2012 NHL Playoff Predictions

As I've mentioned several times on this blog, I very much enjoy reading predictions of how major sporting events will turn out. I also enjoy playing the game myself. I apologize for being late with this, as some games were played last night. However, I believe it's still plenty early enough for this year's version of my NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions:

Eastern Conference

Ottawa vs New York - Rangers in 6. The Senators will provide an entertaining series, and the Rangers are by no means invincible. However, they will be strong enough to win this series.

Washington vs Boston - Caps in 6. The Capitals have had their series of disappointing playoff finishes. This year they can feel lucky that they're even there, which will take the pressure off. The Bruins are a tired team after last year's full length run.

New Jersey vs. Florida - Devils in 5. Welcome to the playoffs Panthers! Problem is this is the worst possible matchup for them. They are slumping while the Devils are one of the hottest teams in the league. The Devils also have plenty of playoff experience, while it's a much newer concept for Florida.

Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh - Penguins in 7. The lead up to this series has attracted the most attention, and I believe it will end up that way. This will be Pittsburgh's greatest test before reaching the Finals.

Western Conference

Los Angeles vs Vancouver - Canucks in 5. The Kings victory was made just by reaching the playoffs after a difficult regular season. The Canucks have glided all the way to another Presiden't Trophy.

San Jose vs. St Louis - Sharks in 6. The Blues had an incredible regular season. However, they will discover that the playoffs are a whole different story. They struggled at the end, while the Sharks are playing some of their best hockey now.

Chicago vs. Phoenix - Blackhawks in 7. I will always root against the Coyotes simply because they don't belong in Phoenix. However, I truly believe the Blackhawks are a better team. I like Phoenix's fight, and we will surely see it, but the Chicago fans who deserve a victory much more than Phoenix's will enjoy victory.

Detroit vs. Nashville - Predators in 7. Another much anticipated series featuring two excellent teams. Three reasons Nashville wins: First, I believe the Wings have already peaked. Second, the Predators have put everything into winning this first round playoff series and will put all energy forth to make sure it happens. Third, home ice will rule in this series, and the final home game is in Nashville.

Stanley Cup

Pittsburgh vs. Vancouver - Canucks in 6. There are several reasons I see the Canucks winning it all...First, after the first month, they had a strong and rather easy regular season, and I don't believe they will have much difficulty in the playoffs. Second, the Penguins will have to make it through some difficult series to get to the Final. Third, the Canucks have last year's experience that will motivate them. They will not want to endure another painful summer. The Canucks will take the Cup back to Canada. Enjoy the games!

2012 Major League Baseball Predictions

It's one of my favorite times of the year as baseball is beginning tonight. I always enjoy reading predictions from others, so I will offer some of my own. Let's see how they look in October, or even June for that matter : )

NL East

1. Philadelphia - With this pitching staff, a championship is always possible.
2. Atlanta - Yes they choked, last year. However, it's the same team. A very good one at that. They'll be one of the wild cards.
3. Florida - All the hype in South Florida will not be wasted. The second NL wild card.
4. Washington - A 4th place team...very possibly with 85 wins!
5. NY Mets - As a Mets fan sad for me to say...not only worst in this divisions, but one of the worst teams in baseball. I hope I'm wrong!

NL Central

1. Cincinnati - Only because I can't think of anyone else who can win this division.
2. Chicago - Will be better than people think.
3. Milwaukee - Overrated.
4. St Louis - As much as I respect what they accomplished last year, they were still extremely lucky. Not this year.
5. Pittsburgh - Still an up and coming team, but still not there yet.
6. Houston - Possibly the worst team in baseball.

NL West

1. San Francisco - Not much different than the team that won it all in '10.
2. Los Angeles - Will show significant improvement as optimism takes over last year's negatives.
3. Arizona - Played over their heads last year.
4. Colorado - This solid team will underachieve again.
5. San Diego - Not a bad team. Just not a good one.

AL East

1. NY Yankees - Still a great team. Period.
2. Boston - Don't be surprised if this team takes the league by storm. Will be the first wild card.
3. Tampa - Last year's comeback was great, but this team still overachieved.
4. Toronto - I'm not riding this bandwagon yet.
5. Baltimore - Sad excuse for a franchise.

AL Central

1. Detroit - This team is not as good as people think. They win the division by default.
2. Minnesota - This team is not as bad as people think. They contend for the division
3. Chicago - Another team not as bad as people think.
4, Cleveland. Not sure which direction they're going.
5. Kansas City - People are getting excited about this team. I don't see it yet.

AL West

1. Anaheim - They have the makings, character, and manager of a championship team.
2. Texas - Tough loss last year. They're still a great team. Second wild card.
3. Oakland - Not a bad team. They may hurt some teams, especially late in the year.
4. Seattle - Not a horrible team. Just too many better ones around.

World Series...Anaheim defeats San Francisco.

Enjoy the games!