Re-Cap
So after a stellar year of NHL Playoff predictions in 2011 I have struggled in 2012. The latest being the NHL Conference finals where I was .500 with the Kings winning, but the Rangers losing (although I did secretly hope the Devils would win). So after going one and one in the Conference final that brings my record to a (dismal) 5 – 9, a far cry from my 12 – 3 record a year ago.
2012 NHL Stanley Cup Prediction
Here we go… the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup final has come down to the Los Angles Kings, the 8th and final playoff team after the regular season in the West versus the New Jersey Devils, the 6th place team in the Eastern Conference regular season. If you tell me you picked this as the Stanley Cup final match-up at the start of the NHL playoffs I’m going to have to call you a liar! There is no way anyone thought this would be our Cup final in 2012.
The Match-Up
The New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings have not played each other since October 25th, 2011 when the Devils won 3 – 0 in LA. Previously this season, on October 13th in New Jersey, the Devils defeated the Kings 2 – 1 in a shoot-out. Season series to the Devils! For my money, Jonathan Quick has been solid in goal for the Kings, but Dustin Brown has been the punisher leading LA to this point with big hits and timely goals. On the other side the Devils have been solid and Marty Brodeur has been a rock and reminded us how good he has been for as long as he as been tending the goal for the Devils. I’d love to see Marty get one more Cup and likely surpass Patrick Roy as the best ever.
My Pick
I think the Kings have just been too good this playoff season and are the better team (although this has been a year of surprises in the NHL). The Los Angeles Kings, since knocking off the Canucks, will take the 2012 Stanley Club in 5 over the Devils. Agree or disagree? Leave a comment below.
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