Stanley Cup Playoffs

None of the eight teams that made the playoffs in the Western Conference folded, so it’s official now, the Minnesota Wild are not going to be involved.

Here are my picks for the winners of the conferences and the Cup (and yes, I’m aware that Washington is a little weak in the goaltending department).

Eastern Conference

Boston (4), Washington (6), Carolina (5), Philadelphia (7)

Washington (6), Philadelphia (5)

Washington (6) – Conference Champs

Western Conference

San Jose (5), Columbus (7), St. Louis (5), Chicago (7)

San Jose (5), Chicago (5)

Chicago (6) – Conference Champs

Stanley Cup Finals

Washington over Chicago in 6

Since I put in all of 2 minutes thought into these predictions, I’d say I have a pretty good chance at nailing these. Until I checked the scores for Wednesday and found that teams I picked to advance out of the first round went 0-4.  Wow.  I am something special.

Not Dead Yet

Against all odds, the Wild will play meaningful hockey in the last weekend of the season.  Below are the only scenarios in which the Wild make the postseason.  None seem terribly likely, but if they should come to pass – it’s playoff hockey!

Scenarios A₁ and A₂ –

Friday – Minnesota defeats Nashville in regulation and Columbus defeats St. Louis (A₁ = in regulation; A₂ = in OT/SO)

Saturday – Minnesota defeats Columbus

Sunday – Colorado defeats St. Louis (A₂ = in regulation)

Scenario B –

Friday – Minnesota defeats Nashville in regulation and Dallas defeats Anaheim in regulation

Saturday – Minnesota defeats Columbus and Phoenix defeats Anaheim in regulation

Scenarios C₁ and C₂–

Friday – Minnesota defeats Nashville in OT/SO and Dallas defeats Anaheim in regulation and Columbus defeats St. Louis (C₁ = in regulation; C₂ = in OT/SO)

Saturday – Minnesota defeats Columbus and Phoenix defeats Anaheim in regulation

Sunday – Colorado defeats St. Louis (C₂ = in regulation)