NHL Predictions: 50 Bold Predictions for the Stanley Cup Chase

Now that the buildup and letdown of the NHL Trade Deadline is over, it's time to move on to the chase for the Stanley Cup.

The parity in the NHL is abundantly clear, with one of the tightest playoff races ever in the Western Conference.

There are at least eight bonafide Cup contenders, and an argument could be made that it's even more than that.

It's all building toward what many expect will be one of the most exciting playoffs ever.

So what's going to happen? Here, in no particular order, are 50 bold predictions about what we'll see the rest of the way.

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50. There Will Be at Least 6 Game 7s

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BOSTON - MAY 14: Mark Stuart #45, Michael Ryder #73, Johnny Boychuk #55 and Daniel Paille #20 of the Boston Bruins congratulate Danny Briere #48 of the Philadelphia Flyers in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup

With the parity in the league being what it is, expect many series to go down to the wire.

Both fourth vs. fifth matchups in the first round should go long, and every series after the first round will be a battle.

49. Henrik Lundqvist Hits Double Digits in Shutouts

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WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 25: Goalie Henrik Lundqvist #30 against the Washington Capitals at the Verizon Center on February 25, 2011 in Washington, DC. The Rangers won 6-0. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

The Rangers MVP has eight shutouts already, and should become the first goalie in two years to hit 10.

48. Phil Kessel Leads the Leafs in Scoring

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TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 26: Phil Kessel #81 of the Toronto Maple Leafs gets around Zbynek Michalek #4 of the Pittsburgh Penguins during game action at the Air Canada Centre February 26, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Abelimages/Getty Image

Phil Kessel's recent hot streak has him just one point behind Clarke MacArthur for the team lead.

He should pass MacArthur soon and won't look back.

47. BizNasty (Paul Bissonette) Gets Another Goal

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 25: Paul Bissonnette #12 of the Phoenix Coyotes stands over Kurtis Foster #26 of the Edmonton Oilers during the NHL game at Jobing.com Arena on January 25, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. The Oilers defeated the Coyotes 4-3. (Photo by

If you haven't checked out @BizNasty2Point0 on Twitter, he's the best known player in NHL history who only has four career goals.

He'll have five before the season is over.

46. Martin St Louis Wins the Lady Byng

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

RALEIGH, NC - JANUARY 29: Martin St. Louis #26 of the Tampa Bay Lightning shoots against Henrik Lundqvist #30 of New York Rangers during the elimination shootout part of the Honda NHL SuperSkills competition part of 2011 NHL All-Star Weekend at the RBC C

Martin St Louis has 75 points and only eight penalty minutes.

Enough said?

45. Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis Outscore Henrik and Daniel Sedin

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TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 25: Steven Stamkos #91 and Martin St. Louis #26 of the Tampa Bay Lightning look on against the Toronto Maple Leafs at St. Pete Times Forum on January 25, 2011 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Right now, Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis have amassed 153 points between them.

Right now, Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin have amassed 153 points between them.

Stamkos and St. Louis will win the "Dynamic Duo" scoring race.

44. Terry Pegula Opens His Wallet for the Buffalo Sabres on July 1st

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BUFFALO, NY - FEBRUARY 23: New Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula walks onto the ice during pre game ceremonies prior to play against the Atlanta Thrashers at HSBC Arena on February 23, 2011 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

The Buffalo Sabres' new owner, Terry Pegula, already financed the acquisition of Brad Boyes.

He'll keep spending when free agency starts and help Sabres fans forget all the UFAs who've left recently.

43. Brayden Schenn Wins Memorial Cup MVP

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BUFFALO, NY - JANUARY 03: Jack Campbell #1 and Nick Bjugstad #27 of the United States defend against Brayden Schenn #10 of Canada during the 2011 IIHF World U20 Championship Semi Final game between United States and Canada on January 3, 2011 in Buffalo, N

After the World Junior Hockey Championships, Brayden Schenn went back to finish out the WHL season.

Now, he's leading the CHL's second-ranked Saskatoon Blades with 44 points in 20 games.

