2013 Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions: Clarence Campbell Conference

Stanley Cup Playoffs Time: Here's Who's In It

It's that time of year for Canada: The Stanley Cup Playoffs.  Maybe they'll get some A-block time on Sportscenter (the American one).  Probably not, but here's hoping, right?  Anyway, My predictions here can't be worse than my March Madness fiasco where one of my cats did better than me.  I'm not joking.  Anyway, enjoy!  For those who can't figure it out, Clarence Campbell = Western Conference.  My Prince of Wales (Eastern) Conference Predictions are here.

Clarence Campbell Conference Quarterfinal Predictions:

#1 Chicago Blackhawks vs. #8 Minnesota Wild

#1 Blackhawks def. #8 Wild in 4 games: No team looked more impressive than the Blackhawks in the lockout-shortened season.  No team was more impressive in the offseason than the Wild.  I'll take what works on the ice than what works on paper every day of the week.  Won't be close.

#2 Anaheim (mighty) Ducks vs. #7 Detroit Red Wings

#7 Red Wings def. #2 Ducks in 6 games: Call it reverse psychology as this passionate Avalanche fan is trying to put the bad juju on the Red Wings, but I also am just not a believer in the Ducks.  Hope I'm wrong!

#3 Vancouver Canucks vs. #6 San Jose Sharks

#3 Canucks def. #6 Sharks in 6 games: The battle of the Northwest.  Which means no one will watch it.  If a tree fell on this series, no one would hear it.  When in doubt, I go Canadian teams.

#4 St. Louis Blues vs. #5 L.A. Kings

#5 Kings def. #4 Blues in 7 games: For no other reason than they are the defending Stanley Cup Champions.  Love what the Blues have done, but may have a 'happy to be here' attitude.  Can go either way.

Clarence Campbell Conference Semi-Final Predictions:

#1 Chicago Blackhawks vs. #7 Detroit Red Wings

#1 Blackhawks def. #7 Red Wings in 5 games: The NHL wins when these two Original Six teams play against each other, but this will not be a competitive series.  The Blackhawks will not underestimate their rivals.

#3 Vancouver Canucks vs. #5 L.A. Kings

#3 Canucks def. #5 Kings in 7 games: This west coast battle will go the distance in a series of lopsided games.  Will be one of the odder series in recent memory, but the Canucks will find a way to win.

Clarence Campbell Trophy Prediction:

#1 Chicago Blackhawks vs. #3 Vancouver Canucks

#3 Canucks def. #1 Blackhawks in 7 games: This pick is not based on any kind of empirical evidence other than if I truly believe one team is going to win, they probably aren't.  I've been so wrong so often recently that I'm just going with the opposite of my original thought here.