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A day late, but what can ya do. The NHL Playoffs kicked off last night. The NHL playoffs are unlike any other playoffs in professional sports. Any team can win. Last year, the Montreal Canadiens, an eight seed, pushed their way to the Eastern Conference Championship, on the back on their red-hot goalie, Jiroslav Halak. Who will be this years Canadiens?
#1 Vancouver Canucks vs #8 Chicago Blackhawks
The Vancouver Canucks won this years Presidents' Trophy, the league's best team. They did it with the outstanding play of the Sedin twins, who have chemistry like no other. Also, they've relied on Olympic Gold Medalist, Roberto Luongo, who seems to play every single game between the pipes. They square off against the defending Stanley Cup Champion Blackhawks. This looks like a good series on paper, but the Canucks are just an overall better team. Chicago needed a win in their last game of the season to secure a playoff spot and lost it. They got in by Dallas also failing to win, giving the Hawks the number eight seed. The Sedin twins and potent power play should dominate this series.
Canucks in 5.
#2 San Jose Sharks vs #7 Los Angeles Kings
Hockey is relavent in California. This is a big series for both teams. The Kings look to make a deep run after a solid season, while San Jose tries to get over the hump. The Sharks are notoriously known for choking in the playoffs. I do not see this happening this year. It is the year of the Shark. Former Bruin great, Joe Thornton, will lead his team past the Kings with relative ease.
Sharks in 5.
#3 Detroit Red Wings vs #6 Phoenix Coyotes
I like the Coyotes. I think they have some talented young players to go along with a bunch of solid veterans. One problem, they are facing the Red Wings. Come playoff time, Detroit knows how to get it done. They are fast and fundamentally sound. The Coyotes had a good season, but their playoff run will be short-lived.
Red Wings in 6.
#4 Anaheim Ducks vs Nashville Predators
I think Nashville is the better team here. The Ducks have one of the best American-born players in Corey Perry, but I really like the Predators here. I think this will be a good series. Never the less, Predators will prevail.
Predators in 7.
#1 Washington Capitals vs #8 New York Rangers
The Caps went on a run towards the end of the season to capture the number one spot in the East. The Rangers are a scrappy bunch with some talent, but I just don't see them winning this one at all. The Caps tightened up defensively, and have that explosive play from Ovenchkin, Backstrom, and Semin. Caps take this one with ease.
Capitals in 4.
#2 Philadelphia Flyers vs Buffalo Sabres
On the heels of their Stanley Cup run, the Flyers had a fantastic season. They held the number one spot in the East for most of the year, giving way to the Caps down the stretch. Ryan Miller can steal a game or two for the Sabres, but Philly is too strong up and down their roster. Flyers advance.
Flyers in 6.
#3 Boston Bruins vs Montreal Canadiens
Here it is folks. The best rivalry in hockey. These too teams meet again, and it will be a good series. The Boston Bruins have added pieces to their already deep team that they expect to get them over the hump. The Canadiens rode Halak to the Eastern Conference Finals last year, but now they hope to get a similar performance from goalie Carey Price. Boston is the bigger, more physical team, and I think that wins them the series.
Bruins in 6.
#4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs Tampa Bay Lightening
The Penguins have been absolutely decimated with injuries this season, losing their top two players in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. They have still found a way to win. I think they continue to win with guts and determination. The hope to have Crosby back maybe by the next round. The Lightening do have a good team in Tampa, but I like the Penguins here.
Penguins in 7.
Stanley Cup Prediction
San Jose Sharks vs Boston Bruins
The Sharks will finally get over the hump and reach the Stanley Cup Finals. The Boston Bruins, with their depth and goaltending will push their way through a tough Eastern Conference. This will make for a great series. Neither team will go down easy. I'll take the hometown B's to hoist Lord Stanley's Cup for the first time since 1972.
Bruins in 7.
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