Schenn will continue to dominate and win the Memorial Cup and Memorial Cup MVP, then join the Kings next season.

42. Jarome Iginla Will Reach 30 Goals for the 10th Consecutive Season

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CALGARY, AB - FEBRUARY 20: Jarome Iginla #12 of the Calgary Flames takes the shot against Carey Price #31 of the Montreal Canadiens during the 2011 NHL Heritage Classic Game at McMahon Stadium on February 20, 2011 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Flames d

The Flames captain has 27 goals so far and, barring an injury, should reach 30 goals for the 10th consecutive season.

41. Chicago Blackhawks Make the Playoffs

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CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 27: Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks scores the winning goal against Ilya Bryzgalov #30 of the Phoenix Coyotes in the shootout at the United Center on February 27, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the C

A year ago, it would have been hard to imagine the Blackhawks missing the playoffs this season, but they've been on the outside looking in for most of the season.

They've gone 7-1-2 in their last 10 and have moved up to fifth in the West.

The Blackhawks will make the playoffs.

40. San Jose Wins the Pacific Division

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PITTSBURGH, PA - FEBRUARY 23: (L-R) Joe Pavelski #8, Dan Boyle #22 and Torrey Mitchell #17 of the San Jose Sharks talk during the NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Consol Energy Center on February 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Shar

In the most competitive division in the league, the San Jose Sharks are playing their best hockey of the season.

They've moved two points ahead of Phoenix, and four ahead of Los Angeles, and they'll hang on to win the division.

39. San Jose Will Lose in the 2nd Round of the Playoffs

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CHICAGO - MAY 23: The Chicago Blackhawks shake hands with San Jose Sharks players after the Blackhawks 4-2 victory to advance to the Stanley Cup after winning Game Four of the Western Conference Finals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Unit

The San Jose Sharks will win the Pacific Division, then sputter in the playoffs once again.

With the big three of Joe Thornton, Dany Heatley and Patrick Marleau all having sub-par seasons, the Sharks won't be able to beat Detroit, Vancouver or Los Angeles.

38. Dallas Stars Miss the Playoffs

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DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 26: Goaltender Kari Lehtonen #32 of the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center on February 26, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The Dallas Stars currently sit in the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference, but they'll fall back and miss the playoffs.

37. Brad Richards Re-Signs with Dallas

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 05: Brad Richards #91 of the Dallas Stars skates against the Philadelphia Flyers on February 5, 2011 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Flyers defeated the Stars 3-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The Dallas Stars ownership group will find a way to re-sign superstar Brad Richards to a long term deal.

Side note: Toronto Maple Leafs' fans will be disappointed.

36. Anaheim Ducks Make the Playoffs

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

ANAHEIM, CA - FEBRUARY 27: (clockwise from top) Luca Sbisa #5, Bobby Ryan #9, Brandon McMillan #64 and Jason Blake #33 of the Anaheim Ducks celebrate McMillan's go ahead goal in the third period against the Colorado Avalanche at Honda Center on February

The Anaheim Ducks currently sit just behind the Dallas Stars, Nashville Predators and Minnesota Wild, but they will jump past all three and into the final playoff spot.

35. Edmonton Oilers Finish Last in the League

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DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 23: John-Michael Liles #4 of the Colorado Avalanche is restrained by Magnsu Paajarvi #91 of the Edmonton Oilers at the Pepsi Center on February 23, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. Elliott collected the loss as the Oilers defeated the Avla

The Edmonton Oilers are behind everyone else in the league, and they'll stay there the rest of the way.

34. Ottawa Senators Win Draft Lottery

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TORONTO - APRIL 13: Edmonton Oilers GM Steve Tambellini awaits the announcement for the first overall pick during the NHL Draft Lottery Drawing at the TSN Studio April 13, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Abelimages / Getty Images for NHL)

The Ottawa Senators will finish just ahead of the last place Edmonton Oilers, but they'll get lucky and win the Draft Lottery to pick first overall in the NHL Entry Draft.

