Let’s get right to it!
EASTERN CONFERENCE
1. Montreal Canadiens vs 8. Boston Bruins
I really think Montreal is a bit overrated, ya, I said it! That being said, the only thing to gloat about in Beantown is steller goaltending from Tim Thomas (Jr!) and perhaps the fact that Patrice Bergeron will be back in a Bruins jersey (I don’t think it’ll happen this season, sorry guys).
Canadiens in 6
2. Pittsburgh Penguins vs 7. Ottawa Senetors
This seems to be the favourite series to watch in Toronto since the Leafs are off golfing somewhere sipping Pina Coladas not caring about all the weeping fans left behind in the big city. I dispise Penguin bandwagon jumpers since I’m a life-long Pens fan, but I consdering the injuries I’m going to have to go with the critics.
Penguins in 7
3. Washington Capitals vs 6. Philadelphia Flyers
Phily is hot! Capitals are hotter! Ovechkin is a beast, but I think the playoff built Flyers are prime for an upset (can you call it an upset if the lower seeded team has more points?). Brier will step up, Ovechkin will be left all alone.
Flyers in 6
4. New York Rangers vs 5. New Jersey Devils
I like the Devils. The Devils play boring playoff hockey (not as much this year as previous years though) and have the best goalie int he league, and likely of all time. However, I look at prooven playoff performers like Jagr and Gomez and factor in a hot goaltender in Henrik Lundquist and tough-guys pests like Sean Avery and you’re looking a team of possible destiny!
Rangers in 5
EASTERN CONFERENCE
1. Detroit Red Wings vs 8. Nashville Preditors
You have to want to like Nashville. Detroit has prooven to be a playoff flop year after year lately and there is bound to be a huge upset. I think Nashville will go the distance, but Detroit will barely pull it off. I also think they’ll learn from their mistakes and start dominating like they should next round!
Red Wings in 7
2. San Jose Sharks vs 7. Calgary Flames
I love Joe Thornton as much as an avid pooler could love his star player. However, when it comes to playoffs, we all know about “No-Show-Joe”. Calgary is bigger and stronger and will be able to pull off the upset!
Flames in 6
3. Minnisota Wild vs 6. Colorado Avalance
The record for the most overtime goals in the playoffs is held by one Joe Sakic. Combine that with Forbergs prooven playoff success and a team who still has many of their cup winning players in place. Minni is tough and gritty and plays shut-down hockey, but look for Colorado to play spoiler.
Avalance in 6
4. Anaheim Ducks vs 5. Dallas Stars
This has mis-match written all over it! The former champs look to take on the Stars who have been less than consistant in the second half of the season. Richards was a solid addition as he’s a playoff MVP, but the Ducks should be able to railroad the Stars in the first round.
Ducks in 4
Look for next round predictions in about two weeks!
