NHL Quarterfinal Playoff Prediction Review

The NHL Playoffs have arguably had the most evenly matched series in recent memory. All but one matchup went at least six games with two series headed to a final game seven. Before the NHL quarterfinals we did a prediction and breakdown of each series much like the one below.

Let’s see how accurate Shaft Sports playoff predictions were.

We’ll begin in the East:

In the Washington/Montreal series, we said Washington would win and that they would do it in five games. I didn’t realize Halak was so good, game seven is this Wednesday night!

We took a big swing in the New Jersey/Philadelphia series and struck out terribly. We choose Martin Brodeur and the Devils in five games. The Flyers would prove us wrong winning the series in five behind goaltender Brian Boucher brilliance.

In the Buffalo/Boston series, we said Sabres in seven but the Bruins spoiled our prediction closing out the series in six.


Finally we thought the Pittsbugh Penguins had lost a step in the regular season. So we picked Ottawa in seven but the Penguins flexed their muscle and won the series in six.

Now to the West:

In the San Jose/Colorado series, we predicted the #1 seed San Jose Sharks to win in six. Both of which were correct.

Over in the Chicago/Nashville series, we predicted the Blackhawks to edge the Predators in five. We picked the right team but wrong number of games. Chicago closed out the series in six.

Then in the Vancouver/Los Angeles series, we predicted the Canucks to win in five games. Vancouver did in fact win the series but in six games not in five.

Finally we predicted the Phoenix/Detroit the Red Wings to end the series in five games. The game is headed to a game seven tonight, the Wings can make my selection half true.

Adding up our total we selected 3 out of 4 teams correct (with a possible 4 of 4 if Detroit wins tonight). We selected 1 of 4 series correct(Sharks in six games). In the East we didn't correctly select a team or series. (1 of 4 is possible if Washington wins game seven)

Dan Boyle, Game 3 Goat

Unlikely help, Sharks, Boyle gives Colorado 2-1 series lead.



After both clubs split each of the first two games of the series, the Colorado Avalanche took a 2-1 lead in the series over the San Jose Sharks on Sunday night. The Sharks outplayed the Avalanche during the entire game and managed to get on the scoreboard, unfortunately it was the wrong end of the score sheet.

51 seconds into overtime Sharks defenseman Dan Boyle attempted to pass the puck behind his own net. Instead, the puck was directed towards Sharks goaltender Evgeni Nabokov and slipped past him for the game winning goal. "We didn't beat their goalie," Sharks coach Todd McLellan said. "We found a way to beat ours."

Avalanche center Ryan O’Reilly was credited with the game winning goal. "Overall, they outplayed us today," O'Reilly said. "Andy kept us in it. Andy deserved this one.”

Colorado goaltender Craig Anderson stopped 51 shots in his first career playoff shutout. Over the years, Anderson has gotten use to being peppered with a high volume number of shots playing in cities like Chicago, Florida and now Colorado. It wasn’t the typical ending either team expected in game three but this is playoff hockey and we need to expect the unexpected.

As for Sharks defenseman Dan Boyle, his teammates have their full support. "It's unfortunate. It happens," Sharks defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic said. "It's not his fault and nobody blames him." One thing is for sure, if the Sharks hope to erase the memories of seasons past, they will need to win this series to show the fans of San Jose that they are not pretenders. They must show resilience in game four and provide a reason for why they were the top seed in the Western Conference.

Crosby, Penguins Back on Track

Crosby helps Pens get back on track, 2-1 series lead.



After the Ottawa Senators spoiled a much-anticipated debut on home ice for the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Pens have battled back and won the past two games of the series. Penguins captain Sidney Crosby scored the game-winning goal in game three; to give the Pens the 2-1 series lead.

Pittsburgh seemed to settle down and play the brand of hockey that many of us are used to seeing during game three, highlighted by Crosby’s third straight multi-point effort. In fact, Crosby currently has the most points of any player in the playoffs with seven (two goals and five assists).

"It's impossible to stop him, especially every night," Senators coach Cory Clouston said about Crosby, after Ottawa’s 5-4 win in game one. "He was the best player on the ice and he showed what he is able to do. When they needed a goal, he made a big play.” If the Senators have any chance at brining this series back to Ottawa after game four, they will have to try to eliminate Crosby’s second chance opportunities.

To add insult to injury the Senators will be without two of their premier forwards Alex Kovalev and Milan Michalek. Kovalev and Michalek tore their ACL’s during Ottawa’s 5-4 win in game one. Oh, did I forget to mention defenseman Filip Kuba will also be out for the remainder of the playoffs? Yikes!

"We have to pull together right now," Senators right-winger Daniel Alfredsson said. "It helps that we're so comfortable with our system.” They will have to get better production out of goaltender Brian Elliot who has looked shaky during the series posting a 3.39 gaa and an atrocious .868 save percentage. Many predicted the Penguins to falter in the playoffs including myself, however one thing we did not take into account for would be injuries. Game four is scheduled for Tuesday April 20 at 7 P.M.