Now that EA has fully committed to the "predicting real world outcomes via our own videogames" thing, it's obviously time for them to chime in with their NHL Stanley Cup playoff predictions. Keep in mind that they correctly predicted that the Blackhawks would win the 2010 Stanley Cup and correctly predicted 13 of the 15 matchups in 2011. Also keep in mind that it's the EA Sports
NHL simulation engine doing the predicting and that may or may not have anything to do with
NHL 12.
So what did the EA Sports NHL simulation engine have to say about the first round of this years tournament?
This is what:
|
Western Conference |
Eastern Conference |
|
(1)Canucks over (8) Kings; 4-2 |
(1)Rangers over (8) Senators; 4-1 |
|
(2)Blues over (7) Sharks; 4-2 |
(2)Bruins over (7) Capitals; 4-0 |
|
(6)Blackhawks over (3)Coyotes; 4-1 |
(6)Devils over (3)Panthers; 4-3 |
|
(4)Predators over (5) Red Wings; 4-3 |
(4)Penguins over (5) flyers; 4-3 |
To see more stat tables, or learn a little more about the simulation engine, follow the jump.
And don't forget to vote for your favorite player-candidate to win the
EA Sports NHL 13 Cover Vote. Fans can go
here to see the nominees and cast their vote. You can show even more support by tweeting your thoughts on the vote and using
#NHLCover.
EA SPORTS Predicts Outcome of NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Conference Quarterfinals
Devils and Blackhawks Provide Upsets in First Round
April 10, 2012 – EA SPORTS™ today announced the NHL®12 predictions for the first round matchups of the 2012 Stanley Cup® Playoffs. The EA SPORTS NHL® simulation engine correctly predicted the 2010 Chicago Blackhawks as Stanley Cup Champions, the 2011 Stanley Cup Final matchup and the result of 13 of the 15 playoff matchups during the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
EA SPORTS NHL®12 Conference Quarterfinals Predictions*:
|
Western Conference |
Eastern Conference |
|
(1) Canucks defeat (8) Kings; 4-2 |
(1) Rangers defeat (8) Senators; 4-1 |
|
(2) Blues defeat (7) Sharks; 4-2 |
(2) Bruins defeat (7) Capitals; 4-0 |
|
(6) Blackhawks defeat (3) Coyotes; 4-1 |
(6) Devils defeat (3) Panthers; 4-3 |
|
(4) Predators defeat (5) Red Wings; 4-3 |
(4) Penguins defeat (5) Flyers; 4-3 |
The NHL 12 computerized simulation is conducted using artificial intelligence that uses real-life data from each team, such as player ratings and line combinations, and includes variances such as injuries and hot streaks to predict a realistic outcome of each game and series. Predictions for subsequent rounds will be released as matchups are determined.
EA SPORTS NHL®12 Conference Quarterfinals Statistics Predictions
Offensive Leaders
|
Player |
Goals |
Assists |
Points |
|
Evgeni Malkin |
6 |
3 |
9 |
|
Sidney Crosby |
2 |
6 |
8 |
|
Claude Giroux |
3 |
5 |
8 |
|
Henrik Sedin |
1 |
6 |
7 |
|
Jonathan Toews |
3 |
4 |
7 |
Goaltending Leaders (ranked by SV%)
|
Player |
Wins |
GAA |
SV% |
Shutouts |
|
Henrik Lunqvist |
4 |
1.40 |
0.953 |
1 |
|
Jaroslaw Halak |
3 |
1.60 |
.944 |
2 |
|
Pekka Rinne |
4 |
2.28 |
0.928 |
0 |
|
Roberto Luongo4 |
4 |
1.73 |
0.927 |
1 |
|
Tim Thomas |
4 |
2.25 |
0.916 |
0 |
EA SPORTS NHL 13 Cover Vote Campaign:
Fans around the world also have the opportunity to shape the face of the
EA SPORTS™ NHL® franchise, by participating in the first ever EA SPORTS NHL® Cover Vote – sponsored by BlackBerry® campaign and hosted on
NHL.com. With more than nine million votes already cast, fans can visit
NHL.com/CoverVote to view the NHL players involved and cast their vote. As well, they can also show their support by tweeting about the campaign using
#NHL13Cover on Twitter. The winning player will be unveiled as the EA SPORTS NHL® 13 Cover Athlete at the 2012 NHL Awards™ on June 20 at the Wynn Las Vegas in Las Vegas.
