NHL Predictions 2011-12: The Stanley Cup Finals

Although brackets are normally saved for March, some early Stanley Cup predictions can't hurt. After wading through the first, second and third rounds, the time has come to pick the winner of the 2011-2012 Stanley Cup.

The No. 1 seeds from each conference have made it past 16 teams to find themselves in the most important seven-game series each franchise has ever experienced. Regular season powerhouses and playoff busts, the San Jose Sharks and Washington Capitals face off in an explosive Stanley Cup Finals with the Capitals having the slight advantage of four games of home ice.

Games 1 and 2: An Even Split

Although the fans at Verizon Center in Washington have been waiting a long time to see Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals in the Stanley Cup Finals, Game 1 will be a disappointment.

Facing off with the Penguins in the seven-game round beforehand will leave the Capitals a bit gassed for the first game. The Sharks, however, dispatched the Kings in six games, giving them a distinct advantage in the opening game.

The second game will be a different story. The Capitals surge back and outscore the Sharks 5-2 to tie the series 1-1. 

These first two games will be the hardest both teams have skated all year.

Games 3 and 4: A Clean Sweep

After clearing out the Sharks in Game 2, the Capitals will be looking for more than just a split on the road. The problem is, the crowd at the Shark Tank will be rocking louder than ever as they see their Sharks at home in the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time ever.

Rated as one of the hardest buildings to play in, the Shark Tank could be the difference between these two teams that are so evenly matched. In the end, the Sharks will take both of their games at home, leaving the Washington Capitals in dire straits with a 3-1 disadvantage. Look for Joe Thornton and Ryane Clowe to be big players in these two games and the rest of the series.   

Game 5: Capitals Bounce Back

Once again, the Capitals play at home down in a hole. Only this time, it is for their Stanley Cup lives.

The Sharks, meanwhile, can smell blood in the water and are going to be looking for every chance they can get to knock out the Caps before the series turns long and ugly. This game will be extremely tight and will most likely end in overtime because of the intensity displayed by both sides.

The Caps take it narrowly with an inspiring overtime effort. They now return to the Shark Tank down 3-2.

Game 6: Closing It out at Home

The Stanley Cup hasn't been won on home ice since 2006-2007 when the Anaheim Ducks toppled the Ottawa Senators.

This year that changes.

The Sharks come out strong with a 3-0 lead in the first and never look back. In the end, the Caps manage to recoup some ground by making it 3-2, but an empty-netter seals their fate. The San Jose Sharks capture their first ever Stanley Cup on home ice, ending the series 4-2.

Joe Thornton posts nine points in these six games and takes home the Conn Smythe award for his postseason efforts.  

Thanks for Reading!

Remember that these are only predictions, and it is still the preseason. This whole list may have to be scrubbed by the time April rolls around, but for now, the San Jose Sharks are my preseason favorites to win it all.

Thanks for reading!