PHT staff predicts the Stanley Cup finals and award winners

It’s time once again for all of us here at PHT to put our butts on the line. To put our money where our mouths are. To come up with another cliché for things.

That’s right, it’s our Stanley Cup predictions. We’ll give you who we think is making the finals and who’s going to take it all. As a bonus, we’ll even tell you who we think will take home the NHL’s biggest awards. As we’re expecting, you’ll make sure to remember all of these predictions by the end of the year and hold them over our heads when we’re wrong. Of course, if we turn out to be right, we’re going to gloat. A lot.

Without further ado, here’s our thoughts on the Stanley Cup finalists and winner. If you think we got it wrong, go ahead and comment here or vote in our poll. And make sure to check out previews for all 30 teams here.

Joe Yerdon says:

Stanley Cup finalists: Los Angeles Kings vs. Washington Capitals

Stanley Cup champions: Washington Capitals

Yeah, I know what you’re saying. “But Joe, you picked the Capitals to make the finals last year. When are you ever going to learn.” To that I say, “Hey… Shut up.” Much like a kid that can’t keep from touching a hot stove, the Capitals offseason addition of Tomas Vokoun as well as their blue collar additions of Troy Brouwer and Joel Ward along with Roman Hamrlik makes me believe they’ve got it figured out. Put me firmly on the Kings’ bandwagon this year as well. They would’ve been heavily in the mix last year if not for Anze Kopitar getting hurt, but such is life. The Kings are for real but the Capitals are ready to get over all the humps to win it all this year.

James O’Brien says:

Stanley Cup finalists: Los Angeles Kings vs. Washington Capitals

Stanley Cup champions: Washington Capitals

I picked the Sharks to win the Pacific, but the Kings sport the West’s best makeup for the playoffs – two impressive goalies, two first line-caliber centers and perhaps the best defense in the NHL (their fragile group of wingers needs to stay healthy, though). They’re a tough matchup for any West team, but Washington will have just enough of everything to steal the Cup away. The Capitals have a more potent offensive attack, a versatile defense and one of the best goalies in the world. It’s now or never for a significant chunk of this Capitals team – coach Bruce Boudreau included – and I’m leaning toward “Now.”

Matt Reitz says:

Stanley Cup Finalists: Vancouver Canucks vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

Stanley Cup champions: Pittsburgh Penguins

The Canucks were far and away the best team in the West last season. Most of the team returns intact with even more motivation.

The Pens lost the best player on the planet AND a former Hart winner, yet still were able to transform themselves into a defensive team and earn the 4th seed. Crosby and Malkin rejoin and already strong team–no teams’ offseason moves can compare.

As for our award predictions, here goes nothing.

Joe Yerdon says:

Hart Trophy:  Evgeni Malkin, Penguins
Art Ross Trophy:  Henrik Sedin, Canucks
Rocket Richard Trophy:  Steve Stamkos, Lightning
Vezina Trophy:  Tomas Vokoun, Capitals
Norris Trophy:  Zdeno Chara, Bruins
Calder Trophy:  Adam Larsson, Devils

James O’Brien says:

Hart Trophy:  Alex Ovechkin, Capitals
Art Ross Trophy:  Henrik Sedin, Canucks
Rocket Richard Trophy:  Alex Ovechkin, Capitals
Vezina Trophy:  Pekka Rinne, Predators
Norris Trophy:  Duncan Keith, Blackhawks
Calder Trophy:  Gabriel Landeskog, Avalanche

Matt Reitz says:

Hart Trophy:  Alex Ovechkin, Capitals
Art Ross Trophy:  Sidney Crosby, Penguins
Rocket Richard Trophy:  Alex Ovechkin, Capitals
Vezina Trophy:  Ryan Miller, Sabres
Norris Trophy:  Duncan Keith, Blackhawks
Calder Trophy:  Gabriel Landeskog, Avalanche