2015 Stanley Cup Final Predictions
On Wednesday night, the Stanley Cup Final begins in Tampa. Finally.
Here are our picks for some of the keys to the series, apart from these other sports odds that you may find interesting in case you plan to bet.
First, some fun prop bets:
- Over/Under on number of times you firmly believe Niklas Hjalmarsson will never walk again: 21.5
- Over/Under on number of times you firmly believe Marcus Kruger is paralyzed: 7.5
- Over/Under on number of “what the ____ did he just do?” Andrew Shaw moments: 11.5
- Over/Under on number of times you’re convinced Brian Boyle chased Shooter McGavin in “Happy Gilmore” with a nail in his head: 9.5
- Over/Under on number of times Chicago fans think Tyler Johnson is small: 100.5
- Over/Under on how long it takes Chicago fans to realize Johnson’s the same size as Teravainen: 2.5 games
- Over/Under on number of times Pierre McGuire compares Toews to Yzerman: 14.5
Now some numbers picks:
- Series Leading Scorer: Steven Stamkos
- Duncan Keith ATOI: 28:45
- Kimmo Timonen Games Played: 1
- Brian Bickell ATOI: 11:10
- Lightning PP Goals: 3
- Patrick Kane Goals: 4
- Teuvo Teravainen Points: 4
- Tyler Johnson Goals: 2
- Steven Stamkos Goals: 3
- Ben Bishop GAA: 3.40
- Corey Crawford GAA: 2.70
- Better Goaltender Save Pct: Corey Crawford
- Average Margin of Victory: 1.4
- Number of Goalie Changes: 1
- Number of Overtimes: 3
And finally, the money picks:
- Series Prediction: Blackhawks in 6
- Conn Smythe: Duncan Keith
- First non-Captain to handle the Cup: Kimmo Timonen
I feel like if Kane gets 4 goals in the finals, he’s the Conn Smythe again. That said, it should absolutely go to Duncan Keith if the Hawks are to win. I’ll throw up some predictions in a bit.
The hammer and kooga ones are pretty funny. Because they’re true.
I sure as hell hope you’re right about these. I don’t believe there will be 3 OT games; I think we’re looking at 1 OT game and 1-1 split, followed by 2 Chicago wins, 1 Tampa win and game 6 here with Hawks winning it in front of Chicago fans!
I also think Kimmo is first to touch. #19 is a classy guy and that’s the classy move. But we still have 4 games to win so no more talk from me about what happens after. I’ll be at game 3 and the tickets cost the same as a nice summer vacation would have, but this will be better.
The Hawks should be able to beat these guys barring a miracle performance from Bishop. Bolts can motor and should not be discounted out of hand. Deeper Hawks team should prevail though in the end.
Please Q, don’t skate 44 ever again.
For those of you down in Tampa for the big show I most heartily recommend grabbing Uber or a cab and going over to Cigar City Brewing. Those guys are producing a wide range of top quality brews. I was super impressed this past Feb when I went to Hawks-Bolts game. Once inside the arena seek out the Guinness/Harp stand on the concourse behind where the Hawks will be shooting twice. A dangerous spot I can tell you from experience… WE WANT THE CUP!
Lets Go Hawks!
This is going to be a fun and likely frequently terrifying series to watch. I can see Crawford giving up juicy rebounds and Cumiskey/Rundblad getting their head spun around. I can also see Bishop (finally a goaltender’s name we can chant) leaking like a sieve and the Bolts D imploding with a couple games turning into Hawk routs.
At the end of the series, I think Keith dons his superman cape again leading the team in points and minutes, Crawford does his good but not great act and 88 scores another game 6 OT winner but at home this time.
Curious for the other season ticket holders out there – tickets are going for a truly stupid amount of money on Stubhub. If the Hawks have a chance to clinch game 6 at home, how much would someone have to pay you for those tickets?
The city a sea of red sweaters today. Let’s do this. Go Hawks.
Over/Under Doc sounds like he is going to pass out from excitement and shortness of breath on air: 19.5
Over/Under it is stated Brad Richards formerly played in Tampa: 7.5
Series Prediction: Blackhawks in 6
Conn Smythe: Duncan Keith
First non-Captain to handle the Cup: Kimmo Timonen
Yup Yup and Yup
Under -number of times you firmly believe Niklas Hjalmarsson will never walk again: 21.5… The man always gets back up.
Over- number of times Pierre McGuire compares Toews to Yzerman: 14.5… If Pierre can stop talking about where everyone played Juniors/midget hockey for 15 seconds… lol
Chev- Never, never chant the goaltenders name. I beg of you.
Series: Hawks in 5. I want to say 6 but they just refuse to clinch at home.
Conn Smythe: Kane. I can see him having a big series and I feel like Duncan Keith will always be underappreciated.
First Cup Touch: Without a doubt it will be Kimmo. I kind of feel bad for the guy. He’s likely to get a ring in a year he’s done absolutely nothing. Maybe he can look at it as a lifetime achievement award?
This is going to be really really fun hockey to watch. Hold on to your butts.
Over/under Doc says “the Michigan State Spartan” when Duncs has got the puck during a power play: 10.9
Over/under we all mute the TV when Pierre starts talking about Yzerman turning Tampa Bay into ‘this generation’s Red Wings’: 100.5
:)
GAME DAY! GO HAWKS!!