33. Ottawa Senators Select Gabriel Landeskog 1st Overall

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LAKE PLACID, NY - AUGUST 05: Gabriel Landeskog #12 of Team Sweden skates against Team Finland at the USA Hockey National Evaluation Camp on August 5, 2010 in Lake Placid, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Gabriel Landeskog is a player much like Mike Richards of the Philadelphia Flyers, and will be a great player to rebuild around in Ottawa.

With Landeskog and Jason Spezza, the Senators will have skill and power down the middle.

32. Edmonton Oilers Select Adam Larsson 2nd Overall

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BUFFALO, NY - DECEMBER 31: Defenseman Adam Larsson #5 of Sweden during the 2011 IIHF World U20 Championship game between Canada and Sweden on December 31, 2010 at HSBC Arena in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

The Edmonton Oilers will add to their sublimely talented young forwards with a top defensive prospect in Adam Larsson.

He's big and fast and should be a very good two-way defenseman. He's been compared to Victor Hedman.

31. New York Islanders Select Sean Couturier 3rd Overall

Claus Andersen/Getty Images

TORONTO, CAN - JANUARY 19: Sean Couturier #7 of Team Cherry skates with the puck against Team Orr in the 2011 Home Hardware Top Prospects game on January 19, 2011 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada. Team Orr defeated Team Cherry 7-1. (Photo by C

Sean Couturier is a big, two-way center who many are comparing to Vincent Lecavalier at the same age.

The New York Islanders will pick Couturier third overall to create a powerhouse of elite young centers.

30. Colorado Avalanche Select Ryan Nugent-Hopkins 4th Overall

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TORONTO, CAN - JANUARY 19: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins #9 of Team Orr skates with the puck against Team Cherry in the 2011 Home Hardware Top Prospects game on January 19, 2011 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada. Team Orr defeated Team Cherry 7-1. (Photo

The Colorado Avalanche will pick fourth overall, and select the last "can't miss" prospect of this draft class—Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

Nugent-Hopkins will fit well in Colorado's young offensive forward group.

29. Toronto Maple Leafs Give Boston Bruins a Top 10 Draft Pick

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TORONTO, CANADA - DECEMBER 4: Phil Kessel #81 of the Toronto Maple Leafs battles for the puck with Mark Stuart #45 of the Boston Bruins during game action at the Air Canada Centre December 4, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Abelimages / Getty

The Boston Bruins still own the Toronto Maple Leafs' first round draft pick this summer from the deal that sent Phil Kessel to Toronto.

It will be a good one. The Leafs won't climb high enough in the standings to avoid giving the Bruins a top 10 draft pick.

28. New Jersey Devils Miss out on Playoffs and a Good Draft Pick

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NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 18: Brandon Dubinsky #17 of the New York Rangers has to step over Ilya Kovalchuk #17 of the New Jersey Devils as he slides on the ice during the third period of an NHL hockey game at the Prudential Center on February 18, 2011 in New

The New Jersey Devils' recent hot streak has been very impressive (17-2-2), but it will end up being costly for the team's future.

The Devils will climb high enough to miss out on a great draft pick, but they'll still fall short of the playoffs.

27. Carolina Hurricanes Make the Playoffs

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UNIONDALE, NY - OCTOBER 25: Eric Staal #12 and Cam Ward #30 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrate after defeating the New York Islanders on October 25, 2008 at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. The Hurricanes defeated the Island

Captain Eric Staal and goalie Cam Ward will lead the Carolina Hurricanes into the playoffs.

They'll clinch the eighth spot in their last game of the season.

26. New York Rangers Miss the Playoffs

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NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 18: Nick Palmieri #32 of the New Jersey Devils checks Marc Staal #18 of the New York Rangers during the second period of an NHL hockey game at the Prudential Center on February 18, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul Bereswi

The New York Rangers are 4-6-0 in their last 10 games, and they're going to keep stumbling and miss the playoffs.

