Western Conference:
(1) Vancouver Canucks vs. (8) Los Angeles Kings:
Notes: The Vancouver Canucks have the edge in virtually every single category except for goaltending, where I give Jonathan Quick the nod over both Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider. Coaching would be even, but I think if the Canucks can get 3-4 goals a game, they should be able to weather Quick and the storm. Darryl Sutter is usually good against Vancouver and pulled the 1st round upset in 2004 playoffs as coach of the Flames, but this is a different situation.
Prediction: Canucks in 6
(2) St. Louis Blues vs. (7) San Jose Sharks:
Notes: I give the Blues the edge in defense and goaltending. Offensively I think the Sharks are better, but no matter how good they are in the O column, either of Brian Elliott and Jaroslav Halak will be able to stop them and the Blues D will be able to shut them down. I think the Blues will get timely scoring and be able to pull this one out.
Prediction: Blues in 5
(3) Phoenix Coyotes vs. (6) Chicago Blackhawks:
Notes: This is a tough series to predict. The Coyotes are looking to win their first round playoffs series for the first time ever. They had the misfortune of running into the Red Wings the past two years, but Chicago is tough to figure out. The edge is even in every category, but on defense I give the Hawks a slight edge with Keith and Seabrook. However, I did pick them to win the Cup, but I just think they have been so up and down that it will hurt them in this series
Prediction: Coyotes in 7
(4) Nashville Predators vs. (5) Detroit Red Wings:
Notes: This it the toughest series to predict with every category being even The Red Wings have the veteran experience edge over the Predators, but Nashville has the edge in the mentality. But I think the Veteran leadership might propel the Wings in this series.
Prediction: Red Wings in 7
Eastern Conference:
(1) New York Rangers vs (8) Ottawa Senators:
Notes: Forget the Regular Season series. It will have zero to no effect in this series. The Rangers have the edge in every category but offense. But this is similar to Sharks and Blues, but the Rangers have so much more riding in this series.
Prediction: Rangers in 6
(2) Boston Bruins vs. (7) Washington Capitals:
Notes: This series is another tough one to predict. The Bruins are the defending champs and the road to June goes through them. I will say the Capitals have ended the season a high note. I think the momentum will carry into the playoffs. However, the Bruins have the edge in every category and are getting healthy. The Capitals however have been very tough to read this year. They have been amazing, awful, then dominant, awful. Basically Jekyll and Hyde altogether. However, I think this series will be my upset pick.
Prediction: Capitals in 7
(3) Florida Panthers vs. (6) New Jersey Devils:
Notes: The Devils are back in the playoffs and are opening up on the road and I think it a good thing for them. They have not had much success in recent years with home ice advantage. And they probably got a sigh of relief in Round 1 by not playing either the Rangers, Bruins or Penguins and even the Flyers. For the Devils its simple, there best players have to be their best players and they cannot beat themselves. The Panthers are a very skilled and hard working team. However, I think the Devils have too much to lose and too much to prove in this years playoffs.
Devils in 6
(4) Pittsburgh Penguins vs (5) Philadelphia Flyers
Notes: This series is much like the Red Wings and Predators. Its a shame one good team will be out in Round 1. But this series will be much nastier and much bloodier than the respective Western Conference series. However, I think the Penguins are on a route to win the East this year and I think the injuries in Philly will hurt them.
Prediction: Penguins in 6
No comments:
Post a Comment