Last year I picked Detroit to win it all, and that's about all I got right (I predicted the Bruins would win the East). Here's a quick first round analyses, and my picks:
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
#8 Twatreal Canadiens vs. #1 Boston Bruins
A reversal of last year's 8/1 matchup. The Bruins are 5-0-1 vs. the Habs this year. They have better goaltending, better forechecking, better shooters, better skaters, better hitters, better everything. Bruins in 5.
#7 New York Rangers vs. #2 Washington Capitals
Sean Avery vs. Alex Ovechkin. The Caps have one major liability, and that's their goaltender Jose Theodore. The Rangers, on the other hand, have one major strength. Their goaltender, Henrik "Henry" Lundqvist. I think Washington struggles in this one, but slips by thanks to New York's inability to score. Caps in 7.
#6 Carolina Hurricanes vs. #3 New Jersey Devils
The Canes are redhot, winning 8 of their last 10 down the stretch. The Devils have looked shaky at times this year, and Broduer isn't the same Brodeur he once was. Hurricanes in 6.
#5 Philadelphia Flyers vs. #4 Pittsburgh Penguins
Another divisional rivalry. The Penguins struggled at the beginning of the season, but surged up to 4th place. I think Malkin and Crosby take care of business, and send the cheap-shotting Flyers home. Penguins in 5.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
#8 Anaheim Mighty Ducks vs. #1 San Jose Sharks
Why is it that California has 3 hockey teams, and Wisconsin has 0? Anyway, San Jose is big, tough, and talented. They obliterate the Ducks. Sharks in 4.
#7 Columbus Blue Jackets vs. #2 Detroit Red Wings
Who names their team the BJ's? Detroit scored the most goals in the world this year, but Columbus has a secret weapon: rookie goaltender Steve Mason, who had 10 shutouts this year. 10! He also had a 2.29 GAA. It should be a fun series, but I think Columbus comes out on top. BJ's in 6.
#6 St. Louis Blues vs. #3 Vancouver Canucks
What will probably be the lowest rated first round series. But it's nice to see St. Louis back in the playoffs, and the same goes for Vancouver. Roberto Luongo and the Canucks will outlast the Blues. Vancouver in 7.
#5 Calgary Flames vs. #4 Chicagao Blackhawks
Always good to see Chicago doing well. The Flames have experience, the Blackhawks have exuberance. The first 2 games of the series could dictate how things go. I think Chicago takes advantage of Calgary's recent poor play, take an early lead in the series, and sweep the Flames in 4.
Overall predictions:
Eastern Champs: Boston Bruins
Western Champs: Vancouver Canucks
Stanley Cup Champions: Boston Bruins in 6 games
-The Commodore
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