All right everyone, because you've all been waiting for it, here are my picks for the upcoming NHL playoffs! I haven't been following the West too closely this season, so I'm looking forward to everyone's comments. Here goes:
Eastern Conference:
Washington vs. Montreal
Seriously? Last year, for the second year in a row, I gave the Habs too much credit by predicting they would lose to the Bruins in Five (the year before that I predicted they would beat the Bruins in Five, and they squeaked past them in seven). This will be a pretty sweet homecoming for Theodore, not that he will have to be too sharp. Halak has proven that he can steal a game or two, but the Habs have got to give Price some playoff experience if they are serious about him being the future of the club (in fairness I still say he is a first rate goaltender who just needs to find his confidence). Caps in Five.
New Jersey vs. Philadelphia
Acquiring Kovalchuk at the trade deadline has added a lot of offensive power to a team that was already a strong contender. The Flyers showed some guts this afternoon by coming from behind to knock off the Rangers, but they do not have what it takes to get past the Devils. New Jersey in Six.
Boston vs. Buffalo
Buffalo has a strong offence and Miller proved himself to be a worthy adversary during the olympics. Just the same I think the Bruins have shown some real gumption in the last run up to the playoffs, so the momentum is definitely in their favour. Bruins in Six. (They'll be an even greater threat next year with the draft pick my leafs traded to them! Dammit!!!)
Ottawa vs. Pittsburgh
This promises to be one hell of a series! As these two teams meet for the third year in a row, they have developed quite the rivalry. My unrelenting hate for the sens notwithstanding (surpassed only by my hatred for the Habs and Wings), the sens are looking good. Cousin Mike has had another good season, and Alfie will be giving it his all in what could be his last season. Now that Kovalev is out, they have one less disadvantage holding them back. On the other hand, there are these two guys called Sydney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Pens in Seven edge of your seat games.
Western Conference
San Jose vs. Colorado
Even with Thornton injured, the Sharks are a strong team. Statsny and the boys will be a handfull though! Sharks in Six.
Chicago vs. Nashville
Now that Chicago's young guns are starting to mature a little they will be dangerous! Nashville has nothing on them. Toronto is in serious danger of becoming the team with the longest cup drought. Hawks in Five.
Vancouver vs. Los Angeles
If the Sedin twins and Luongo play like they can the Kings do not have a prayer, but the Canucks have been struggling lately so I am predicting an upset. Kings in Six.
Detroit vs. Phoenix
Much as I hate them the wings have been on fire lately. Wings in Five.
Labels: Hockey, NHL, Playoffs
