CBS Local Sports' 2014 Stanley Cup Final Predictions
With the 2014 Stanley Cup Final upon us, it’s time for our very own talent from around the country at our CBS Local Sports stations to make their series predictions. The New York Rangers will square off against the Los Angeles Kings in Game 1 tonight at Staples Center and the series couldn't be more exciting. To get to this point, the Los Angeles Kings won three Game 7's on the road, the first NHL team to do so. The New York Rangers had to fight off the Flyers, Penguins and Canadiens. It's LA vs. NYC. It's Quick vs. Lundqvist. It's west coast vs. east coast and with that being said ... let the games begin! Here are our predictions for what is sure to be an unforgettable and thrilling Cup Final.
Steve Somers, WFAN - New York
New York Rangers in 6.
“First of all, there's only one king without a crown -- and he's due. Two, the Kings have gotta be pooped after three gut-wrenching Game 7s won ON THE ROAD. And three, the only time I've ever been right with a prediction (or two or three ) is with the Rangers, so get ready for a parade!”
Greg Linnelli, host of the Greg Linnelli Show (weekends) on 98.7 The Fan - Tampa
Los Angeles Kings in 6.
“The Kings are the deeper team. They have been battle tested the last three years in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Jeff Carter and Marian Gaborik have proven to be elite scores in these playoffs. Something the Rangers don't have.”
Brooks Roland, producer/contributor to the Greg Linnelli show (weekends) on 98.7 The Fan - Tampa
Los Angeles Kings in 6.
“LA is deep, battle-tested, first team to win three Game 7's en route to the Cup Finals. On the road, no less. They're 7-0 in elimination games and still have many of the same players from the 2012 Cup team."
Danny Rouhier, 106.7 The Fan - Washington D.C.
New York Rangers in 7.
“I like the Rangers in seven, because it's the NHL and all series go to seven games. That's pretty much the rule, especially in this year's playoffs. I like the Rangers balance and the feel of that team. I think defensively they're good enough to limit some of the Kings puck possessions."
Jim Hill, CBS/KCAL Sports Central - Los Angeles
Los Angeles Kings in 6 games.
“If the Rangers are in penalty box more than the Kings, LA will take advantage.”
Gary Miller, CBS/KCAL Sports Central - Los Angeles
Los Angeles Kings in 6 games.
“The Four D’s: Destiny, Depth, Determination, Doughty."
David McCoy, Sports Reporter/Anchor WCCO-TV - Minnesota
New York Rangers in 7 games.
“These teams have both shown an ability to survive long series, but in such a evenly matched matchup, I’ll give a slight nod to Lundqvist’s tending."
Eric Nelson, Sports Broadcaster WCCO Radio 830AM - Minnesota
Los Angeles Kings in 6 games.
“Hollywood Blvd. has more glitter than Broadway. Los Angeles defeats the NY Rangers 4 games to 2. You can't be a King without a crown and LA will be crowned a champion for the second time in three years. Drew Doughty cements his legacy as the NHL's top defenseman by being named MVP. The Cup goes surfing in the Pacific Ocean again.”
Keith Jones, 94WIP - Philadelphia
Los Angeles Kings in 5 games.
“Their super star talent is too much. Anze Kopitar in the middle, Drew Doughty on the back end, and Jonathan Quick in goal is too much for the Rangers to handle.”
Al Morganti, 94WIP - Philadelphia
Los Angeles Kings in 6 games.
“I think LA's biggest problem will be winning game 1, after that they roll.”
Mark Yarbro,Co-Host Of "Bustin Loose" on WFNZ Radio - Charlotte
Los Angeles Kings in 6 games.
“Rangers have the better goaltender, Kings have the better team. Mark Messier is not walking through that door for NY.”
Steve Goldstein, WFOR - Miami
Los Angeles Kings in 7 games.
“Los Angeles has had each of its series’ go the maximum seven games and the battle-tested Kings look unstoppable. It will be a special scene at Madison Square Garden for the Rangers home games but the Kings have proven they can beat the NHL’s best teams already.”
Michael Felger, 98.5 The Sports Hub - Boston
Los Angeles Kings in 7 games.
“The West has been the best conference all year, and the Kings and Jonathan Quick will come out on top.”
Tony Massarotti, 98.5 The Sports Hub - Boston
Los Angeles Kings in 6 games.
“The Kings are just too much for the Rangers.”
Andy Baskin, 92.3 The Fan - Cleveland
New York Rangers in 6 games.
“In the battle of the Kings vs King Henrik, Lundqvist is the ruler of the land. The Rangers 20 year wait is over. No game 7 for L.A. this time.”
Bob Pompeani – KDKA-TV Lead Sports Anchor - Pittsburgh
Los Angeles Kings in 5 games.
“While the goaltending is even in this series, Henrik Lundqvist will be the reason the Rangers win a game in the series. The Kings have the edge in experience and are 7-0 in elimination games this postseason. Marian Gaborik has been the best trade deadline acquisition, Justin Williams is a prime time performer and the Kings’ defense will give the Rangers trouble.”
Bob Haynie, 105.7 The FAN - Baltimore
New York Rangers in 6 games.
“L.A.’s run comes to an end. New York accomplishes what the ’94 team did.”
Results?
12 out of 17 talent predictions believe LA will win the Cup while 4 think it will go to a Game 7.
The Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers met two times early on in the regular season with New York winning in LA 3-1 and LA winning at MSG 1-0. The series thus far is 1-1 but both teams look, feel and play completely different from their last match up in November 2013.