It will be sad not having the New Jersey Devils part of the 2011 NHL Playoffs, but there is no reason why these playoffs will not be interesting. After all, round 1 will sing a familiar tune as rivalries such as the Bruins, Sharks and Kings, and Canadiens and Canucks and Blackhawks will renew their acquaintances in the playoffs. Also rematches like the Coyotes and Red Wings followed by Rangers and Capitals will also sing the same song.
The Coyotes had home ice advantage against the Red Wings last year, but Detroit went into the playoffs on a high note and their experience helped them prevail. Rule number one of the playoffs, the Wings are always a top Cup Favorite and I think if healthy, they will be a force and menace to anyone in their sight.
San Jose and Los Angeles might be in-state rivals, but this is probably the least intriguing of them. I think San Jose has finished the year strong and will definitely make a run at the Cup, after all they have the Stanley Cup winning goalie in Antti Niemi. But, their focus right now is the Kings and I believe that not being favored out west will certainly help their cause. I expect a big playoff from Joe Thornton.
Now to Vancouver and Chicago. The Canucks probably will not have much sleep from now until Wednesday, because the demons of Chicago from the last two years still haunt them. The Canucks had chances to eliminate the Hawks the last two playoffs, but huge defensive breakdowns and physical match-ups prevented them. But with the Blackhawks trading away players like Dustin Byfuglien, Brent Sopel, Ben Eager, Andrew Ladd and Kris Versteeg, all who have haunted Vancouver the last two years should make it a bit easier of the Canucks to avoid a let down in Round 1. I think Vancouver will prevail in 6 games, but they must win the 1st two at home.
The Capitals and Rangers are familiar foes and probably this is the beginning of their playoff rivalry. Its Alexander Ovechkin vs Henrik Lundqvist again. Lundqvist has won the regular season battle this year, but the Capitals do have the Rangers number in the playoffs. After all in 2009, both teams played a 7 game epic for the ages. The Rangers took a commanding 2-0 series lead by winning the first two in Washington and ultimately won Game 4 at the Garden, but in Game 5 Rangers coach John Tortorella threw a stick into the crowd and was suspended for Game 6, which led to the Rangers collapse and elimination in 7 games. Lundqvist shined in Games 1 & 2 of that series and this year that will be the key again, but NY has to have more of a killer instinct which they lacked in 2009. But, I think the Capitals have the extra motivation this year and know that they need a deep playoff run. Caps in 6 or 7 this year again.
Finally, the best is for last as the Bruins and Habs meet for the 3rd time in 4 years in Round One. Last year, the Canadiens had their magical run into the conference finals against Philadelphia, but fell short. The Habs own the Bruins in the playoffs this decade with victories in 2002, 2004, 2008. But Boston prevailed with a sweep in 2009. This year the rivalry took a nasty turn when Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara lightly checked Habs forward Max Pacioretty into the stantion at the Bell Centre and I expect more major penalties in this series than goals. The Habs won the season series 4-2 and I believe that it will be a long 7 game series. If it is a short series, it favors Boston, a long one will favor Montreal. It will not be a sweep like in 2009, the Canadiens have to steal a game in Boston. Expect major security at the Bell Centre for all the games.
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