Boston Bruins
This year, the most complete team will win the Stanley Cup, and that team is the Boston Bruins. The Bruins have been very good offensively and defensively, and they have had solid goaltending.
As winners of the Atlantic Division, Boston played exceptionally in all aspects of the game. Their offense has been outstanding, ranking third in goals per game averaging 3.1. They also execute their power play chances, ranking third in the league by converting 22 percent of the time. Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci have been dominant on the offensive end combining to lead the team in points, goals, assists and plus/minus.
Boston’s defense has been excellent as well. They rank second in the NHL in goals allowed per game, giving up just 2.1 goals against. Their power play lines were good enough to be eighth in the league killing off 84 percent of power play opportunities. Zdeno Chara and Adam McQuaid lead the defensive end and are physical with their opponents.
Boston’s goaltending has also been consistent. Tuukka Rask played in 58 games and posted a .930 save percentage. Against the Detroit Red Wings, Rask has elevated his game by posting a .976 save percentage and allowing just .67 goals against in three games.
With shutdown goaltending and an explosive offense, the Bruins will go far in the playoffs and eventually hoist the Stanley Cup.
~Aaron Ferguson
Colorado Avalanche
As much as the fan in me would love for the Chicago Blackhawks to win the Stanley Cup this year, I have to go with my gut. While all the bandwagon fans gasp and shun me for that statement, let me explain why the Cup will go to the Colorado Avalanche.
The head coach is Patrick Roy, my personal hero and a legend when it comes to hockey. Google the man and you will find several goaltender fights that will entertain and rile you up. A coach that has been known to fight as a player can surely rally up his team to pour everything it has into the playoffs.
With Semyon Varlamov between the pipes, they know what they are getting. So far in the playoffs, his goals allowed average has dropped from the regular season average while his save percentage has increased.
That gives the team assurance to know what will happen on its defensive end, letting them focus more on the offense, taking the lead and making it impossible for opponents to catch up.
If they can finish their series with the Wild in five games, they will be able rest before they play the Hawks and use momentum and skill to get to the Cup.
~Chris Walls
