We showed the regular season results of our simulated 2012-13 NHL season the other day. Now it’s time for the 2013 Stanley Cup champion to be crowned. As mentioned, our simulation was not scientific or high-tech. We simply rolled the dice – very similar to a real life NHL season.
Quite frankly, there is absolutely no way this was a fix. I despise both teams that met in the Stanley Cup final and I extremely dislike the team that won the cup.
Without further b.s., here’s the results (series winners in bold):
Conference Quarter-Finals
(1) Philadelphia Flyers vs. (8) Winnipeg Jets
Winnipeg fans should be thankful that their team made the playoffs. Flyers fans should be thankful that their team somehow came first in the Eastern Conference. The Jets jumped out to a two game lead but Philadelphia roared back with four straight to take the series.
(2) Montreal Canadiens vs. (7) New York Rangers
This series went the distance but the Rangers prevailed in seven. The Habs held a 3-2 lead in the series before allowing New York to win two straight.
(3) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (6) Toronto Maple Leafs
The shortest series of the opening round saw the Maple Leafs upset the Hurricanes in five games. Disgusting.
(4) Boston Bruins vs. (5) Buffalo Sabres
How many times have these two met in the playoffs?! Boston jumped out to a 2-0 lead before dropping the next two to the Sabres. The Bruins pulled up their socks and rolled two straight wins to taken the series in six.
(1) Phoenix Coyotes vs. (8) Columbus Blue Jackets
Two teams that shouldn’t be in the playoffs. Phoenix took the President’s Cup, finishing first overall during the regular season. The Coyotes prevailed in this series, taking the Blue Jackets in six.
(2) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (7) Los Angeles Kings
Just like last season, the Kings are hiding in the grass. Chicago was up 3-1 in this series but Los Angeles put together three straight wins to take the series in seven. A possible repeat?
(3) Calgary Flames vs. (6) St. Louis Blues
The Blues jumped out to a 3-0 lead and should have won the series. However, the Flames put together a streak of their own and won the next four to oust St. Louis.
(4) Detroit Red Wings vs. (5) Colorado Avalanche
The old rivalry renewed. Behind the dice, there were a number of fights and rough play. This one was a see-saw battle that went seven games with the Red Wings coming out on top.
Conference Semi-Finals
Philadelphia Flyers vs. New York Rangers
The first sweep of the 2012-13 Stanley Cup playoffs goes to the New York Rangers. The first seed Flyers are a disappointing exit from the post season.
Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
No goaltending for the Bruins allows the Maple Leafs to romp, winning the series in five games.
Phoenix Coyotes vs. Los Angeles Kings
This is rematch from the 2011-12 playoffs. This time, it’s the desert dogs that take the Kings. Phoenix in seven.
Calgary Flames vs. Detroit Red Wings
The Flames eliminate any chance of an ‘Original 6’ final, taking the Red Wings in six games. Calgary was down 2-1 before taking three straight.
Conference Finals
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. New York Rangers
Worst simulation ever! Toronto sweeps the Rangers in four games to advance to the Stanley Cup finals.
Phoenix Coyotes vs. Calgary Flames
Bettman’s dream looks to be coming true. The Coyotes oust the Flames in seven games to earn a berth in the finals against Toronto.
Stanley Cup Final
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Phoenix Coyotes
Once again – disgusting! There is no reason why these two teams should be in the Stanley Cup finals. Toronto represents corporate greed and everything that is responsible for the lockout in the first place. Phoenix doesn’t even have an owner and has no right being in the National Hockey League. Yet, here they are – in the big showdown for hockey’s holy grail.
Phoenix took the first two games. Toronto somehow won the next four to win the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1967!