2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs Semifinals Predictions

Here are my predictions for the Semifinals of the 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Eastern Conference
(M1) New York Rangers vs (M2) Washington Capitals: This is a great divisional rivalry in which these two teams are meeting yet again in the playoffs for the fifth time in seven years. We know the star power on both teams with Alex Ovechkin and Henrik Lundqvist. Both of these teams are great from most standpoints. Brayden Holtby has improved big time for Washington, but he's no Lundqvist. Look for this series to go to distance and the Presidents Trophy winners to advance to the Conference Finals for the third time in four years.
Prediction: Rangers in seven games.

(A1) Montreal Canadiens vs (A2) Tampa Bay Lightning: We have another divisional rivalry that is happening to face each other in the playoffs for a second straight year. The Bolts swept the Habs in the regular season by going 5-0-0 against them. I think regular season starts are overrated. I really think this is Carey Price's series to lose. He's the leading candidate for the Hart and Vezina trophies and I believe he is capable of shutting down Steven Stamkos and the rest of Tampa's prolific offense. Many experts will pick Tampa Bay to win the series, but I'm rolling with Price and the Habs to advance to the Conference Finals for the second straight year.
Prediction: Canadiens in six games.

Western Conference
(C3) Chicago Blackhawks vs (WC1) Minnesota Wild: What a series we have here. For the third straight year, these division rivals will face off, but the second straight year in the semi-finals. There's a ton of star power with Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Zach Parise, and red-hot goalie Devan Dubnyk. This is a pretty even matchup this time, although the Hawks had goaltending issues last round. I see this going to distance, but because of the experience and the fact they find different ways to win games, the Hawks should be in their third consecutive Conference Finals.
Prediction: Blackhawks in seven games.

(P1) Anaheim Ducks vs (P3) Calgary Flames: This is a very intriguing series. Both teams know how to win from coming behind and that should be something to watch in this series. The Ducks have a lot of star power with Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. The Flames are a very young team that is on the rise led by Calder Trophy front-runner Johnny Goudreau. Expect a lot of scoring in this series. Both teams are dominant on home ice and this should go to distance. I see Anaheim moving on to the Conference Finals.
Prediction: Ducks in seven games.