The UKNHL team return with more ill-fated predictions that you should not count on in any way.
At the start of April we decided to put together our knowledge and produce a full selection of predictions for the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs. They were awful.
All three of us had the, now favourite, Los Angeles Kings going out in the first round with the New Jersey Devils also making a unanimous exit in the second round.
It seems only fair (at least to us) that we’re given a chance to redeem ourselves. Think of it as either double the humiliation or nothing.
And so with what will inevitably go down as our famous last words, we give you our game by game predictions for the Stanley Cup finals 2012.
JAMES
Game 1
NJ 3-2 LA (OT)
It may seem a bit sensationalist, but I can see the series starting with a bang. I imagine the Kings will look expectedly strong, but concede a late equaliser while New Jersey have 6 attackers and then an OT goal too.
Game 2
NJ 1-3 LA
The Kings won’t like having lost in game one and it will be Jonathan Quick that drives his team on to change that. He won’t manage a shutout, but Los Angeles will still win the game.
Game 3
LA 0-2 NJ
The only reason I’m going for this is because I think it will be a back and forth series. New Jersey will take the initiative in game 3 at the Staples Center and surprise Los Angeles again.
Game 4
LA 3-4 NJ (OT)
I think LA will come out all guns blazing, having realised that this series won’t be a walkover like their playoffs largely have been so far. That said, I’m expecting Jonathan Quick to have at least one off game during this post season and it could come at this most vital time.
Game 5
NJ 0-3 LA
Having been panned by the critics after his last performance, Quick will be the name in everyone’s mind again for game 5. He’ll prove that the game was just a one off and record yet another shutout.
Game 6
LA 2-1 NJ
New Jersey will do their very best to avoid having to go into a game seven, but I imagine that Los Angeles will want to make up for their previous poor home ice performances in the series and force game 7 with the large majority of the crowd cheering them on.
Game 7
NJ 3-2 LA
Game seven, for me, will be the closest of the series. Both teams will be going for goals, but solid goalkeeping from both Bordeur and Quick will keep the scores relatively respectful. I reckon Brodeur won’t like being outdone by a younger goalkeeper and will hold New Jersey in the game until Kovalchuk can score his late third period winner for a dramatic finish and the Conn Smythe Trophy.
It’s a very tough series to call, especially with both sides on form, but the Eastern Conference has been far stronger than the Western this year. The Devils will be a step up from anyone the Kings have faced so far and Los Angeles may struggle to adapt to the series quite as well as New Jersey.
THOMAS
Game 1
NJ 1 – 2 LA
Los Angeles have made a strong start to each of their playoff series so far and I don’t see that changing much in game one.
Game 2
NJ 3-2 LA OT
The Devils have shown themselves to be very adaptable during these playoffs. I think DeBoer will have an answer for the Kings in game two.
Game 3
LA 1- 0 NJ
Quick is good enough to win Los Angeles at least one game this series that they shouldn’t win. I fully expect him to have at least one shutout
Game 4
LA 2 -1 NJ
Los Angeles will complete their home sweep to really put some distance between themselves and the Devils.
Game 5
NJ 5 – 2 LA
New Jersey will battle valiantly to stave off elimination however I expect this to be the last win they achieve in the series.
Game 6
LA 3 – 2 NJ OT
I dont think the Kings will miss out on an opportunity to clinch the series at home and will clinch the Stanley Cup in Game 6; a longer series then they are used to this series.
I tried to keep things brief as it is hard to predict the intricacies of each game. But in the end I think the Kings will prevail 4-2; they have better goaltending and in the playoffs they have shown themselves to have a lot of potential scoring threats. New Jersey are however a tactically astute team and very adaptable so I think they will find some answers to the Kings that others previously have not.
DARUISH
Game 1
NJ 2-4 LA
I think that LA will take the first game a bit like the Game 1 against Phoenix, go 2-2 in the third period then a go ahead goal and then an empty net goal to clinch it.
Game 2
NJ 3-1 LA
I think that NJ will respond in Game 2 with a 3-1 win in the second game, with Kovalchuk and Parise coming up big for the Devils this time.
Game 3
LA 2-1 NJ
I think this will be a close game, probably being 1-1 going into the third. This time, I’m predicting that one of LA’s under-estimated players will get the winner.
Game 4
LA 3-4 NJ (OT)
Another tight game, this time going into overtime. I think that Adam Henrique will get a goal, the Devils’ fourth line will contribute offensively but ultimately Zach Parise will get the winner.
Game 5
NJ 2-3 LA (2OT)
I think this will also go to overtime, however this time LA will prevail, in double overtime. It will be an extremely tight game but I think Kopitar will come through with the winner.
Game 6
LA 4-2 NJ
In the Cup clincher, I think Dustin Brown will come up with a goal, possibly the clincher. Anze Kopitar will also get on the act, possibly getting a couple. Once LA take the lead they will not surrender it. Kovalchuk will score for the Devils but ultimately the Kings will win the Cup.
I know these are rather bold and somewhat crazy predictions but the way this postseason has been, nothing is out of the realms of possibilty.
UKNHL 