MacMillan speaks out; says Lowe is not the favourite to win

While some Steinley pundits believe that Lowe is on his way to a seventh Steinley Cup title, not everyone agrees.

In response to a post here on Steinely Cup News on Thursday, MacMillan had some things to say.  He believes it is premature to anoint Lowe as the probable 2013 Champ. There are just too many plausible scenarios in play.

“Booo! Put the crack pipe down!” said MacMillan, who currently sits in fourth place, nine points off the pace.

“Lowe is hardly in command of this pool,” he continued. “If SJ and CHI move to the western conference finals, S Graham will be a huge force.”

MacMillan may be right.  Graham boasts a powerful set of Sharks who could put up a lot of points should they make a long run.  They are, however, already down 1-0 in their series against a defending Stanley Cup Champion that is coming on strong.  The Kings are favoured to win that match-up and if that happens, S Graham will join the list of also-rans.

“If PIT and NYR get to the eastern conference finals, then I will be really hard to beat.” MacMillan said.

In that scenario, MacMillan would be very strong, but there would also be guaranteed losses as his players face each off against each other.  MacMillan has four Penguins and three Rangers.  Of course, the flip side of the guaranteed loss is the guaranteed win, and that could work in MacMillan’s favour.

“Only if BOS and CHI move on does Lowe win this thing.” added the 2001 and 2003 Steinley Cup Champ.

With four Bruins and three Hawks, a Boston vs. Chicago Stanley Cup Final would almost certainly seal it for Lowe.  But if the Bruins lose, the six-time Steinley Champ won’t likely add a seventh title.  At least that is the prevailing thinking early in Round Two.

Aucoin has a strong hand of four Kings to go along with a pair of potent Penguins.  He should not be counted out either, and if the Kings return to the Final, it will be difficult to keep Donnie from adding a third title.

MacMillan’s comments on Thursday do raise many questions.

Given the superstitions that have traditionally been a big part of competing for the Steinley Cup, was it a tactical error on his part to speak out?  Will his rivals welcome MacMillan’s comments as “bulletin board material”?   Or is this a calculated move to get inside the heads of his competitors?

It remains to be seen.  But one thing is certain – the rivalries are heating up on and off the ice.