KoC's 2012 Stanley Cup Finals Prediction

So the results are in for the Conference Finals…

Eastern Conference Playoffs, Round 3:

NJD in 6 vs NYR – Great battle, well fought, but credit NJ for getting it done.

Western Conference Playoffs, Round 3:

LAK in 5 vs PHX – LA dominated and Jonathan Quick was a machine.  Seemingly unstoppable.

Thoughts …..

This time, I managed a 1 for 2 on who would win and went 0 for 2 on the length of each series (by winner).

The Rangers and Devils series went as expected on the intensity scale at least.  Each team played well, dominated at times and had uncharacteristic lapses in discipline.  The Devils were big on scoring, but also felt the sting of goals against rise higher than any of the four teams competing in the conference finals.  It was something to watch Kovalchuk, Parise and Zajac dominate for a New Jersey team that looked like they were in rapid decline.  Although the Brodeur vs Lundqvist battle was a great to watch, how wild was the start to Chris Kreider’s playoff experience without playing at all in the regular season.  Kreider went 5 and 2 for 7 pts in 17 games and looked awesome doing it.  As much as I despise Dolan’s franchise, give the Rangers credit for showing heart by mounting coming backs throughout the playoffs.  Credit Tortorella and their vets for the character of the team.  The Devils played their game, but had trouble holding on to leads and asked a lot of Brodeur. In the end, the Devils were all over the Ranger net and got the win in O.T. 

Jonathan Quick was awesome.  He leads the NHL playoffs in 3 of 4 categories.  Quick has 12 wins with a .946Sv% and a 1.54 gaa.  The Kings brought scoring with a snarl to a good Phoenix team.  Their only offensive difficulty seems to be on the PP, but their PK is best in the playoffs at 91.2%.  Dustin Brown (7 and 9 for 16 pts/14 games.) leads the playoffs in plus/minus with a +13.  As a matter of fact, only 1 player on their roster is negative and that is Kyle Clifford at only –1.  And Anze Kopitar, he is a dominant weapon in the 2012 playoffs with 6 and 9 for 15 points in only 14 play off games played.  Dustin Penner proved to have a renaissance of sorts as well for LA with 10 points.  The Coyotes showed tons of heart but couldn’t right their game after falling behind.  What they may have done is put any rumors of the franchise leaving Phoenix to rest, take note on Long Island please.

What will happen in the Cup Finals?

The LA Kings will be crowned Stanley Cup Champions in 6 games vs the Devils.

I think the Kings are too well balanced and too strong in net to lose in 7 games vs New Jersey.  No disrespect to Brodeur, but unless the Devils play way over their heads or JQ has a meltdown, its all Kings.  LA is in control of their game, well rested and they know how to bring it.  I cant see an embattled New Jersey team going the distance and able to match intensity over another series after an emotional win vs their division rivals.

Whatever the result, it should be awesome! 

Game On!