EA Sports has published their NHL 15 playoff simulation for the upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs. Not surprisingly, the projected winner is Anaheim, which is a sensible pick for anyone, especially considering the team's beastly offensive capabilities. These simulations are always fun, even though there's nothing really scientific about them. It's certainly interesting to set up all the rosters, rules and sliders in such a way that simulates actual playoff stats and outcomes, but of course, the playoffs are always wildly unpredictable, particularly in the first round.

Let's take a look at the simulation.
 

Anaheim struggling their way to the cup doesn't seem like a probable scenario to me. It's more likely that they will completely dominate or get stunned early in the playoffs. Three seven-game showdowns feels off to me, especially against some of the more mercurial teams in the west. Don't get me wrong: the west is ultra competitive, but there are several teams that rely on a hot goalie and about two forwards to propel them, and that's not going to pass muster against the Ducks.

Similarly, saying that Montreal will go the furthest for Canadian teams just seems to be the path of least resistance for the simulation. Carey Price is in full freak mode between the pipes — no doubt about it — but the playoffs are a funny thing, and I could see Montreal running into their usual troubles in the first couple of rounds. Frankly, I can imagine Vancouver or Winnipeg going further, as there's no one in the west that they can't beat (even though Anaheim would be tough).

If Anaheim does go all the way, like EA shows, Getzlaf will indeed be the engine that drives that bus. The guy just has ridiculous skill and versatility as a player, and it's easy to envision him playing a prominent role in Anaheim's march through the west.
 

Personally speaking, it's hard to see the New York Rangers making it all the way back to the finals, as I think teams like the Islanders and Lightning make far more sense as dominant contenders. Honestly, even the Senators have a good chance, as no one expects anything from them. They had to bust their butt to get into the playoffs, and they're playing for an assistant coach that's just passed away and a manager who is currently battling cancer. Never underestimate that type of motivation.

For Detroit, I just have a hard time seeing them manhandle the Lightning. The team has less than 10 players with 10 goals or more, and their team plus/minus rating isn't that great. Their goaltending is by no means bad, either, but it's tough to imagine it taking them anywhere. Zetterberg is no spring chicken anymore as well, but he should still put up decent numbers, no matter what Detroit's fate is. When you stack them up, the Lightning have Ben Bishop (a 40-win goalie) and a better spread of plus/minus amongst their best players. On top of that, it's hard to count out Steven Stamkos, as he'll be a difference-maker.
 

It's certainly conceivable that Devan Dubnyk will help Minnesota plow ahead in the playoffs, as he's shown no signs of slowing down. His stats are quite good overall, with 36 wins, a 2.07 GAA and a .929 save percentage — all sparkling numbers. They'll need the likes of Parise and Vanek to drive the bus, but contributions from younger players like Nino Niederreiter will help create some depth if they want to truly go into later rounds. I get the feeling that a second-round series against Chicago could be more trouble for the Wild than a first-round one against St. Louis, but you never know.

Unless Canucks starting goalie Eddie Lack gets a big case of nerves, which he's yet to really show in the absence of Ryan Miller, I think the Canucks just have a better team than the flames in pretty much all areas. Their goaltending is better. Their defence has more depth (and is healthy). Their forwards have experience and versatility all throughout the four lines. It's certainly a possibility that the young stars will stun the Canucks early in the series, as the likes of Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau could rattle the sometimes listless home-ice Vancouver team. Then again, as a series goes on, the role players and depth matter more, and that's what Vancouver has.
 

I'm pretty stoked for the playoffs, and my commentary here is hardly scientific. Just a fan giving his two cents on EA's simulation. The first round always provides lots of excitement, so here's hoping that there are several fun match-ups for us all to enjoy.

For me, I'll be a bit of a wimp and not make full picks, but I'll take Anaheim out of the west and Tampa out of the east. My dark horse picks are Vancouver and Washington.

How about you, OSers? Who are your picks? What did you think about this sim from EA?