline
The Boston defensemen have been decimated with injuries. Wade Redden has been out for a bit, Wade Redden had to ruin our potential buyout-reunion with the Rangers last series by also being injured, and Dennis Seidenberg just came back for game 5 against the Rangers (although this week off should have helped).
In their place, Boston dressed 3 rookie defensemen who simply proved they can play with the big boys in the biggest stage.
First of all, we have Matt Bartkowski, the man that was to be included in the Iginla trade. Expect him to be fired up.
And of course we have Torey Krug, this year's version of John Druce. 4 goals in his first 5 career playoff games is a record and his confidence speaks for itself. His physical presence and offensive flair have been eye openers. He beat Henrik Lundqvist. Clean. That just never happens.
That being said, they have not faced a team with forwards like the Penguins have. This will really be a big test to see if they can stand their ground against the league's top stars.
3. Penguins depth
When you think of the Penguins, you immediately think of stars like Crosby, Malkin, Letang, and Fleury. However, the Penguins have been receiving a ton of support from the role players. The Penguins have 11 forwards with at least one goal and 8 of them have more than one.
This team is scary enough with their top lines but add this kind of depth and it's kind of ridiculous.
4. The stars also do damage
Yessir, Malkin, Letang, Crosby, and Iginla are simply getting the job done offensively, leading the team in points, respectively. They have just played up to their bill and defenses have not been able to stop them. Include James Neal who's finally heating up and this is a crew of guys you don't want to face.
5. Bruins have a top line too
The Bruins top line of Krejci, Lucic, and Horton has also been producing for the B's. Their size and skill alone are nearly impossible to defend when they're on their game.
That being said, they were invisible for much of the series with Toronto and that was one of the reasons it went 7. They need to continue making an impact for this team.
6. Top 6 scorers are in this series
Talking about top lines, the top 6 point getters in this year's playoffs are playing in this series. They are David Krejci (17), Evgeni Malkin (16), Kris Letang (16), Sidney Crosby (15), Nathan Horton (12), and Jarome Iginla (12).
Should be a lot of action.
7. I have trust issues
The last thing I'm saying is Vokoun hasn't been good for the Penguins in his time filling in for Marc-Andre Fleury. Vokoun has a 6-2 record with a 1.85 GAA and a .941 SV%. He's been fine for them and I'm certain he'll continue to be. But the one thing I saw a lot in the series against Ottawa was that he was fighting a lot of pucks, losing pucks in his feet, and giving up sloppy rebounds. Watching that series, it did not look like a sure goaltender.
Now if Vokoun ends up struggling, the question is, when do they go back to Fleury, because God knows, the Penguins would love to have the old Fleury back in net for this run. I say as soon as they are trailling in a series but who knows? Maybe with a rough start for Vokoun they'll throw him in.
Either way, the Bruins have to take advantage of any weakness.
8. Rask Confident
Who can possibly brush themselves off and continue playing hockey in Madison Square Garden after a mistake like this?
The answer is Tuukka Rask.
Rask seemed unbelievably confident and calm during the entire series against the Rangers, even after that goal. He looked like a goalie who knew he had the ability to win the game. He was sure of himself at all times and looked great.
The Bruins need this to continue against the high-flying Penguins team.
9. Penguins are special
The Penguins special teams has just been ridiculous this postseason. Their powerplay has produced 13 goals in their 11 games in the playoffs. It's a combination of their fire power (anybody who is on the ice has the ability of scoring at any point. 7 different players have powerplay goals) and their fine passing strategy. Penalty kills just can't figure them out.
Their penalty kill has also been unconscious. They've allowed just 4 powerplay goals in their eleven games and they even have had 2 shorthanded goals (both by Pascal Dupuis)
This team is dangerous regardless of what colour jersey is in the box.
10. Bruins powerplay heating up
After another relatively-weak year for the Boston powerplay, the Bruins weren't expecting that much of a change in the playoffs. However, Torey Krug (see above) had other plans.
Against the Rangers, the Bruins powerplay went 4-12. Krug had 3 of those goals. If this powerplay unit can stay hot, they might be able to crack the code of the Penguins penalty kill.
11. Beware the Merlot Line
Perhaps the most interesting line to watch for Boston is their fourth line (aka the Merlot Line because of the colour of their practice jersey)
Physical? Check.
