2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Stanley Cup is the coolest trophy in all of sports. Just imagine all the beer that has been drunk from it, all the puck bunnies that have been banged up against it, and of course it's lengthy and storied history. Here's a look at the first round matches and my predictions for how it will go:



Eastern Conference:
#1 Montreal vs #2 Boston
Montreal beat Boston 8 times this season, but their luck will run out. The Bruins are tougher, stronger, and more heterosexual than the Canadiens and will win in 6 games.



#2 Pittsburgh vs. #7 Ottawa
The Senators and Penguins had been dueling for the top spot in the Conference earlier this season, but Ottawa nearly fell out of the playoff picture. They backed their way in thanks to Carolina sucking down the stretch. With Sydney Crosby back, the Penguins sweep this series easily.

#3 Washington vs. #6 Philadelphia
The Capitals are the hottest team in hockey right now, and if the Flyers weren't a bunch of goonish pussies, I'd feel bad for them. Alexander Ovechkin is a no-brainer for MVP, and will begin his candidacy for playoff MVP in a 5 game series victory for Washington.



#4 New Jersey vs. #5 New York Rangers
One of American hockey's best rivalries writes another chapter. Both of these teams feature great goalies in Martin Brodeur and Henrik Lundqvist, but Brodeur is nearly unbeatable in the post-season, so I give this one to the Devils in 7. This series will also give us a double or triple OT game, which is the best part of the Stanley Cup playoffs.



Western Conference:
#1 Detroit vs. #8 Nashville
Yes, Nashville still has a team, but their season will be over very shortly. The Red Wings are once again the team to beat, and will obliterate Nashville in 4 games.

#2 San Jose vs. #7 Calgary
Calgary is always a tough team to beat in the playoffs, and has one of the best home ice advantages in the NHL. But the Sharks have great goal scorers, and an even better goal stopper in Evgeni Nabokov. Sharks win this in 6.



#3 Minnesota vs. #6 Colorado
Watching the Avalanche in the playoffs without Patrick Roy is just plain weird. Minnesota, however, has another former Canadiens goalie who has shined in the playoffs: former Bruin villain Jose Theodore. Minnesota wins this series in 6.

#4 Anaheim vs. #5 Dallas
The Ducks have some of the best defense in the NHL, and will use it to get past Dallas in 7 games.



Who Will Win it All?
Detroit. They're simply too deep. In a 7 game series, they roll line after line after line. Their veterans stay rested, their kids stay sharp. The Red Wings win their 11th Stanley Cup this year, beating the Bruins in the finals.

-The Commodore