Art by the great epoole88
It’s time to place your bets on the big game. It’s Joel Ward and the Sharks vs Eric Fehr and the Penguins. Either way, we’re going to see a beloved former Capital lift the best trophy in sports, so that’s pretty neat.
How did we do last round?
Well, we didn’t do predictions last round. Maybe we were too sad? For the sake of record-keeping, let’s pretend I was right about everything, Ian was wrong about everything, and Keith, a Coin, batted .500.
Just FYI: Keith, a Coin, is a coin. He is a 2014 Philadelphia-minted quarter. He is right about half the time.
Onto predictions.
Peter
It’s the year of the Shark. The San Jose Sharks, or, as I think of them, the West Coast Capitals, have had a great playoffs. They finally looked poised to do what they’ve never done before.
I’m on the bandwagon so hard. Let’s go Brent Burns, let’s go Joel Ward. It’s time for Joe Thornton to get his day in the sun, hopefully not the same day he scores four goals. That would be a show.
Give me the Sharks in 6.
Ian
The Sharks have been playing out of their minds, but it’s one thing to beat the Blues and Predators and another to beat the Lightning and Capitals.
The Penguins are the best team in hockey and they beat the other best team in hockey to get here. Since the Penguins fired Mike Johnston, they have changed their systems and focus and become nearly unstoppable. They have a team speed that pushes other teams on their heels. They have a goaltender, who if they choose to play him, has been lights out in the postseason and won’t choke.
Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Phil Kessel will continue to have their moments, but the series will come down to role players like Bryan Rust, Tom Kuhnhackl, and Carl Hagelin (a notorious Caps killer). The Penguins are the better team and unless some weird puck luck occurs, they should be your 2016 Stanley Cup Champions. Penguins in 6. #IsItAprilYet
Keith, a Coin
Penguins.
Your turn: Share your picks below. Who wins and in how many games?