Halfway through the post-season and there isn't a favorite
Here we are with two rounds in the books and looking at the final four. But who is in round three is definitely the most eye-opening part of the playoffs.
In the West, Arizona and Minnesota do battle. Neither team came in looking like cup contenders but at least one of them will be cup finals in a few weeks.
The East is no different, where Columbus and Detroit tangle. Detroit was the worst team in the league last year, but now they stand a 25 per chance of being the best this year.
Who is the most Cinderella team of all might be the answer to who will win it all. Either way, there a good chance there will be a first time WCHL Cup champion this year.
Here's my predictions for round three:
Western Conference
Arizona Coyotes vs Minnesota Wild- The two worst playoff teams in the conference during the regular season, the Coyotes and Wild have knocked off better teams twice already to get to this point. This will be the first series the Wild won't be the underdog, having bested Arizona by five points in the regular season.
The Wild will be led by Tomas Vanek and Tyler Bozak, who have each contributed 13 points thus far, pacing the Wild attack. Twelve different players have scored goals so far, as the team has thus far paced out the offense. Antti Niemi meanwhile has been solid in net, posting a .924 save percentage.
Arizona meanwhile is riding on the coattails of stars Radim Vrbata and Marian Gaborik, who have combined for 14 goals and 32 points in 11 games so far. Perhaps even more startling, after struggling through a seven game win in round one, the Coyotes steamrolled the Calgary Flames in four straight in round two.
It's hard to see who will be the ultimate Cinderella but if it's all about upsets then go with the upset. Arizona in seven games.
Eastern Conference
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Detroit Red Wings- Things are a little bit better in the East, where the 3rd and 7th seeded teams are left. One of these clubs actually can say they should be here at this stage, though even in the case of Columbus they had to knock off the powerhouse New York Rangers in round two to do it.
Columbus did just that though, winning in six games over the Rangers. Jason Spezza, Chris Kunitz and Brent Seabrook have been nearly unstoppable, posting over one-third of the teams offense. Detroit has scored 35 goals so far this post-season, nearly three goals per game.
Detroit meanwhile has been paced by rookie Rikard Rakell, who has seven tallies already these playoffs. They are likely the first team in years to have a goaltending controversy in the third round of the playoffs. Karri Ramo has had the most games and posted a fine .915 save percentage, by Michael Neuvirth has appeared in six games with a staggering .940 save percentage. Best part though? Detroit was the league's worst club last year. Now they are eight wins from being the best.
Expect the worst to first charge to continue. Detroit in five games.
