The NHL playoffs are starting tonight. This is a pretty exciting time of year, it's the only time that anyone gives hockey any attention. Let's break it down:
Eastern Conference:
Boston (1) vs. Montreal (8) - I can't see Boston losing in the first round. They have more talent than the Habs. Milan Lucic is a stud. The Bruins can just out-physical Montreal all day. I'll take Boston 4-1.
Washington (2) vs. NY Rangers (7) - Alexander Ovechkin is a great player and he has a nice supporting cast around him as well in Semin, Backstrom, and Mike Green. The Rangers will have to be as aggressive as they have been since the new coach took over to have any success, their goaltending is better too. I think the Caps will win the series in seven games.
New Jersey (3) vs. Carolina (6) - The Devils are going to win this series. Marty Brodeur is the best netminder of all-time, and New Jersey is loaded with great players. Carolina has been playing better of late, since the trade deadline. I think New Jersey will slow them down. They'll win it 4-2.
Pittsburgh (4) vs. Philadelphia (5) - The easy choice here would be to take America's team in the Pittsburgh Pens, but I'm going the other way. Pittsburgh is overrated in my opinion. That doesn't mean it wont be close...Flyers in seven.
Second Round:
Boston vs. Philadelphia - Boston can't be stopped, to much intimidation. BOS 4-1.
Washington vs. New Jersey - New Jersey has a gigantic defensive advantage and wins the series in six.
Conference Finals:
Boston vs. New Jersey - This will be a good series, I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that New Jersey has enough to go to the Cup.
Western Conference:
San Jose (1) vs. Anaheim (8) - The Sharks are too good to choke this time around. Devin Setoguchi has had a great year. The Sharks have more experience in the mold than do the Ducks. Joe Thornton is a god. I like San Jose in six games.
Detroit (2) vs. Columbus (7) - Detroit is way too good in every aspect to fall to the feel-good Blue Jackets. Columbus got in this year, but the Red Wings will teach them how to win it. Detroit 4-1.
Vancouver (3) vs. St. Louis (6) - If you would have told me that St. Louis would have made the post-season this year, I would have fallen over. But, they are in there, and they have to play the Canucks who have one of the best goalies in Roberto Luongo, and some of the game's best scorers. I like Vancouver in five games.
Chicago (4) vs. Calgary (5) - Calgary is probably the most talented team in the league in my opinion, but they formed the definition of backing into the playoffs this year. Chicago owned them in the season series, it should continue. CHI 4-2.
Second Round:
San Jose vs. Chicago - San Jose has more depth than Chicago. Advantage San Jose. SJ 4-2.
Detroit vs. Vancouver - Detroit shouldn't have a problem with the inconsistent Canucks. DET 4-1.
Conference Finals:
San Jose vs. Detroit - I hate to do this to myself, but I think Detroit is too much for San Jose. This is becoming a mini-rivalry. DET 4-2.
Lord Stanley's Cup:
New Jersey v. Detroit - Detroit is going to show the world that they are the best team from the this year's bunch. Datsyuk and the boys will be good against Brodeur. Hockeytown is going to be champs. DET 4-1.
stanley cup playoffs are SOOO exciting...for the 13 people who get versus
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