Our 2012 Stanley Cup Predictions

Bobby Orr, left, and Jean Ratelle hold the Stanley Cup at a luncheon in New York, May 5, 1972. Orr's Bruins would go on to win the Cup. AP Photo/Harry Harris

Our 2012 Stanley Cup Predictions

Oct 6, 2011 9:01 PM David M Singer

11 Comments

It's opening night. What better time than now to make our Stanley Cup predictions?

David Singer

Boston Bruins over Chicago Blackhawks

The Bruins will be the first repeat champs since the late 90s Detroit Red Wings. The team lost so little in the off-season. Mark Recchi's departure can't help, but the young core has already had the benefit of his experience and it's time for some younger legs. Tim Thomas isn't getting any younger, and it's doubtful he'll have the career-season he did last year, but it wasn't a fluke year. He's been solid for a seasons now, and as long as the Bruins rest him enough, he'll prove to be a great backstop.

The Blackhawks were very smart in the off-season. If you win the Cup and lose elements of your team and don't do as well the next season, what do you? Get them back. They might not be the same players, but they are the same pieces.

It should be a great series with the Bruins taking out the Hawks in a close one.

Jamie Fitzgerald

San Jose Sharks over Washington Capitals

Last year, the defence was too thin for the Sharks; the addition of Brent Burns is huge. He'll put up career numbers this year and help take the load off of Dan Boyle. Their top 6 might be the best in the league. San Jose has done enough to get to the next level.

I bought into the Washington hype in the last year, only for them to be swept by Tampa Bay. So much talent, yet they couldn't make it happen when it counted. The guys they've added to their bottom 6 will help that, but the signing of the offseason was Tomas Vokoun. He's consistently put up great numbers on not-so-great teams. Vokoun will show why he's one of the best goaltenders in the league.

Chris Phillips

Pittsburgh Penguins over Chicago Blackhawks

With Evgeni Malkin healthy again and Sidney Crosby improving all the time, the Penguins have a major boost to the offence. If Marc-Andre Fleury can put in some solid performances at the other end of the ice, the cup could be heading to Pittsburgh.

Josh Kidd

Chicago Blackhawks over Boston Bruins

The Hawks learned that they didn't have enough depth and grit to get through the entire year, and what did they do? They re-loaded with veteran, skilled, reliable, proven toughness. I love seeing Sean O'Donnell sign with Chicago, along with Jamal Mayers, providing veteran penalty-killing support; and of course the addition of trouble-making expert, Daniel Carcillo.

There is little to no drop off in talent with the Bruins from last year. The core of the team is returning and all of their toughness is coming back, which, coupled with their offense, proved too much for most teams last year. Tim Thomas is a top-3 goaltender and Tyler Seguin's progression could be something amazing to see given the talent around him.

In the end, I see these two Original Six teams battling in a rough, grueling seven-game set with the Hawks pulling out a close game seven win.

Drop your predictions below.

Comments

i want Toronto Maple Leafs to win.GO TORONTO!!
Posted by Marawan Mekky on 2011-11-08 16:42:25 San Jose vs Philadelphia gotta give it up to the flyers they are loaded. flyers take cup in 5
Posted by Jeff Bowman on 2011-10-15 15:26:41 Kings all the way. stacked with hungry kids and talented veterans, two great goalies and a defense to make other teams pee in their hockey pants.
Posted by kevzilla on 2011-10-07 23:33:01 I like the EA Sports pick of Pens over Kings in 6 but I would say Pens in 5. The majority of the Kings team hasn't been that deep in the playoffs before. Richards will help but you need more than one player with that kind of talent who has been through the grind. If Pittsburgh is healthy, they are by far the deepest team and if Crosby is back this year it will be a cake walk for them.
Posted by Durty Sanchez on 2011-10-07 19:19:15 i play in the UTC golden west adult hockey league, (a champion in the inagural year) i think our silver level team could beat the predators this year.
Posted by greg on 2011-10-07 19:12:57 Vodka, you're the man, but I think it's Vancouver against Pittsburgh and I'll grab the Pens just because I hate the way the anarchist idiots in Vancouver rioted after their loss to the Bruins. But, there's no doubting the 'Nucks talent IF Mike Gillis finds a couple guys who play the way he did to round out a roster of talented but VERY soft (Kesler excepted) dandies. I like the Penguins squad with Malkin, Neal and hopefully Sidney Crosby coming back healthy. Flyers, Bruins and Caps will be right there and Hawks, Wings and Sharks will contend in the West.
Posted by Walt on 2011-10-07 15:21:27 Buffalo over Chicago? Buffalo is going to be lucky to make it into the second round... Boston vs. Chicago is a good pick though. Slight talent edge to Chicago.
Posted by Craig W. on 2011-10-07 13:26:05 Boston will not make it past the first round of the playoffs if they make it at all. Chicago should be good though. Buffalo over Chi-town for the cup.
Posted by mike hartman on 2011-10-07 09:40:28 Fuck, I'd just like to see Byfuglien win it again along with Ladd and the rest of Winnipeg.
Posted by james on 2011-10-07 04:37:47 Los Angeles Kings over Pittsburgh Penguins The Kings line-up is stacked. Getting Richards was huge and the additions of Ethan Moreau and Trent Hunter give them good bottom 6 depth. Can't forget that Kyle Clifford will be better after a strong playoff performance. I also think that the Kings have the best defense in the league. Re-signing Drew Doughty was another huge move. With Pittsburgh, they did very well in the 2nd half of the season without their two best players. A healthy Malkin is going to do wonders for them. And if Crosby can return quick enough and stay healthy, I think they'll be the favorites in the East.
Posted by Mike Vellucci on 2011-10-06 21:36:16 I would love to see a Caps/Red Wings Stanley Cup. Me and the wife would have to live in separate houses!! GO CAPS!!!
Posted by James Sager on 2011-10-06 21:34:09