25. Buffalo Sabres Make the Playoffs

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

BUFFALO, NY - NOVEMBER 15: Ryan Miller #30 of the Buffalo Sabres stands in goal against the Vancouver Canucks at HSBC Arena on November 15, 2010 in Buffalo, New York.Buffalo won 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Superstar goalie Ryan Miller will lead the Buffalo Sabres into the playoffs.

The Sabres are three points behind the New York Rangers, with three games in hand, and will pass the Rangers to make the playoffs.

24. Steven Stamkos and Daniel Sedin Hit 100 Points

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - DECEMBER 11: Steven Stamkos #91 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates during NHL action on December 11, 2010 against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)

Steven Stamkos and Daniel Sedin will be the only players in the league to break the 100 point barrier.

Martin St. Louis and Henrik Sedin will score in the high 90s, but won't hit 100.

23. Steven Stamkos Will Win the Rocket Richard Trophy with 55 Goals

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PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 18: Steven Stamkos #91 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 18, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Lightning defeated the Flyers 8-7. (Photo by Bruce Bennett

Steven Stamkos will score 55 goals this season. He's currently at 41 goals with 20 games to play.

Stamkos will easily win the Rocket Richard Trophy.

22. Tampa Bay Lightning Win the First Round of the Playoffs

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TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 25: Dwayne Roloson #35 of the Tampa Bay Lightning is congratulated by teammate Sean Bergenheim #10 after shutting out the Toronto Maple Leafs at St. Pete Times Forum on January 25, 2011 in Tampa, Florida. The Lightning defeated the L

The Tampa Bay Lightning will win their first playoff series since claiming the Stanley Cup in 2004.

They will probably be facing the Montreal Canadiens.

21. Sidney Crosby Returns Sometime in March

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 01: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals and Sidney Crosby #81 of the Pittsburgh Penguins are seen during the 2011 NHL Bridgestone Winter Classic at Heinz Field on January 1, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Washington wo

Superstar Sidney Crosby will return to the Pittsburgh Penguins lineup before the end of March. He will get back into game shape before the playoffs.

***Disclaimer*** This is not news. This is a prediction. Sidney Crosby has made no statement whether or not he will return for the playoffs.

20. Sidney Crosby Still Finishes in the Top 10 in NHL Scoring

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PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 22: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrates his first period goal against the Florida Panthers at Consol Energy Center on December 22, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Incredibly, Sidney Crosby still sits seventh in NHL scoring despite missing 23 games already.

Crosby has a fantastic 1.61 points-per-game average so far this season and will still finish in the top ten in league scoring this season if he returns in March.

19. Steven Stamkos Wins the Art Ross Trophy

Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images

MONTREAL, CANADA - OCTOBER 13: Steven Stamkos #91 of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates his third period goal during the NHL game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on October 13, 2010 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Lightning defeated

Steven Stamkos currently sits second in league scoring, one point behind Daniel Sedin, but with two games in hand.

Stamkos will pass Sedin and win the Art Ross Trophy as league-leading scorer.

18. Ryan Kesler Wins the Selke Trophy

Rich Lam/Getty Images

VANCOUVER, CANADA - FEBRUARY 26: Ryan Kesler #17 of the Vancouver Canucks battles with Tomas Kaberle #12 of the Boston Bruins while in the corner during the second period in NHL action on February 26, 2011 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, C

Vancouver Canucks center Ryan Kesler will win the Selke Trophy as league's best defensive forward.

Kesler has been a finalist the last two seasons, and he will win this season.

17. Dan Bylsma Wins the Jack Adams Award

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 08: Head Coach Dan Bylsma of the Pittsburgh Penguins watches his team play the Minnesota Wild on January 8, 2011 at CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Pittsburgh Penguins coach Dan Bylsma will win the Jack Adams Award as the best coach in the league this season.

Bylsma has the Penguins in fourth place in the Eastern Conference (sixth in the league) despite playing almost all of the season without at least one of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal.

Bylsma has led the Penguins to success with well over 200 man games lost to injury already.