Skilled? Check.
Tenacious on the forecheck? Supercheck.
No Boston line had more goals against the Rangers than the Merlot Line and they did it the same way they've been doing it the last four years. Hitting hard, causing turnovers, and just wreaking havoc in the opposition's end. Look for them to continue being a problem for Pittsburgh's back end.
12. Cooke vs. Savard
It's one of those awful hits that lives in the back of our minds and pops up when we're having a good day just to make us feel bad again.
Savard, who's career is just about over, was essentially finished after this blow to the head by Matt Cooke.
The Bruins have NOT forgotten and I expect things to get chippy, especially with that fourth line of Boston who's not afraid to get nasty.
13. An Unexpected Hero
When I found out last year that Penguin fans didn't like Paul Martin, I was shocked. Paul Martin was perhaps one of the most sure-handed defensemen for the Devils for a few seasons before being shipped off to Pittsburgh where he was not exactly a fan favourite.
Well this year he had maybe the best season of his career.
Now, in the playoffs, he's playing just as well and even has a couple of clutch goals and a nice amount of assists. Martin is a true unsung hero for this team that gets it done.
14. Chara's job
Against the Rangers, Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara was on the ice almost every time Rangers (alleged ) superstar, Rick Nash, was, and then some more. Nash only got 3 points and 1 goal.
Now Chara has to go up against not just one superstar, but a whole roster (seemingly) of them. Can he step up to the task.
Prediction:
I was dying to pick the Bruins on this one, honest to god. They've got good pressure up front that can completely break down a defense. They've been great on D and great in net as well. However, even with my lack of faith in Vokoun, the Penguins are still have the best offense in the league and completely devoured Ottawa. Don't forget about the rookie defensemen for Boston who, although have played well up until now, are still rookie defensemen.
Penguins in six
1. Chicago Blackhawks vs. 5. Los Angeles Kings
1. Emotional game 7's
Both these teams are coming off of tough series which went the distance. Unlike the Eastern conference teams, these guys didn't have a week off before resuming. Just 3 day.
Expect a hard fought series that may very well go the distance in what should be a test of strength and endurance. There may not be any gas left in the tank after this one.
2. Momentum
In the last two rounds, the Kings have begun to look like the 2012 Stanley Cup winning champion Kings. How have they done that?
They play off momentum.
It's a dangerous game they play and they've trailed in games because of it, but the Kings essentially wait until they have some type of momentum and then they just explode.
And they get momentum from a big hit, a big save, the home crowd, a goal, and even a good penalty kill. And once they get the momentum, it's close to impossible to stop them. Chicago has to capitalize on every opportunity and make sure not to give LA that chance.
3. Size upfront for LA
The Kings have some huge players. In fact, the average weight of their team is 211 pounds. And that's just the average.
Brown, Carter, and Penner are all big boys along with the other men. This team uses their big men to their advantage as they throw big body checks, create traffic, and go hard on the forecheck. It's their recipe for success and nobody does it better than they do.
4. Offensive defensemen
The Kings also get help from their defensemen. In fact, each line is consisted in a similar manner.
Drew Doughty jumps into the rush while his trusted partner Robyn Regher stays back.
Slava Voynov jumps into the rush while his trusted partner Rob Scuderi stays back.
Jake Muzzin jumps into the rush while his trusted partner Matt Greene stays back.
It's a simple, smart line combination system that means offensive help for LA.
5. Crawford quietly helping
Crawford isn't the most flashy around. But he sure does get the job done.
Against Detroit he was the goalie Chicago needed. Always kept them in the game and always gave them a chance to win. He's been on and off his whole career but Chicago needs him to solidify himself as a star in this round against the former Conn Smythe winner.
6. Jonathan Quick on pace for another Conn Smythe
Jonathan Quick's numbers in last year's playoffs: 1.41 GAA .946 SV%
His stats in this year's playoffs: 1.50 GAA .948 SV%
Jonathan Quick has been playing stellar playoff hockey again. He makes big save after big save and wins games that he really shouldn't be winning.
