Our NHL 2015/2016 Simulation From EA Sports’ NHL 16
By Fraser G.
Stanley Cup Playoffs
First Round
In the first round of the playoffs there were no clean sweeps, although the Chicago Blackhawks, Washington Capitals, and New York Rangers all cruised through into the second round, knocking out the Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets by 4 games to 1.
The Carolina Hurricanes shocked the Tampa Bay Lightning with a 4-2 series victory, while the Nashville Predators continued their excellent momentum by eliminating the San Jose Sharks.
Three first round matchups had to be settled in game 7. The Detroit Red Wings disposed of the Ottawa Senators, while the St. Louis Blues were able to upset the odds with a series victory over the high-flying Anaheim Ducks. Despite an impressive season, the LA Kings were eliminated by the Calgary Flames.
Second Round
Chicago made a statement in round 2, brushing aside the previously excellent Nashville Predators with a clean sweep. Calgary couldn’t continue their winning ways as they were swept clean by the St. Louis Blues who continued to capitalize on their momentum. The Washington Capitals won a tight and hard-fought series against the New York Rangers, while Detroit took Carolina to game 7 before progressing through to the Conference Finals.
Conference Finals
After taking a two game lead, the St. Louis Blues continued their incredible playoff run by shocking last year’s Stanley Cup Champions with a 4-2 series victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Detroit provided some shocks of their own, sweeping aside the Washington Capitals with a 4-1 drubbing.
Stanley Cup Final
After taking an early lead in the first game, the Red Wings were pulled back to a 1-1 series draw after game two. St. Louis were unable to produce when it mattered most, dropping two games at home to give Detroit a 3-1 series lead. Despite a brief resurgence in game 5, the Blues were unable to pull the series back as the Detroit Red Wings ran out as Stanley Cup Champions after a 2-1 victory in game 6.
Detroit Red Wings win the Stanley Cup!
That’s right, our GameSided NHL 16 simulation has predicted that the Detroit Red Wings will win the Stanley Cup in the 2015-16 season for the first time since 2008, with a 4-2 series victory over the St. Louis Blues. Vladimir Tarasenko’s outstanding individual performance in the Blues’ incredible playoff run was unable to overcome a fantastic team effort from the Red Wings, spearheaded by the performances of Pavel Datsyuk and Conn Smythe Trophy winner Jimmy Howard.
Who do you think will win the Stanley Cup this season? Will the Red Wings prevail as our simulation has predicted, or do you think the Chicago Blackhawks will make it two in a row? Are the Coyotes destined to finish dead last in the league as our simulation has predicted, or will another team be forced to suffer that fate? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.