This shortened NHL season is almost finished, and playoff hockey is almost here.
It seems as if we already know which teams will be playing for the Stanley Cup: The Pittsburgh Penguins and the Chicago Blackhawks.
Both teams have been tearing through their respective schedules all season long, but Chicago appears to be the favorite, after their blistering start of 24 straight games without a loss. With only four games left for their season, they still have only tallied five losses.
Their dominance, in both offense and defense, can be seen with a spectacular plus-52 goal differential. Goaltender Corey Crawford has had a breakout season, seemingly acting as a brick wall in net. Crawford has had a lot of help from his forwards, especially the trio of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa, who have tallied 59 goals and 67 assists between the three of them.
However, Chicago’s great season thus far doesn’t mean anything about what’s in store for the playoffs. Seeding ultimately means nothing in hockey — last season the Los Angeles Kings won the cup as a No. 8 seed. What’s most important about playoff hockey is who’s hot when the playoffs begin.
Right now, the Washington Capitals are heating up, thanks to the stellar play from their star left wing, Alexander Ovechkin. I look for the Capitals to make a deep run into this year’s playoffs. They are capable of giving the Penguins all they can handle for top spot in the Eastern Conference.
The playoffs always seem to be the time of the year we see the best play out of the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask has exceeded all expectations in net this year and has really made Boston a more complete, formidable team in the Eastern Conference. They’ll have to go through — including the No. 5 seed, the winner of Pittsburgh and the No. 8 seed — but in a seven-game series, their depth could be the factor in pulling an upset on a higher seeded opponent.
For the West, assuming that Chicago doesn’t accomplish what is expected of them, I believe the Sharks can make a good run as the No. 5 seed. Patrick Marleau, Logan Couture and Joe Pavelski are all great goal scorers, and they have great a great leader in seasoned veteran Joe Thornton. Goaltender Antti Niemi is one of the best in the business, only giving up an average of 2.10 goals per game.
Ultimately, I believe Chicago will play Boston in the Stanley Cup Finals, with the Blackhawks taking home the cup in six games.