Chicago has a slight beacon of hope in the fact that in three games against Chicago this season, he lost two of the games with a lousy .857 SV%
7. Chicago has a fair share of depth
The Blackhawks have had guys stepping up all season long and they've continued their timely contributions into the playoffs. Guys like Andrew Shaw, Michael Frolik, and Bryan Bickell have added a nice touch of depth to the Blackhawks playoff run and they must keep it going against a stingy Los Angeles squad.
They like to keep things physical which will help with...
8. Bump Jonathan Quick
In the series against San Jose', Jonathan Quick was pushed, knocked over, and slashed at an almost constant rate. The Sharks got called for goalie interference a few times but the strategy was worth it as the Sharks came closer to beating the Kings than any other playoff opponent in the last two years. Quick was slightly rattled and the Sharks were able to get stuff by him. I think it is a must for the Blackhawks to do the same. They're going to need all the help they can get considering...
9. Jonathan Toews has been quiet
The usually follow-my-lead captain for Chicago has been kept quiet in the playoffs this year. With just 6 points in 12 games, Chicago fans are asking where his productivity went. He didn't score a goal in the playoffs until game 6 against the Red Wings. While it's a good sign that the Hawks got this far without his scoring, that'll have to change.
Again, the Blackhawk fans have a little hope seeing as Toews had success against Quick and the Kings this year (6 points in the 3 games) but this series is a whole other story.
10. The Hawks are great on the kill, not so much on the powerplay
While the last few seasons we've seen teams win the Stanley Cup with this combination, people have to wonder how a team with so many superstars like Chicago can't produce with an extra man on the ice. They are converting just 16.2% of their chances and that has to go up in the Conference finals, especially with a roster like theirs.
Fortunately, though, they make up for it on the penalty kill which has given up just one powerplay goal this postseason. It's not likely they'll keep it up, simply based on statistics, but they're 97.6% throught two rounds has to be some kind of record.
11. The Kings are solid
The Kings special teams is about as average as they come. They work pretty well on the kill, killing of 86% of their chances and their powerplay is converting at 20%.
One statistic of note is that, while they're good on the kill, they have given up 5 powerplay goals in just 24 chances on the road. They're home penalty kill, on the other hand, has been much, much, much better. The Hawks gotta take advantage on home ice.
12. The Kings are good on home ice
Fourteen. That's the number of consecutive Los Angeles Kings victories that have taken place on the Staples Center playing surface. The Kings home fans, as bandwagonny as they are, have done their job in getting the Kings going. Also, it doesn't hurt that Tay Stevens is right there taunting the opposing head coach (as I pointed out and Puck Daddy confirmed)
Yes, the Kings don't have home ice advantage this round, but if this streak continues, all they need to do is steal one game in Chicago and they in the series.
13. The Kings should get Jarret Stoll back pretty soon
Late in the series against San Jose', the Kings were having trouble winning faceoffs. Stoll, who has been out for the past couple of weeks for Raffi Torres related stuff, was LA's best faceoff man this season. Starting off every play with the puck is important and they need Stoll in the lineup to win key faceoffs at both ends of the ice.
Stoll has just been cleared for contact and is practicing with the team now but they're still unsure about when he can come back.
He'd also be a nice big forward to get back.
14. Stephen Walkom will be officiating for a game in Chicago
Yes, the man who controversially called this potential game 7 game winning goal off (oh, and he also didn't call a penalty for this last year even with the stretcher..) The fans will boo him and the Blackhawk players will probably be yapping him all series. This isn't as much a gamechanger as it is just something to keep in mind. That being said, keep it in mind.
Prediction:
Like I said, this will be a hard fought series that will be a test of strength and endurance. That suits the Kings way more than it does the Hawks. Additionally, for Chicago to win, Crawford has to go save for save with Quick and I don't think there's a goalie in a world that can do that. The Kings have looked like they were hungry for more this year and here they are again knocking on King Stanley's door.
One more note, I have not predicted a Kings victory in the past 2 years. That means that I am now 0-6 in their series. I'm not sure if I'm going to pick the Kings here because I think they'll just continue winning, or I'm just trying to infect them with my bad luck. Either way:
Kings in six
But I'll save the lack-of-parity discussion for some other time because right now we have 2 incredible series to break down.
