08-09 NHL PLAYOFFS: Predictions and Discussion
EASTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Boston vs. (8) Montreal
The Bruins are Cup favorites this season and this series should be fairly easy. The Habs have had some serious issues in goal and if Price can't play up to expectation, Halak will take the reigns. In theory, the Bruins will make short work of the Habs, but if Montreal can play much like there last regular season meeting, things could get interesting.
Bruins in 5
(2) Washington vs. (7) New York
The Rangers have been playing some strong hockey since Tortorella took over as bench boss. Avery has provided solid play and has kept his antics in check. We all know that Ovechkin, Semin and Backstrom are near impossible to shut down, Green is a man on a mission, but, if this series comes to scoring goals the Rangers could make things tough for my Eastern favourite Capitals. Why? Herink Lundqvist. The goalie situation for the Capitals is suspect but if Theodore can be average, I have faith!
Capitals in 6
(3) New Jersey vs. (6) Carolina
The 'Canes are hot, the Devils are not! Brodeur hasn't played well since taking over Roy's record and Cam Ward is playing much like he did when he won the Cup two seasons ago. The Devils boast one of the most potent scoring threats in Parise and the re-acquisition of Cole to play again with Staal has been unbelievable.
Hurricanes in 6
(4) Pittsburgh vs. (5) Philadelphia
This is going to be, by far, the most exciting draw in the first round. Goals, goals and more goals. Crosby/Malkin vs. Carter & Biron vs. Fleury. Two key story lines that will get all the attention in the Battle of Pennsylvania. The Flyers will make it tough for Sid the Kid and Gino but the Penguins have that invaluable Stanley Cup experience and it will come in handy in this hard fought matchup.
Penguins in 6...in double OT
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WESTERN CONFERENCE
(1) San Jose vs. (8) Anaheim
Looking at numbers alone the Sharks have the edge in most categories besides strong & sustained physical play. Despite the fact that I think the Sharks will take a BEATING, the Ducks will play undisciplined (shocking) putting the Sharks deadly PP to work. In all reality, this is the Sharks' series to loose.
Sharks in 6
(2) Detroit vs. (7) Columbus
Now, if you think this will be a cake walk for the Detroit Rag Wings, think again! I believe this will be the "upset" of the first round. Now yes, the Wings have a deadly offense and with Lidstrom manning the blueline things look scary. The Blue Jackets can cycle all 4 lines, have great speed and when given the opportunity can put the puck in the net. Rick Nash is a monster and is ready for his first playoffs. In the end, goaltending will be the factor and Steve Mason is by far and away displaying some of the best rookie goaltending we've seen since Esposito of yester year.
Blue Jackets in 6
(3) Vancouver vs. (6) St. Louis
Here we have two of the hottest teams going at it. Despite what anybody in St. Louis tells you, making it to the first round is a massive accomplishment and if they were to be eliminated it would be a great learning experience. Since the NHL Lockout, the 6th seed has been more successful in the first round and I don't see any reason why things would be different this year! The Sedin sisters are perennial choke artists, Sundin will NOT win a Cup in Vancouver and Willie Mitchell can take his "illegal" stick and shove it! I've been cheering for the Blues since the start of the season and I'm excited to see them make it this far. I wouldn't be surprised at all if the Canucks took the series but I wouldn't count the Blues out just yet.
Blues in 7
(4) Chicago vs. (5) Calgary
When the Flames come play they are unstoppable - bar none. Playing consistent hockey has been the Achilles heal for our beloved Flames this season. Injuries, especially to our blueline could prove costly but I do have faith in some of the youngsters that played well down the stretch and I feel our grit and constant brutality will wear this young, inexperienced and physically weak Blackhawks team down. Now, Kiprusoff has to be in the groove and make big stops at key times if we are to be successful. Nikolai Khabibulin has been rock solid for the Hawks all season and this could very easily turn into a goaltending rematch of the 03/04 Cup Finals. When firing on all cylinders this is the very best Flames squad in history and if we can get past the first round I can see us making a deep run.
Flames in 7
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