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NHL Playoffs predictions from The Miami Student staff

The 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs arrived Wednesday, and our staff wants to join in on the fun. Though not all of us are puckheads, we pulled out our crystal balls to weigh in with our NHL predictions.

Reis Thebault, Editor-in-Chief

Detroit Red Wings over St. Louis Blues

MVP: Pavel Datsyuk

I have a couple reasons for my picks, some practical, some completely illogical, but I'll let you all decide which is which. First of all, the Wings have one of the best coaches of all time on the bench. And the organization, top to bottom, just knows how to win. This is the team's 24th straight playoff appearance - the longest active streak in any sport. And, above all, they're just plain good. Before a late-season dip, their record was among the best in the league. They have two superstars in Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk and a host of youngsters with a history of stepping up big when it counts. If they can figure out their goaltending, they will bring home another cup. A disclaimer: I'm from Michigan, and I'm a lifelong Wings fan.

Grace Remington, sports editor

Ottawa Senators over Chicago Blackhawks

MVP: Andrew Hammond

Alright, so it's a stretch, but I like looking for the underdog or sleeper. Andrew Hammond's 12-0-1 start in net propelled the Sens into the wild card spot with some serious momentum. They ended the season on a 6-1 run, so they're hot at the right time. How can you overlook the Hamburglar and his burgers?

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Tom Downey, former sports editor

Chicago Blackhawks over New York Rangers

MVP: Jonthan Toews

Nothing but blatant homerism here. No ragrets. Not even one letter.

Justin Maskulinski, sports columnist

New York Rangers over Chicago Blackhawks

MVP: Henrik Lundqvist

I think the Rangers get the job done this year after losing to the LA Kings in the Stanley Cup Final last year. Rick Nash will score some goals in the playoffs this time, and Lundqvist will have solid play in net. Also worth noting - Dan Boyle (Miami '98) will hoist the Cup again.

Steve Perkins, sports writer

Anaheim Ducks over Washington Capitals

MVP: Alex Ovechkin

The Ducks will win the Stanley cup. They have had the same team for quite some time. The chemistry is great, and their talent matches. They have the veteran leadership in Getzlaf and goaltending needed to take them the distance. Capitals are runner up because Ovechkin. Ovi will score 10 goals in the playoffs and take MVP.

Dan Taylor, sports writer and columnist

Montreal Canadiens over Chicago Blackhawks

MVP: Carey Price

The Canadiens will take it in seven games. They are carried by the best goaltending in the Cup. Price in the net makes the team very difficult to beat four times out of seven games, and that puts an immense amount of pressure on opponents and forces mistakes.

Jordan Rinard, sports writer and columnist

Anaheim Ducks over Montreal Canadiens

MVP: Ryan Getzlaf

Boasting the best record in the Western Conference for the second consecutive season, the Ducks will advance further than the second round of the playoffs for the first time since their 2007 championship season. Getzlaf totaled 70 points for the fourth time in five years. With Getzlaf and scorers Corey Perry and Ryan Kesler, it's time for the Ducks to fly together and take home the Stanley Cup.

Jack Reyering, sports writer

St. Louis Blues over New York Rangers

MVP: Vladamir Tarasenko

The Blues are top five in the NHL in both goals per game (2.91) and goals against per game (2.4).They have never won the Stanley Cup, but their core group of Alex Pietrangelo, Kevin Shattenkirk, T.J. Oshie, David Backes and Alexander Steen have played together for several years now. With a mix of new stars like Vladamir Tarasenko and Jake Allen and veterans like Barret Jackman, Brian Elliot and Paul Stasny, the Blues have all the pieces to bring home their first title.

Harrison Schwarz, sports writer

Chicago Blackhawks over Montreal Canadiens

MVP: Patrick Kane

Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp, Duncan Keith, and Marian Hossa are just too much too handle. Without a doubt, the Blackhawks will win it all.

Lauren Kiggins, culture editor

New York Rangers over Anaheim Ducks

MVP: Rick Nash

I'll be straight forward: I chose the Rangers as my winner because I consulted my dad. If I had chosen blindly, I would have picked my hometown Penguins to take home the Stanley Cup. The Steel City could use a little silver.

Abbey Gingras, opinion editor

Pittsburgh Penguins over Chicago Blackhawks

MVP: Sidney Crosby

Yes, this prediction is purely based off my dedication to my team. Is it likely that the Pens will win the Cup? Probably not. But if there's one thing Pittsburgh teams are known for, it's unlikely wins. If they can beat the Rangers in the first round, I think that's the largest hurdle they'll face.

Grace Moody, news editor

New York Rangers over Chicago Blackhawks

MVP: Henrik Lundqvist

The Rangers have good chemistry on and off the ice, and their stats prove it.

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