Leading to 2014 Stanley Cup playoffs

Season that began on October 1, 2013, the Stanley Cup championship game is scheduled for April 13, 2014. NBC and its affiliates are expected to carry the playoffs as well as the championship game live on TV and on the Internet. Playoffs leading to the Cup will start on April 16, 2014. Chicago Blackhawks won the 2013 Stanley Cup in come from behind victory over Boston Bruins. Chicago’s winger Patrick Kane named MVP of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Predictions for the 2014 Cup are floating around the Internet. But many may fall flat leading to playoffs. It’s hard to say who will win the Cup. Player acquisition will play a major role in the outcome of many games to come. Based on many available predictions, we can see a pattern is starting to develop. In the Western Conference Anaheim Ducks, St. Louis Blues, Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings, Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, and San Jose Sharks are vying for a position at the playoffs. Last year’s Cup winner Chicago Blackhawks seems to be leading the pack all the way to the final Cup match. On the Eastern Conference Pittsburg Penguins, Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens, and Tampa Bay Lightning are closely watched by many fans.