NHL Playoff Preview

By Scott
Ladies and Gentlemen, it's that time of year again. Start growing your playoff beards, jump on a bandwagon, and call in sick to work, because IT'S PLAYOFF HOCKEY, BABY. To the picks....



Eastern Conference
(1) Boston Bruins vs. (8) Montreal Canadiens
Though the Habs have twice knocked the Bruins out of the playoffs in the last decade, no way is it happening this year. Tim Thomas' goaltending is something out of a video game, and the Canadien's inconsistency, specifically Carey Price's in net will give the Bruins an easy 5 game series victory.
Pick: Bruins in 5

(2) Washington Capitals vs. (7) New York Rangers
Ovechkin in New York is a dream for the NHL, and the Cap's offensive firepower will create plenty of fireworks in what should be a few high scoring games. The Caps are simply to deep offensively and every single person on the team is a threat to score. Though the Rangers get the nod in the goaltending and home ice departments, the Caps will roll through Manhattan, and Sean Avery will likely piss off a lot of people in the process.
Pick: Caps in 6

(3) New Jersey Devil vs. (6) Carolina Hurricanes
Perhaps the most intriguing first round matchup in the Eastern Conference, the red hot Hurricanes face the ice cold Devils. The Devils have experience on their side which could allow them to turn on a playoff switch and start playing good hockey again. However, if there is one thing that outweighs any in playoff competition is playing the hot hand, and don't forget the Hurricanes won a cup in 2005. Brodeur will present plenty of problems for the Hurricanes, and could be the sole reason the Devils can win the series; regardless, I'm picking the Hurricanes.
Pick: Hurricanes in 7

(4) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (5) Philadelphia Flyers
A rematch of last year's Eastern Conference Finals, this matchup will be the playoff's most intense. Plenty of bad blood going around these two Pennsylvania clubs, and both teams are playing serious hockey. The Penguins have lit fire since firing coach Michel Therrien at midseason. Pittsburgh boasts a star-studded lineup including Sydney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marc-Andre Fleury, and Jordan Staal. While the Flyers aren't a sexy team, they're like the girl who isn't that attractive, but you know she has a great body and you'd probably date her anyway. The Flyer's Jeff Carter netted a whopping 46 goals this year, but Philly will need a combined effort to advance. Anyway, like I said, playing the hot hand is the key to playoff predictions which is why the Penguins will win the most physical series of the first round. And no matter what happens, Philly fans will riot.
Pick: Penguins in 6

Western Conference

(1) San Jose Sharks vs. (8) Anaheim Ducks
This is a crucial year for the Sharks, as they've developed a reputation as 'Regular Season Champions'. They need to turn the corner and make a serious run at Lord Stanley's Cup this year. But remember, the Ducks won a cup in '05 which makes them extremely dangerous. If they can play the no respect card they could give the Sharks some problems. However, the Sharks handle the Ducks here, but will lost to the Blackhawks in the 2nd round.
Pick: Sharks in 6

(2) Detroit Red Wings vs. (7) Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets caught fire at the latter portion of the regular season in order to secure their first playoff appearance in franchise history. However, they may have chosen a bad place to finish as they'll have to get by the Red Wings to advance. Chris Osgood has struggled down the stretch, and he will need to step up if the Red Wings want to defend their championship crown. But, well, come on, it's the Red Wings.....
Pick: Red Wings in 5

(3) Vancouver Canucks vs. (6) St. Louis Blues
The second most important aspect to getting hot going into the playoffs, is good goaltending. Even better than good goaltending is elite goaltending, and Canuck's net-minder Roberto Luongo is among the best in the league. The Blues have some sleeper potential, but Vancouver's well balanced attack will dominate the Blues' inexperience.
Pick: Canucks in 6

(4) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (5) Calgary Flames
The Blackhawks may be the biggest sleeper team in the playoffs. A lineup that may turn into the NHL's deadliest in the years to come, Chicago also maintains a solid veteran presence. Patrick Kane and Co. could make a quiet run for a cup. Everybody and their grandmother would love to see the Flames' Jarome Iginla hoist the cup, but it won't happen this year. Chicago will break out, and could make a run to the conference finals, at the least.
Pick: Hawks in 6


Round 2 Picks coming after Round 1

Photo Courtesy of ESPN