16. Kris Letang and Nicklas Lidstrom Are Norris Trophy Finalists

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 13: Nicklas Lidstrom #5 of the Detroit Red Wings looks on against the Boston Bruins on February 13, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The ageless wonder, Nick Lidstrom, is having yet another fantastic season.

Breakout star Kris Letang is perhaps the most improved player in the league this season.

Both will be Norris Trophy finalists.

15. Keith Yandle Wins the Norris Trophy

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 27: Patrick Sharp #10 of the Chicago Blackhawks tries to slow Keith Yandle #3 of the Phoenix Coyotes at the United Center on February 27, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Coyotes 4-3 in a shootout. (Photo by Jo

Keith Yandle of the Phoenix Coyotes leads all defensemen in scoring and has already smashed his previous career best for points.

Yandle is the biggest reason the Coyotes currently hold a playoff spot, and he will win his first career Norris Trophy.

14. Tim Thomas Wins the Vezina Trophy

Dave Sandford/Getty Images

CALGARY,CANADA - FEBRUARY 22: Tim Thomas #30 of the Boston Bruins celebrates a win against the Calgary Flames looks on during their NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome, February 22,2011 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.(Photo By Dave Sandford/Getty Images)

It's hard to believe that Tim Thomas was supposed to be a backup this year.

He's been the best goalie in the league, by far, and will be rewarded with his second Vezina Trophy in the last three years.

13. Calgary Flames Make the Playoffs

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

ST. LOUIS, MO - MARCH 1: Miikka Kiprusoff #34 of the Calgary Flames makes a save against Matt D'Agostini #36 of the St. Louis Blues at the Scottrade Center on March 1, 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

The Calgary Flames were 14th in the Western Conference at Christmas, but Santa seems to have brought them some skill.

The Flames have gone 19-5-6 since then, and have moved up to fifth in the Western Conference.

Everyone in the Conference has games in hand on the Flames, but the Flames will hold onto a playoff spot.

12. Corey Crawford Wins the Calder Trophy

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 27: Corey Crawford #50 of the Chicago Blackhawks moves to stop a shot in the shootout by Radim Vrbata #17 of the Phoenix Coyotes at the United Center on February 27, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Coyotes 4-3

Goalie Corey Crawford is largely responsible for the Blackhawks being in a playoff spot right now.

His superb play will win him the Calder Trophy, as long as he plays most of the rest of the games.

If he ends with under 55 games played, Logan Couture will win.

11. Brian Burke Puts Gives Zach Parise an Offer Sheet

Andrew Burton/Getty Images

NEWARK, NJ - OCTOBER 23: Zach Parise #9 of the New Jersey Devils warms up before a game against the Buffalo Sabres on October 23, 2010 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The Sabres defeated the Devils 6 - 1. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Im

Despite being publicly outraged when he was the Ducks GM and Oilers GM Kevin Lowe signed Dustin Penner to a massive offer sheet, Brian Burke will give an offer sheet to RFA Zach Parise.

The Devils are in a tough cap situation, and the Leafs need an elite forward. Plus, Burke doesn't seem to mind losing a lot of first round picks as compensation.

10. Daniel Sedin and Steven Stamkos Are Hart Trophy Finalists

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GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 02: Daniel Sedin #22 of the Vancouver Canucks shoots the puck under pressure from Kyle Turris #91 of the Phoenix Coyotes during the NHL game at Jobing.com Arena on February 2, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Peters

Daniel Sedin and Steven Stamkos will be Hart Trophy finalists but neither will win.

Daniel has Henrik Sedin and Stamkos has Martin St. Louis. Neither of them are definitively "the most valuable," so they won't win the Hart.

9. Tim Thomas Will Win the Hart Trophy

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MONTREAL, CANADA - JANUARY 8: Tim Thomas #30 of the Boston Bruins stops the puck during the NHL game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on January 8, 2011 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images)

Tim Thomas will be the Hart Trophy winner.

He's been the most valuable to his team of anyone in the league.

He will be the first goalie since Jose Theodore (2001-02) to win the Hart Trophy.