Let's begin:
1. Pittsburgh Penguins vs. 4. Boston Bruins
1. Well this is awkward
Well the hockey gods prove to be existent once again. At the trade deadline earlier in season, Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli got a call from the Calgary Flames that a trade was in place for forward Jarome Iginla. Later that night, the Bruins were informed that Iginla chose not to go to Boston and instead selected Pittsburgh as his destination.
So now, Iginla has to go up against a team that he felt wasn't good enough for him. The Bruins fans have been giving him hell whenever he played there and the fans, and the team, will be motivated for the series to shut him down.
2. Young guns on the blueline
The Boston defensemen have been decimated with injuries. Wade Redden has been out for a bit, Wade Redden had to ruin our potential buyout-reunion with the Rangers last series by also being injured, and Dennis Seidenberg just came back for game 5 against the Rangers (although this week off should have helped).
In their place, Boston dressed 3 rookie defensemen who simply proved they can play with the big boys in the biggest stage.
First of all, we have Matt Bartkowski, the man that was to be included in the Iginla trade. Expect him to be fired up.
And of course we have Torey Krug, this year's version of John Druce. 4 goals in his first 5 career playoff games is a record and his confidence speaks for itself. His physical presence and offensive flair have been eye openers. He beat Henrik Lundqvist. Clean. That just never happens.
That being said, they have not faced a team with forwards like the Penguins have. This will really be a big test to see if they can stand their ground against the league's top stars.
3. Penguins depth
When you think of the Penguins, you immediately think of stars like Crosby, Malkin, Letang,
This team is scary enough with their top lines but add this kind of depth and it's kind of ridiculous.
4. The stars also do damage
Yessir, Malkin, Letang, Crosby, and Iginla are simply getting the job done offensively, leading the team in points, respectively. They have just played up to their bill and defenses have not been able to stop them. Include James Neal who's finally heating up and this is a crew of guys you don't want to face.
5. Bruins have a top line too
The Bruins top line of Krejci, Lucic, and Horton has also been producing for the B's. Their size and skill alone are nearly impossible to defend when they're on their game.
That being said, they were invisible for much of the series with Toronto and that was one of the reasons it went 7. They need to continue making an impact for this team.
6. Top 6 scorers are in this series
Talking about top lines, the top 6 point getters in this year's playoffs are playing in this series. They are David Krejci (17), Evgeni Malkin (16), Kris Letang (16), Sidney Crosby (15), Nathan Horton (12), and Jarome Iginla (12).
Should be a lot of action.
7. I have trust issues
The last thing I'm saying is Vokoun hasn't been good for the Penguins in his time filling in for Marc-Andre Fleury. Vokoun has a 6-2 record with a 1.85 GAA and a .941 SV%. He's been fine for them and I'm certain he'll continue to be. But the one thing I saw a lot in the series against Ottawa was that he was fighting a lot of pucks, losing pucks in his feet, and giving up sloppy rebounds. Watching that series, it did not look like a sure goaltender.
Now if Vokoun ends up struggling, the question is, when do they go back to Fleury, because God knows, the Penguins would love to have the old Fleury back in net for this run. I say as soon as they are trailling in a series but who knows? Maybe with a rough start for Vokoun they'll throw him in.
Either way, the Bruins have to take advantage of any weakness.
8. Rask Confident
Who can possibly brush themselves off and continue playing hockey in Madison Square Garden after a mistake like this?
The answer is Tuukka Rask.
Rask seemed unbelievably confident and calm during the entire series against the Rangers, even after that goal. He looked like a goalie who knew he had the ability to win the game. He was sure of himself at all times and looked great.
The Bruins need this to continue against the high-flying Penguins team.
9. Penguins are special
The Penguins special teams has just been ridiculous this postseason. Their powerplay has produced 13 goals in their 11 games in the playoffs. It's a combination of their fire power (anybody who is on the ice has the ability of scoring at any point. 7 different players have powerplay goals) and their fine passing strategy. Penalty kills just can't figure them out.
Their penalty kill has also been unconscious. They've allowed just 4 powerplay goals in their eleven games and they even have had 2 shorthanded goals (both by Pascal Dupuis)
This team is dangerous regardless of what colour jersey is in the box.
10. Bruins powerplay heating up
After another relatively-weak year for the Boston powerplay, the Bruins weren't expecting that much of a change in the playoffs. However, Torey Krug (see above) had other plans.
