2014 NHL Western Conference Semifinals Predictions

Alright, ladies and gentlemen, the quarterfinals have ended, and it’s time for the semis, the round that sends winners to the conference finals and losers to the golf course. There were some great quarterfinal series (Avs-Wild come to mind) and some stinkers (looking at you, Tampa.), which makes us wonder if the semifinals will have even better matchups. Considering we went 2 for 4 in the Western Quarterfinal predictions (curse you, Avs and Sharks), we feel obligated to continue. So, let’s begin.

Chicago Blackhawks vs Minnesota Wild

Raise your hand if you had the Wild winning a playoff series behind the play of Ilya Bryzgalov.

No one thought Bryzgalov was gonna win. Shame on you.

Granted, all it took was a freak injury to Darcy Kuemper to bring our favorite bear-fearing, Universe-exploring goaltender into Game 7 of the Avalanche-Wild series, but it doesn’t matter, because he was able to face the firing squad and block an obscene one shot to get the win. Now image what the Blackhawks will do to him.

We still don’t know if Darcy will come back and take over in net, but we do know this: If he can’t, Minnesota is toast. Chicago took out St. Louis in 6 (just like last time, in case you missed everyone tweeting the same picture for about 3 days straight) and is looking like the team to beat in the West. You know what? Even if Kuemper comes back, we don’t see it happening.

Prediction: Blackhawks over Wild in 5

Anaheim Ducks vs Los Angeles Kings

“What do you mean, we have to play the Kings?!”

San Jose, you had a three game series lead. How could you blow it like that?! Wait, don’t tell us. It happens every year, so we don’t need any more excuses.

This series is the battle for California. The Ducks versus the Kings. On Anaheim’s side, you have Teemu Selanne, whose quest for the Cup is still alive (as it should be, considering it’s his final season, and if you disagree, you’re not just wrong, you’re stupid.). On the other side, you have LA, whose bandwagon is experiencing the overcrowding the Blackhawks bandwagon experienced before it violently exploded a few days ago. Jonathan Quick returned to form just in time,  and as we all remember, the last time Quick was in form, the Kings won the Cup. If he is back, Anaheim might have a problem. This series will be the tight one in this conference. Sadly, it will also be the end of Selanne’s run.

Prediction: Kings over Ducks in 6

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