NHL Playoffs: 15 Bold Predictions for the Road to the Cup

The playoffs thus far have been full of surprises, and with the second round under way, we don't expect anything to change.  

With the two Stanley Cup favorites eliminated (Pittsburgh and Vancouver), the Cup really is up for grabs more than we're used to.  

The following consists of 15 bold predictions for the remainder of the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs.  

The Washington Capitals Will Defeat the New York Rangers in Less Than 7 Games

The Washington Capitals are no longer the underdogs in the East. After defeating the Boston Bruins, they proved they can hold their own against a defensive, hard-hitting team, and Braden Holtby proved he can perform in the big games.  

This is not the Washington Capitals we saw in the regular season with Mike Green and Nicklas Backstrom out of the lineup.  

Although the two teams split the season series, the key game was on the last day of the regular season; one which saw a healthy lineup with Braden Holtby in net as the Capitals beat the Ranger 4-1.  

In knocking off the cup champions, Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals proved they can adjust their game and play against the best defensive teams in the game—and that's the skill that will lead them past the Rangers.  

Despite the loss in Game 1, the Capitals can take away a positive in the fact that they held the Rangers to just 14 shots on goal.  

The New Jersey Devils Will Defeat the Philadelphia Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers got lucky in the first round. Lucky that Marc-Andre Fleury's poor performance was more significant than that of Ilya Bryzgalov's.  

Don't be surprised to see Bryzgalov's struggles continue, and while the Philadelphia Flyers will continue their strong offense, Martin Brodeur will be the difference maker.  

Martin Brodeur Will Be the Best Player in That Series

Martin Brodeur is one of the best goaltenders in NHL history. 

With retirement on the horizon, don't be surprised to see this world-class star dominate the series to help the Devils advance for one last deep playoff run.  

The Los Angeles Kings Will Defeat the St. Louis Blues in 7 Games

This series is a real toss-up as both teams play the same style, and they play it well. 

I expect the series to go to a tight Game 7, in the end the better goalie will prevail and that better goalie is Jonathan Quick.  

Jaroslav Halak Will Be Starting in Goal by the End of the Series

There's a reason Jaroslav Halak got the nod in Game 1 of the San Jose series; his heroic playoff run with Montreal gave him an experience advantage over Brian Elliott. 

Although he's been ruled out for the first two games, his health is improving, and he should be back to game form by the end of the series.

When that happens, he'll probably get back into the lineup as soon as Elliott suffers a loss. 

The Nashville Predators Will Defeat the Phoenix Coyotes in 7 Games

As hard as it is to imagine Mike Smith losing a playoff series—especially with a one game lead—it's harder to imagine Pekka Rinne and Shea Weber losing a series.  

Nashville made a statement when they defeated the experienced Detroit Red Wings—a statement that they are no longer an underdog and now have a place among the league's elite.  

Trailing the series means they'll have work to do, but the Nashville Predators can still easily win this series.  

Both Pekka Rinne and Mike Smith Will Have Higher GAA in the Second Round

This prediction isn't exactly bold with a difficult-to-match 1.81 GAA for both goalies in the first round.  

The two teams have been pegged as defensive, but they could catch us off-guard with a high-scoring series.  

There Will Be No Suspensions in the Second Round

The number of suspensions in the first round were excessive, and the players have received the message.  

They're now in a point in the series where it's too costly to make those types of plays.  

Of course, it doesn't hurt that Raffi Torres is out for the remainder of the playoffs either.  

The Western Matchups Will Be Higher Scoring Than the East in the Second Round

It's widely assumed that the East will be the higher-scoring conference (mainly because of the Flyers). Don't be surprised to see a role reversal.  

Teams in the West know that high-powered offense will be needed to get past the goaltenders, loosening up the defense in the process.  

The Washington Capitals Will Defeat the New Jersey Devils to Win the East

If the Washington Capitals can get past the Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers, New Jersey will be a nice change, and they will capitalize on the opportunity. 

The Los Angeles Kings Will Defeat the Nashville Predators to Win the West

The Nashville Predators and Los Angeles Kings are very similar teams when it comes to defense. They both rely on their goaltenders and play a shutdown game.

The only difference is that the Kings have much more dangerous offense.  

Claude Giroux Will Be the Point Leader Through 3 Rounds Despite Playing in 2

Claude Giroux already has a huge lead in points after one round, and it's likely to continue.  

If he continues on this pace, or something close to it, it's hard to imagine a player catching up, even with an extra round of games.  

The Los Angeles Kings Will Defeat the Washington Capitals to Win the Stanley Cup

The Los Angeles Kings made the playoffs despite the incredible lack of offense they saw in the postseason.  

It appears they've finally found their scoring touch, and it's hard to imagine a team beating the Kings with all cylinders firing.  

Dustin Brown and Alex Ovechkin Will Be Tied for the Goal Scoring Lead

If the Kings can make it to the finals, it doesn't come as a surprise to expect that he'll be leading in the goal department after what he's shown us so far.  

Alex Ovechkin, on the other hand, has some improving to do. Personally, I think he will find his game and will be a dominant force throughout the remainder of the playoffs.  

After watching Game 1 against the Rangers, perhaps, he needs to switch to a stick that doesn't shatter every time he takes a shot.  

Jonathan Quick Will Win the Conn Smythe Trophy

It's not a stretch to assume that if the Kings win the Stanley Cup, Jonathan Quick will be awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy.  

He single-handedly got the team into the playoffs and was a force in the first round, as well as the first game of the second round.