EASTERN CONFERENCE – Metropolitan Division Semifinals
(1) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (WC1) Columbus Blue Jackets
Of all the matchups Pittsburgh could've drawn in the first round, Columbus is seemingly the most fortuitous by far. The Pens have dominated this series traditionally, and never more than in this first season as division rivals, which saw the Jackets lose all five games.
It's been an odd year for the the Penguins...they've been dominant at times, and have had one of the best seasons in club history in terms of wins and points...but as an admittedly far less than impartial observer, they just seem to lack the element of grit and mental toughness that will enable them to go very far in the playoff. Part of that is because they've been decimated by injuries all season...and the fact that they're finally getting healthy at the perfect time, coupled with their substantial playoff experience. should be enough to propel them past Columbus. Still, I fear it'll be a short run.
Honestly, I'm super disappointed that the Jackets have to go up against my team. They're fun to watch, and I'm loving the way the city of Columbus has become enthralled with them. Should they manage to squeak past the Pens and win this series, I'll be with them all the way. Still, I'm thinking it's Pens in five.
It's been an odd year for the the Penguins...they've been dominant at times, and have had one of the best seasons in club history in terms of wins and points...but as an admittedly far less than impartial observer, they just seem to lack the element of grit and mental toughness that will enable them to go very far in the playoff. Part of that is because they've been decimated by injuries all season...and the fact that they're finally getting healthy at the perfect time, coupled with their substantial playoff experience. should be enough to propel them past Columbus. Still, I fear it'll be a short run.
Honestly, I'm super disappointed that the Jackets have to go up against my team. They're fun to watch, and I'm loving the way the city of Columbus has become enthralled with them. Should they manage to squeak past the Pens and win this series, I'll be with them all the way. Still, I'm thinking it's Pens in five.
(2) New York Rangers vs. (3) Philadelphia Flyers
These two teams stumbled badly out of the gate but managed to find their way mid-season, thanks to strong play by their forward lines. The Rangers and Flyers split their season series 2-2, each team winning both games at home. New York will break that trend, winning in Wells Fargo Center and giving the series to the Rangers in six.
PS: Don't forget to check out the previous Stanley Cup and Cheesecake posts and enter the ATOM-BOMB BIKINI PLAYOFF CHALLENGE!
Finally...
A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR: All of the original, hand-drawn art for this year's Stanley Cup picks will be on sale soon...but much of the art from previous years is currently available at my Etsy store, and on sale for 30% off through the end of the playoffs in June, when you use the code CUP2014 at checkout!
Of course, if you'd like to go the extra mile and get a personalized, one-of-a-kind uni-girl illustration of your very own to your exact specifications, that information can be found here.
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