2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Second Round Predictions

• 2 comments - NHL - posted by David Hess on April 27, 2012

As the Stanley Cup Playoffs rolled around, we made first round NHL playoff predictions based on a slightly modified version of the power ratings we use for other sports.

Those predictions did fairly well. We disagreed with Vegas on two series, and went 1 for 2 on those picks, which means if you had simply bet on both of the underdogs that we favored, it would have been a profitable first round.

We pegged #3 Phoenix over #6 Chicago while Vegas favored the lower-seeded Blackhawks, but we were incorrect in predicting a #5 Detroit win over #4 Nashville. We — and Vegas — also correctly favored the #6 New Jersey Devils to top the #3 Florida Panthers in the first round, though we thought the series would be over a bit sooner.

Now that the second round is set, we’ve re-calculated the ratings. Here are our forecasts for the upcoming series.

This round features one predicted seed upset — #4 Nashville over #3 Phoenix. The Predators are also favored in Vegas.

Eastern: #1 New York Rangers vs. #7 Washington Capitals

Predicted Winner: #1 New York Rangers (69%)
Most Likely Outcome: Rangers in 5 (21%)

Eastern: #5 Philadelphia Flyers vs. #6 New Jersey Devils

Predicted Winner: #5 Philadelphia Flyers (59%)
Most Likely Outcome: Flyers in 7 (18%)

Western: #2 St. Louis Blues vs. #8 Los Angeles Kings

Predicted Winner: #2 St. Louis Blues (69%)
Most Likely Outcome: Blues in 5 (21%)

Western: #3 Phoenix Coyotes vs. #4 Nashville Predators

Predicted Winner: #4 Nashville Predators (56%)
Most Likely Outcome: Predators in 6 (22%)