The (NHL) Benchwarmer Report: Playoff Pool Picks!

Hello, dedicated hockey fans! It’s almost that time of year again…PLAYOFFS! This means we need to start thinking about picks for this year’s playoff hockey pools. In this issue, I will share with you my early picks for my playoff pool. Please note that these picks are based on the standings as they are today (check out nhl.com) and that it is crucial that you know for certain which teams are in the playoffs before you finalize your rosters. Also note that this roster is an example for a pool based on goals and assists for skaters and wins for goalies. With that said, here we go.

Forwards:

1. Sidney Crosby, PIT: Do I need to explain this?
2. Patrick Kane, CHI: Given that he’s currently ranked 5th in scoring, and that the Blackhawks are looking to make a serious run at the Cup, Kane is undoubtedly a great choice.
3. Ryan Getzlaf, ANA: After a mediocre start, Getzlaf has picked up his game and has other highly skilled teammates to pass to. He has 21 assists to date and will likely have more after this is published…
4. Chris Kunitz, PIT: Playing alongside Sidney Crosby may be a contributing factor to his scoring success; nevertheless he has been on fire this season and is definitely an excellent pick.
5. Pavel Datsyuk, DET: Always a scoring threat and very experienced. Detroit can still go deep into the playoffs, there’s no question they all have a lot of experience playing together and great coaching.
6. Ilya Kovalchuk, NJD: The Devils unexpectedly went deep into the playoffs last season and I have every confidence they could do it again. When they do, Kovalchuk will likely be right in the middle of it, just as he was last year.
7. Anze Kopitar, LAK: The Kings’ most consistent scorer. LA will be looking to defend its championship and they won’t be able to do it without Kopitar.
8. Patrice Bergeron, BOS: A great two-way forward, he can be counted on to contribute on the scoreboard. Boston has lots of depth through the roster, which will be of help to them on a long playoff run.
9. Jonathan Teows, CHI: Though he is not red-hot right now, he has a great playoff record. This guy is going to be an integral part of any Chicago success.

Defensemen

1. P.K. Subban, MTL: He may not be able to keep his mouth shut, but holy mackerel, this guy can shoot the puck. Montreal will need him on his game to be a serious contender.
2. Kris Letang, PIT: Arguably the best puck-moving defensemen in the league, he will only add to the scoring powerhouse that is Pittsburgh throughout the playoffs.
3. Alex Pietrangelo, STL: A major source of scoring for St. Louis, he’s a safe pick provided the Blues are able to make a long run this year.
4. Andrei Markov, MTL: Along with Subban, much of Montreal’s scoring will come from this man, especially on the power play. Expect him to be a major contributor should Montreal be able to continue their phenomenal play into the playoffs.
5. Duncan Keith, CHI: A major presence on the blue line and a great combination with the Hawks’ forwards, he’s going to be piling up the ice time and the points as Chicago tries to get the Cup back.
6. Kevin Shattenkirk, STL: Ranked 7th among defensemen in scoring, he and Pietrangelo will likely make or break a St. Louis run.

Goalies

1. Martin Brodeur, NJD: The ageless wonder has been always been a consistent performer in the playoffs and was a huge part of the Devils’ success last season. He’s hungry for another Cup before retiring.
2. Corey Crawford, CHI: Ranked 3rd in save percentage and 2nd in goals-against-average, the Hawks will only get as far as this man will take them. Expect him to come up big when needed.