Game 1 is going to be huge as teams are both chomping at the bit and will be 2 days off between games for losing team to ruminate. I am more concerned about this series than most seem to be, as fast, larger track-meet teams have given the Hawks trouble over the past few years in regular season (not that there are many that fit this description.) I’d love to see Hawks win it at any time, but fear this may be another game-7 series.. Go Hawks!
On the number of times Pierre/Doc and NBC crew refers to 91 as “former TB CS winner: 7.5”.. I’d ask is that per game?!
Finally, predict a LOW scoring start to series (say in the 1st 3 games), despite hype as track meet coming…
I’m praying for some way Kimmo to get in and score a goal. :)
I’m trying to think of other teams similar to Tampa. Quickness… Dallas, Colorado?
TB scares me a lot. While the physical element may be less intense, TB has more speed and skill than our other 3 opponents. I actually worry that fatigue will affect us more than them. If TB is as fast and skilled in their top 2 lines and top 2 defensive pairs as the Hawks, fatigue will be a factor. Experience is on our side while youth and exuberance on theirs.
Our 3d and 4th lines will be hugely important as this series. They are so important that they may well be the key to a Hawks victory.
I think the Hawks will prevail but think this series will NOT be easy.
Good question about what it would take to sell out a potential clinch game at the UC Chevy. I’m in my seats for years because I love to watch quality NHL hockey, and that we have had now for 6-7 years with this group. Yes, the secondary market asking prices are crazy high. I’m in Club Level and I’m not selling a game like that. Past 2 Cups were raised on opponents ice and to see it done at the UC would be a dream come true for me. $10,000 per seat could raise an eyebrow though…..but that ain’t happening. Lets hope we get to the possibility of really debating that.
Lets Go Hawks!
Don’t know if I am allowed to go off topic, but on NBC’s pro hockey talk site today, they talk about Mike Reilly the FA former U. of Minn. defenceman. I know there was another thread about this but it looks like a update. He will be talking to 8 NHL teams at the draft combine this week with hawks-l.a. minn. listed by Elliot Friedman. The writer from the star-tribune, which I believe is in Minnesota, Mike Russo says the Hawks are the favorite, as stated before his favorite team was the Hawks and listed Chicago as is birthplace. Just FYI.
Hawks win in four. Two reason. First – Hawks are slightly better than last year LA and Lightings are slightli worse than last year Rangers
Second – they have to. At 11/06 I´m going to holiday to Asia so I need a closure before that.
Phil, agreed, but I fear I would have my price on the 300 level if they crept up to the 10’s of thousands which suddenly (and ridiculously) seems possible. However, seeing the cup get skated around the UC ice… not sure you can put a price tag on that.
I didn’t realize I’ve been misguided all these years about the goalie chants considering the entire stadium is doing it. I suppose I should also reconsider jumping off that bridge with my friends.
Over/under on Bickell goals: .5
It scares me to say it but I think the Hawks are well positioned to sweep this Bolts team! Scotty Bow-man lives in Tampa and has seen “live” tons of Bolts games this year and has “juicy” insights on how to Beat the Da Bishop! Side to side and Mr. 5 hole! Hawks experience will play a role if they can STEAL game one the sweep is a possibility. From media day the Hawks all seem very very relaxed and about 6 Bolts players mentioned they don’t sleep before a game, that is big, Hawks players know how to rest seems easy but it’s not! Bolts could be toooo giddy and so called “happy to be there.” We’ll see tonight!
Simple formula for sweep!
1- Win the dot basic hockey 101 and EA Sports hockey and Pee wee hockey!
2- Stay away from the Penalty kill and 5 on 4 play, taking silly penalties like tooooooo many men on the ice, ( still trying to see if hawks lead the league in this. i think they do)
3- Crow stays stable not spectacular but just stable.
4- We don’t need any power play’s we just can NOT give BOLTS the power play …period.
5- No fluke injuries . . . Hawks baring Kane have been damn lucky imo.
6- Shaw does not take any Dumb penalties! ( that goes with #2)
7- Hawks if patient with the puck will be in every game and any close game I give to the Hawks!
The Bolts do not impress me like Boston did or even Philly or last years Kings.
I see Vermette having a great series, his speed is picking up and this is the type of team he will shine against also Sharp will see more open ice too. I see TNT shinning too! If everyone pulls their weight this should not be even be close?
The only insight is that it will come down to the 3rd line play in the end. As I said it would be our 4th line vs. Ducks that makes the difference and Shaw, well it is now pressure on our 3rd line period. Everyone else cancels each others but that 3rd line is the key matchup. It comes down to TNT, Sharp and Vermette, simple. I feel Vermette is ready to break out, no shit! Thsi line is over due to click, bang boom1
go hawks if they don’t win this series I would be in shock! A sweep is possible!
Report – Bryan Bickell out for game one. Undisclosed injury.
No one is paying respect to Bolts- Huge Defense and HUGE goalie…
If Tampa- plays solid D position… they will block a shit-ton of shots w/ their size…
Might shutout Hawks 1 0r 2 games- like NY…
JS- You are going down!!!
Stamkos- always torches Hawks on PP… so those PP’s must be limited for sure…