Without further ado, here are my first round predictions:
1. Washington Capitals vs 8. Montreal Canadiens
It's no secret that I hate the Caps. I really can't see their style of play holding up against a good team in a playoff series. However, they shouldn't have a problem dispatching the Habs, who backed into the playoffs. Of the three teams the Caps could have faced in the opening round (Philly and the Rangers being the other two), the Habs present the easiest challenge. Who is going to score goals for Montreal?
The Habs win the first game, and that wakes the Caps up. Washington in 5.
2. New Jersey Devils vs 7. Philadelphia Flyers
It's no secret that I hate the Flyers. Would have loved the see them take on the Caps in the first round, so at least one of them had to lose. Anyways, bias aside, the Flyers have no chance of doing anything with Brian Boucher in net. Then again, Martin Brodeur has been sub-par in recent playoffs. Something just tells me the Devils are going deep this spring. New Jersey in 6.
3. Buffalo Sabres vs 6. Boston Bruins
An old Adam's Division clash. Too bad these games weren't played at the Boston Garden and the Aud in Buffalo. Seems like the Bruins are betting on Rask in net and they will need him to stand on his head to be able to compete in this series. Boston is a proud bunch and they are going to have to find a way to put some pucks on net, and I don't know how they are going to do that. Buffalo needs Tim Connolly back and healthy, he was really the main cog in the wheel for the Sabres this season. Buffalo in 6.
4. Pittsburgh Penguins vs 5. Ottawa Senators
This is turning into a nice little rivalry. Third time in four years these teams will meet in the first round and this is the rubber match (Sens won in 5 in '07, Pens swept in '08). Chris Phillips and Anton Volchenkov have had success shutting down Crosby, in the regular season anyway. Playoffs have been a different story, Sid averages over a point per game vs the Senators in the post season. This just comes down to depth, and the Pens just simply have more of it. It won't be a cakewalk though. Pittsburgh in 6.
1. San Jose Sharks vs. 8. Colorado Avalanche
Is this the year for the Sharks? People have been asking that question in April for the better part of a decade. They draw a favourable match-up here, the Avs are spent after battling for the last playoff spot. Colorado has a bright future, but the Sharks shouldn't have a problem dismantling them here. Craig Anderson is going to have to be on PCP for the Avalanche to have a fighting chance. San Jose in 4.
2. Chicago Blackhawks vs. 7. Nashville Predators
Too many people are giving the Hawks a free pass in the West. More so than the Caps in the East, goaltending is a serious problem in the Windy City. Pekka Rinne gives the Predators the edge in that department and that is what its going to come down to here. This is going to be a helluva series. Something in me is making me pick Nashville. Sorry, Leezer. Nashville in 6.
3. Vancouver Canucks vs. 6. Los Angeles Kings
Two points separate these two points in the standings. This is going to be the most entertaining series of all the first round match-ups. Vancouver is really looking to shake the "choker" moniker, and they finally have the secondary scoring to do so. Luongo stepped up at the Olympics, but there is a big question mark surrounding the Canucks' goalie heading into the playoffs. Since the Olympic break, he has been pedestrian at best. He needs to find his game of the Kings can take this series. Can't wait to stay up late to watch all these games. Vancouver in 7.
4. Phoenix Coyotes vs 5. Detroit Red Wings
Poor Phoenix. I'm pulling for ya, I really am. Somebody had to draw the Wings and unfortunately it had to be the Cinderella Yotes. I'm not sure whats stopping Detroit from returning to the Finals for the third straight season (vomit), but I don't think it will be the Coyotes. The Red Wings are just a well oiled machine right now. Nobody is giving Phoenix a chance. Most least respected 107 point team ever. It will be a good series, but man, just too hard to bet against Detroit. Detroit in 6.
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