Against the Rangers, the Bruins powerplay went 4-12. Krug had 3 of those goals. If this powerplay unit can stay hot, they might be able to crack the code of the Penguins penalty kill.
11. Beware the Merlot Line
Perhaps the most interesting line to watch for Boston is their fourth line (aka the Merlot Line because of the colour of their practice jersey)
Physical? Check.
Skilled? Check.
Tenacious on the forecheck? Supercheck.
No Boston line had more goals against the Rangers than the Merlot Line and they did it the same way they've been doing it the last four years. Hitting hard, causing turnovers, and just wreaking havoc in the opposition's end. Look for them to continue being a problem for Pittsburgh's back end.
12. Cooke vs. Savard
Savard, who's career is just about over, was essentially finished after this blow to the head by Matt Cooke.
The Bruins have NOT forgotten and I expect things to get chippy, especially with that fourth line of Boston who's not afraid to get nasty.
13. An Unexpected Hero
When I found out last year that Penguin fans didn't like Paul Martin, I was shocked. Paul Martin was perhaps one of the most sure-handed defensemen for the Devils for a few seasons before being shipped off to Pittsburgh where he was not exactly a fan favourite.
Well this year he had maybe the best season of his career.
Now, in the playoffs, he's playing just as well and even has a couple of clutch goals and a nice amount of assists. Martin is a true unsung hero for this team that gets it done.
14. Chara's job
Against the Rangers, Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara was on the ice almost every time Rangers (alleged ) superstar, Rick Nash, was, and then some more. Nash only got 3 points and 1 goal.
Now Chara has to go up against not just one superstar, but a whole roster (seemingly) of them. Can he step up to the task.
Prediction:
I was dying to pick the Bruins on this one, honest to god. They've got good pressure up front that can completely break down a defense. They've been great on D and great in net as well. However, even with my lack of faith in Vokoun, the Penguins are still have the best offense in the league and completely devoured Ottawa. Don't forget about the rookie defensemen for Boston who, although have played well up until now, are still rookie defensemen.
Penguins in six
1. Chicago Blackhawks vs. 5. Los Angeles Kings
1. Emotional game 7's
Both these teams are coming off of tough series which went the distance. Unlike the Eastern conference teams, these guys didn't have a week off before resuming. Just 3 day.
Expect a hard fought series that may very well go the distance in what should be a test of strength and endurance. There may not be any gas left in the tank after this one.
2. Momentum
In the last two rounds, the Kings have begun to look like the 2012 Stanley Cup winning champion Kings. How have they done that?
They play off momentum.
It's a dangerous game they play and they've trailed in games because of it, but the Kings essentially wait until they have some type of momentum and then they just explode.
And they get momentum from a big hit, a big save, the home crowd, a goal, and even a good penalty kill. And once they get the momentum, it's close to impossible to stop them. Chicago has to capitalize on every opportunity and make sure not to give LA that chance.
3. Size upfront for LA
The Kings have some huge players. In fact, the average weight of their team is 211 pounds. And that's just the average.
Brown, Carter, and Penner are all big boys along with the other men. This team uses their big men to their advantage as they throw big body checks, create traffic, and go hard on the forecheck. It's their recipe for success and nobody does it better than they do.
4. Offensive defensemen
The Kings also get help from their defensemen. In fact, each line is consisted in a similar manner.
Drew Doughty jumps into the rush while his trusted partner Robyn Regher stays back.
Slava Voynov jumps into the rush while his trusted partner Rob Scuderi stays back.
Jake Muzzin jumps into the rush while his trusted partner Matt Greene stays back.
It's a simple, smart line combination system that means offensive help for LA.
5. Crawford quietly helping
Crawford isn't the most flashy around. But he sure does get the job done.
Against Detroit he was the goalie Chicago needed. Always kept them in the game and always gave them a chance to win. He's been on and off his whole career but Chicago needs him to solidify himself as a star in this round against the former Conn Smythe winner.
6. Jonathan Quick on pace for another Conn Smythe
Jonathan Quick's numbers in last year's playoffs: 1.41 GAA .946 SV%
His stats in this year's playoffs: 1.50 GAA .948 SV%
Jonathan Quick has been playing stellar playoff hockey again. He makes big save after big save and wins games that he really shouldn't be winning.
