NHL Stanley Cup Predictions

 

The 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs are here and BetOnHockey.com has all the top NHL prediction picks. Current and former pro hockey players share their hockey knowledge and place betting wagers on the who will win hockey’s holy grail. 

Before the 2010-11 season professional hockey player Brad Leeb, and former players Ajay Baines, Terry Ryan, Jimmy Waite and the ‘NHL Expert’ made their predictions on who would win the 2011 Stanley Cup. 

We look back to their NHL picks and current predictions, also NHL playoff odds.

 

Brad Leeb Pre-season Prediction Pick:

Eastern Conference Champion, Washington Capitals. Western Conference Champion Vancouver Canucks. Stanley Cup Champion Vancouver  Canucks.

Brad Leeb Stanley Cup Playoff Prediction Picks:

I am sticking with my picks. The Capitals and Canucks are playing well and are very different teams then previous years. They are more rounded and more complete teams this year, and were built for the post-season. However, I still think it is Vancouver’s year. If the Canucks stay healthy, they should win Lord Stanley.

 

Ajay Baines Pre-season prediction pick: Eastern Conference Champion, Pittsburgh Penguins. Western Conference Champion Vancouver Canucks. Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins.

Ajay Baines Stanley Cup Playoff Prediction Picks:

Capitals look good out of the East, and the Sharks in the West. San Jose over Washington for The Cup. There is NO way Pens are winning without Sid and Malkin.

Also my 1st round predictions.

Canucks over Blackhawks in 7

Sharks over Kings in 5

Red Wings over Coyotes in 6 

Predators over Ducks in 7

Capitals over Rangers in 6

Flyers over Sabres in 6

Canadians over Bruins in 6

Penguins over Lightning in 7

 

Terry Ryan Pre-season prediction pick:

Eastern Conference Champion, Pittsburgh Penguins. Western Conference Champion Chicago Blackhawks. Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins.

Terry Ryan Stanley Cup Playoff Prediction Picks:

Largely due to injury woes in PITT, I am not even taking them to make it out of round 1. Tampa Bay has more firepower and will use it, most effectively on the PP.  I would have taken Philly to come out of the EAST, but without Pronger I am hesitant.  Also, Mike Green's injury makes me shy away from Washington.  This year tough, I think I am gonna take a team which I think is ready for this years playoffs.  Their leading sniper, Milan Lucic, is an example of the grit and determination they will have which is important in the playoffs. Chara is a younger, bigger Chris Pronger and needless to say an asset in the playoffs who will log lots of ice time. Role players like Shawn Thornton with Stanley Cup rings will lead by example. Boston Bruins to win Eastern Conference.

In the west, I am shying away from Van city, and I love Detroit’s style of play but don't think they have the parts to win it all. This year I am taking San Jose. I know they have disappointed in the past, but the pressure in on Vancouver. To be honest, everyone is taking Vancouver so 1) I wanna be different, and 2) I have two great buddies in Ian White and Ryane Clowe and I am kind of rooting for the boys to be honest. They are a solid team. San Jose Sharks to win Western Conference and Stanley Cup.

 

Jimmy Waite Pre-season prediction pick:

Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings.

Jimmy Waite Stanley Cup Playoff Prediction Picks:

I am sticking with the veteran experienced Red Wings to win the Stanley Cup.

 

The NHL Expert Pre-season prediction picks:

Eastern Conference Champion, Pittsburgh Penguins. Western Conference Champion Vancouver Canucks. Stanley Cup Champion Vancouver Canucks.

The NHL Expert Stanley Cup Playoff Prediction Picks:

Eastern Conference Champions Boston Bruins.

The Boston Bruins are my pick for the East because this team is built for seven game series and playoff style hockey. With a combination of Olympic medalists and veteran talent to go with the bitter taste left in their mouth after last years playoff this team looks hungry. 

Western Conference Champions Vancouver Canucks.

The Canucks won the Presidents trophy with the most points on the season but more importantly the Canucks won home ice advantage for all their playoff match ups which is key as the Canucks hold the best home record at 27-9-5 this year. The Canucks don't only come into the playoffs with the Art Ross trophy winner Daniel Sedin but also hold the record for the most goals by any team in the NHL this year along with having the top ranked power play unit and 3rd overall penalty kill. They get to prove to everyone that they can beat the Blackhawks first up to exercise their demons.

Stanley Cup Champion Vancouver Canucks.

As I have said before Mike Gillis has made the right moves for winning playoff series. This team also has a lot of depth and very versatile roster players currently in the NHL (up in the press box) or down in the minors that have seen time in the NHL this year, leads me to believe this team is set to go long term in a grueling playoff hockey environment.

 

 

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