8. Los Angeles Kings Make the Western Conference Final

Paul Bereswill/Getty Images

UNIONDALE, NY - FEBRUARY 19: Goalie Jonathan Quick #32 of the Los Angeles Kings makes a save during an NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on February 19, 2011 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Imag

The Los Angeles Kings will shock a lot of people by making it to the Western Conference Final.

The Kings have very good goaltending, solid defense and deep, skilled, physical forwards. They're going to be very tough to play against in the playoffs.

7. Vancouver Canucks Lose in the 2nd Round

Rich Lam/Getty Images

VANCOUVER, CANADA - MAY 11: Goalie Roberto Luongo #1 of the Vancouver Canucks and goalie Antti Niemi #31 of the Chicago Blackhawks shake hands after the Blackhawks defeated the Canucks 5-1 to win Game Six of the Western Conference Semifinals to win the s

The popular choice for the Stanley Cup will be upset in the second round of the playoffs.

The Canucks will make it one game farther than the last two years, and force a second round game seven, but will fail to advance once again.

6. Detroit Wins the Western Conference

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 28: Drew Miller #20 of the Detroit Red Wings celebrates his third pereiod goal with Jonathan Ericsson #52 (C) and Darren Helm #43 against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center on February 28, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.

Nicklas Lidstrom will take the Detroit Red Wings to the Stanley Cup Final yet again.

With Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, Johan Franzen and Lidstrom leading the way, the Wings have all the talent they need and very good depth too.

5. Washington Capitals Lose in the 1st Round of the Playoffs

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WASHINGTON - APRIL 28: Jaroslav Halak #41 of the Montreal Canadiens celebrates as Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals skates away following the Canadiens 2-1 win in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup

Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals haven't looked like themselves this season, and they won't start performing for the playoffs.

The Capitals will lose in the first round of the playoffs this year.

4. Pittsburgh Penguins Make the Eastern Conference Finals

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TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 26: Joffrey Lupol #19 of the Toronto Maple Leafs kicks the puck past Marc-Andre Fleury #29 of the Pittsburgh Penguins during game action at the Air Canada Centre February 26, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Abelimage

The Pittsburgh Penguins will make the Eastern Conference Finals.

Marc-Andre Fleury is having his best season in the NHL, by far.

Sidney Crosby will come back, well rested, and lead the Penguins offensively.

The Pens have the league's best penalty kill, are solid throughout the lineup and have shown great depth that not even Penguins fans knew was so good.

3. Philadelphia Flyers Will Lose in the 2nd Round of the Playoffs

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 20: Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky #35 of the Philadelphia Flyers gives his teammate Goalie Brian Boucher #33 a tap with his stick as Bobrovsky was just removed from the game after giving up four goals in a period and a half and Bouc

The Philadelphia Flyers will be upset in the second round of the playoffs.

This may be the boldest of the predictions in this article, but it's a hunch.

They'll run into a hot goalie who they just can't get by.

2. Boston Bruins Win the Stanley Cup

Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images

OTTAWA, CANADA - MARCH 01: Nathan Horton #18 of the Boston Bruins chips a loose puck over a sprawling Craig Anderson #41 of the Ottawa Senators for the game winning goal at Scotiabank Place on March 1, 2011 in Ottawa, Canada. (Photo by Phillip MacCallum

The Boston Bruins just reeled off six wins on their six game road trip, and they look like the most complete team in the league.

The Bruins have no major weaknesses and their superb goaltending, scoring depth and quality defense will help them win the Cup.

1. Milan Lucic Wins the Conn Smythe Trophy

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BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 11: Milan Lucic #17 of the Boston Bruins tries to get one past Jimmy Howard #35 of the Detroit Red Wings on February 11, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The Bruins dominant power forward is having the best season of his career. He's on pace for 35 goals and 60 points and is a physical force.

Lucic is a clutch, big-game performer who will just get better in the playoffs.

Milan Lucic will win the Conn Smythe Trophy this year.

Follow Erik on Twitter: @ekpaul87