Ranking Stanley Cup Playoffs 2015: Which first-round series is must-see?
The 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs matchups are set. But with 16 teams and eight series, which ones are worth your time?
Your friends at Puck Daddy now provide you with a handy ranking of the eight first-round series, based on the following factors: Star Power, Secondary Plotlines, Hate, Controversy, Arena Atmosphere, Game 7 Probability and the potential for awesome playoff facial masterpieces, a.k.a. Beard-o-sity.
Each category gets a number grade from 1-to-10, with 10 being the highest grade.
So which playoff series ranked highest in our very scientific poll?
8. Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Detroit Red Wings
Star Power – 8
Secondary Plotlines – 8
Hate Factor – 3
Controversy Quotient – 5
Arena Atmosphere – 8
Game 7 Probability – 6
Beard-o-sity – 6
FINAL SCORE: 44
The Yzerman Cup has a very specific appeal, as does the notion this could be Mike Babcock’s last season in Detroit. The Detroit goaltending situation could add sizzle. Not a lot of hate, but the potential’s there with Niklas Kronwall’s hitting and the existence of Cedric Paquette. Beard-o-sity balances out with the awesomeness of Henrik Zetterberg and the loss of Radko Gudas from the Lightning roster. We weep at what might have been.
7. Anaheim Ducks vs. Winnipeg Jets
Star Power – 5
Secondary Plotlines – 7
Hate Factor – 3
Controversy Quotient – 7
Arena Atmosphere – 10
Game 7 Probability – 8
Beard-o-sity – 6
FINAL SCORE: 46
The Ducks bring Getzlaf, Perry and Kesler, a holy trinity of fan hate. The narratives here are what carries the series: The Jets making the dance for the first time since the relocation, giving their insanely rabid fans a chance to experience the postseason. The Ducks, meanwhile, will try to avoid being another disappointment on Bruce Boudreau’s record. The goaltending questions abound in this season.
6. Vancouver Canucks vs. Calgary Flames
Star Power – 6
Secondary Plotlines – 5
Hate Factor – 8
Controversy Quotient – 6
Arena Atmosphere – 9
Game 7 Probability – 7
Beard-o-sity – 6
FINAL SCORE: 47
The Sedins are always worth checking out, and Johnny Gaudreau might bring some eyes to the series, but overall these are two teams defined by their seasons: Calgary as the out-of-nowhere underdog with heart, and Vancouver as the competent group of pros that play solid hockey when they’re not being yelled at every night by a sociopath.
Controversy could grow if Alex Burrows flips the switch.
Points detracted for beard-o-sity as the average age of the Flames is roughly 14.
This is a long-standing rivalry that could go long. One thing’s for sure: The atmosphere in the arenas will be incredible, and yet still not as incredible as the Red Mile.
5. Nashville Predators vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Star Power – 7
Secondary Plotlines – 6
Hate Factor – 7
Controversy Quotient – 5
Arena Atmosphere – 8
Game 7 Probability – 8
Beard-o-sity – 8
FINAL SCORE: 49
Obviously star power jumps a little if Patrick Kane returns, as does some of the drama in this series. This could be a fun, long series as this Preds team could match up well with the Hawks. One thing’s for sure: The arena atmospheres should be great, with the Blackhawks potentially having seven home games (based on volume)…
4. Montreal Canadiens vs. Ottawa Senators
Star Power – 6
Secondary Plotlines – 9
Hate Factor – 7
Controversy Quotient – 6
Arena Atmosphere – 10
Game 7 Probability – 7
Beard-o-sity – 5
FINAL SCORE: 50
Hey you know how people are always talking about the Senators as the scrappy underdog that's in constant search of respect when they play that Canadian team with more fans, money and prestige? Imagine how awesome it is when that team isn’t the Leafs but a team with actual prestige!
Besides the atmosphere, it’s that underdog vs. first-place favorites storyline that’ll drive this series. Especially the Carey Price vs. The Hamburglar showdown. Do the Sens have anything left in the tank to take out the Habs?
3. Washington Capitals vs. New York Islanders
Star Power – 8
Secondary Plotlines – 8
Hate Factor – 5
Controversy Quotient – 7
Arena Atmosphere – 8
Game 7 Probability – 9
Beard-o-sity – 6
FINAL SCORE: 51
The last ride of the Nassau Coliseum and Alex Ovechkin’s latest quest for that elusive Stanley Cup vs. fellow star John Tavares make this a very compelling series. Not a lot of animosity straightaway, but enough players that can take us from zero-to-Patrick Division rather quickly. Seven of the last nine Capitals playoff series have gone seven games.
2. St. Louis Blues vs. Minnesota Wild
Star Power – 8
Secondary Plotlines – 8
Hate Factor – 7
Controversy Quotient – 9
Arena Atmosphere – 7
Game 7 Probability – 8
Beard-o-sity – 6
FINAL SCORE: 53
The Blues and Wild both have a few players that get under one’s skin and cross the line. Both teams are chasing their first Cups, and the Blues face a little more pressure in that regard. OK, a lot more. Meanwhile, the miracle run of Devan Dubnyk continues into the postseason. Should be a well-played series, and a toss-up.
1. New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Star Power – 9
Secondary Plotlines – 8
Hate Factor – 8
Controversy Quotient – 8
Arena Atmosphere – 8
Game 7 Probability – 7
Beard-o-sity – 6
FINAL SCORE: 54
Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin vs. Rick Nash and Henrik Lundqvist … again! These two teams don’t like each other, especially after Marc Staal’s amateur chiropractor routine on Crosby last season. The Penguins are trying to prove they’re no a fractured disaster in waiting, while the Presidents’ Trophy winners are trying to become the bride after being the bridesmaid last year. It doesn’t get much more high-profile than this for the NHL.