NHL Playoffs Picks – Conference Finals: Ducks Blackhawks, Rangers Lightning

We’ve had a pretty successful 2015 NHL Playoffs. By the series, we’ve done okay hitting 5/8 in the first round and 2/4 in the second. The key for us has been confidence though, hitting both our high confidence plays in the second round, and all our high confidence plays in the first round. As a result, despite being just one pick above .500, we’ve made some pretty good profit this postseason.

I love the hockey playoffs. I don’t think there’s anything better. I still think if Shea Weber stays healthy the Chicago Blackhawks wouldn’t even be here. They’re hot, but they go against an Anaheim Ducks team that has been among our most reliable and dominant favorites so they might not be here much longer. The New York Rangers have won some grinding games and we rode them with confidence this far. Against a fun Tampa Bay Lightning team that we haven’t supported once, will they have the energy to skate with Stammer and company?

Here are our picks for the Conference Finals of the 2015 NHL Playoffs:

Western Conference Finals
Anaheim Ducks vs Chicago Blackhawks

This series is -110 despite the Anaheim Ducks having home ice and being what I think is the much better team. The Chicago Blackhawks rebounded from their goaltending struggles of the first round, but the recovery was against a mediocre Minnesota offense. Against this Anaheim Ducks offense, I think you’ll see goaltending and defensive inconsistency resurface.

It’s hard to pick against the experience of the Chicago Blackhawks. All they ever seem to do is win and the NHL playoffs are where the Blackhawks thrive. That said, I just don’t see them skating with the Anaheim Ducks and home ice advantage looks good to me. This might turn into a battle, but I think the Ducks will take this one.

Ducks in 7

Eastern Conference Finals
New York Rangers vs Tampa Bay Lightning

The Bolts took out a very complete Habs team last round. The series wasn’t particularly physical and while the Lightning showed some inconsistency from game to game, Ben Bishop is a force. With Bishop as hot as he is and the Tampa Bay offense this explosive, I think the Lightning will be a tough out.

The New York Rangers are coming off an incredibly physical series with the Washington Capitals. They’re exhausted, physically and mentally. The Rangers were on the brink of elimination, battled back, gave everything they had, and through seven grueling games and a bit of overtime, they escaped. The fresher team has a huge advantage here. Honestly, it reminds of the Devils Rangers “Henrique, it’s over!” series from a few years ago.

Lightning in 6