April 13--#1 Anaheim Ducks vs. #4 Winnipeg Jets
The Ducks finished atop the Western Conference with 109 points behind Hart Trophy candidate Ryan Getzlaf (25 goals, 45 assists) and the talented Corey Perry (33 and 22). Frederik Andersen proved capable in goal but must show he can do the same during the playoffs. The Jets are big, physical and fast and can ride the energy of a rabid home crowd. Andrew Ladd, Blake Wheeler and Bryan Little combined for 74 goals, and Dustin Byfuglien is a wrecking ball back on defense.
Kuc's prediction: Ducks in seven.
#2 Vancouver Canucks vs. #3 Calgary Flames
The Flames are among the surprises in the NHL this season and have shown a knack for turning defeats into victories with late-game heroics. Veteran Jiri Hudler (31 goals, 45 assists) and super rookie Johnny Gaudreau (24, 40) lead a balanced attack. The usual suspects, the Sedin brothers, led the Canucks to 101 points this season. Daniel Sedin had 20 goals and 56 assists, while Henrik added 18 goals and 55 helpers. The biggest question marks for both teams are in goal with veterans Ryan Miller for the Canucks and Jonas Hiller for the Flames.
Kuc's prediction: Canucks in six.
#1 St. Louis Blues vs. #4 Minnesota Wild
Seemingly poised to take the next step, the Blues have some highly skilled players in Vladimir Tarasenko, Alexander Steen, David Backes, Jaden Schwartz, T.J. Oshie and Kevin Shattenkirk, among others, but have questions in goal. Brian Elliott and rookie Jake Allen split much of the work in net, and coach Ken Hitchcock must decide which one to ride in the playoffs. The Wild caught fire when they acquired goalie Devan Dubnyk in January and made an improbable run to the postseason. Zach Parise (33 goals, 29 assists) leads the Wild's attack.
Kuc's prediction: Blues in six.
#2 Nashville Predators vs. #3 Chicago Blackhawks
Both teams stumbled in the waning stages with the Predators losing their final six games and the Hawks their last four. Nashville added more offense this season with Filip Forsberg and Mike Ribeiro to go along with one of the best goalies in the league in Pekka Rinne. The Hawks have had issues with consistency but have high-level talent with Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa, Duncan Keith, Patrick Sharp and a recovering Patrick Kane. Goaltender Corey Crawford and a wealth of experience will go a long way for the Hawks.
Kuc's prediction: Hawks in six.
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