Chicago has a slight beacon of hope in the fact that in three games against Chicago this season, he lost two of the games with a lousy .857 SV%
7. Chicago has a fair share of depth
The Blackhawks have had guys stepping up all season long and they've continued their timely contributions into the playoffs. Guys like Andrew Shaw, Michael Frolik, and Bryan Bickell have added a nice touch of depth to the Blackhawks playoff run and they must keep it going against a stingy Los Angeles squad.
They like to keep things physical which will help with...
8. Bump Jonathan Quick
In the series against San Jose', Jonathan Quick was pushed, knocked over, and slashed at an almost constant rate. The Sharks got called for goalie interference a few times but the strategy was worth it as the Sharks came closer to beating the Kings than any other playoff opponent in the last two years. Quick was slightly rattled and the Sharks were able to get stuff by him. I think it is a must for the Blackhawks to do the same. They're going to need all the help they can get considering...
9. Jonathan Toews has been quiet
The usually follow-my-lead captain for Chicago has been kept quiet in the playoffs this year. With just 6 points in 12 games, Chicago fans are asking where his productivity went. He didn't score a goal in the playoffs until game 6 against the Red Wings. While it's a good sign that the Hawks got this far without his scoring, that'll have to change.
Again, the Blackhawk fans have a little hope seeing as Toews had success against Quick and the Kings this year (6 points in the 3 games) but this series is a whole other story.
10. The Hawks are great on the kill, not so much on the powerplay
While the last few seasons we've seen teams win the Stanley Cup with this combination, people have to wonder how a team with so many superstars like Chicago can't produce with an extra man on the ice. They are converting just 16.2% of their chances and that has to go up in the Conference finals, especially with a roster like theirs.
Fortunately, though, they make up for it on the penalty kill which has given up just one powerplay goal this postseason. It's not likely they'll keep it up, simply based on statistics, but they're 97.6% throught two rounds has to be some kind of record.
11. The Kings are solid
The Kings special teams is about as average as they come. They work pretty well on the kill, killing of 86% of their chances and their powerplay is converting at 20%.
One statistic of note is that, while they're good on the kill, they have given up 5 powerplay goals in just 24 chances on the road. They're home penalty kill, on the other hand, has been much, much, much better. The Hawks gotta take advantage on home ice.
12. The Kings are good on home ice
Fourteen. That's the number of consecutive Los Angeles Kings victories that have taken place on the Staples Center playing surface. The Kings home fans, as bandwagonny as they are, have done their job in getting the Kings going. Also, it doesn't hurt that Tay Stevens is right there taunting the opposing head coach (as I pointed out and Puck Daddy confirmed)
Yes, the Kings don't have home ice advantage this round, but if this streak continues, all they need to do is steal one game in Chicago and they in the series.
13. The Kings should get Jarret Stoll back pretty soon
Late in the series against San Jose', the Kings were having trouble winning faceoffs. Stoll, who has been out for the past couple of weeks for Raffi Torres related stuff, was LA's best faceoff man this season. Starting off every play with the puck is important and they need Stoll in the lineup to win key faceoffs at both ends of the ice.
Stoll has just been cleared for contact and is practicing with the team now but they're still unsure about when he can come back.
He'd also be a nice big forward to get back.
14. Stephen Walkom will be officiating for a game in Chicago
Yes, the man who controversially called this potential game 7 game winning goal off (oh, and he also didn't call a penalty for this last year even with the stretcher..) The fans will boo him and the Blackhawk players will probably be yapping him all series. This isn't as much a gamechanger as it is just something to keep in mind. That being said, keep it in mind.
Prediction:
Like I said, this will be a hard fought series that will be a test of strength and endurance. That suits the Kings way more than it does the Hawks. Additionally, for Chicago to win, Crawford has to go save for save with Quick and I don't think there's a goalie in a world that can do that. The Kings have looked like they were hungry for more this year and here they are again knocking on King Stanley's door.
One more note, I have not predicted a Kings victory in the past 2 years. That means that I am now 0-6 in their series. I'm not sure if I'm going to pick the Kings here because I think they'll just continue winning, or I'm just trying to infect them with my bad luck. Either way:
Kings in six
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