The Playoffs

Well, no Canucks...but there is still hockey to be played.  Once again, I'll take my best stab at predictions...

Eastern Conference:

• Pittsburgh v Ottawa.  Ottawa was the finalist last season, and have been a shell of their former selves this season.  Take the Pens in 6
• New Jersey v New York Rangers. The Devils have modified their slow it down defensive style, but are still a grind it out team with limited scoring.  The Rangers added tons of free agent scoring in the off season which hasn't produced much.  Both teams have stellar goaltending.  I'll take the Rangers in 7.
• Washington v Philadelphia.  AO gets his shot at the playoffs...but Philadephia may be the more rounded team in this match up.  But...I like underdogs and I like to watch AO play...take the Caps in 7.
• Montreal v Boston.  Montreal is just fun to watch...Boston squeaked into the playoffs and has future promise.  Take the Habs in 5

Western Conference:

• San Jose v Calgary.  The Sharks have been hot...the Flames have not.  No matter how much Jerome Iginla impressed me with his 50th goal and his treatment of Trevor Linden in the final game of the season...he and coach Keenan are headed home early.  Sharks in 6
• Minnesota v Colorado Probably the best match up in the entire playoffs.  The Wild still play a tight checking definsive system...but Marion Gaborik has been lighting it up with his offense and his tough style of play.  The Avs have experience...and they also have Theodore in net.  Take the Wild in 6
• Anaheim v Dallas  It pains me, but the Ducks are possibly stronger than they were last year.  Dallas doesn't have much of a chance here...Ducks in 5
• Detroit v Nashville Detroit consistently wins the President Trophy as the top regular season team and then gags in the playoffs...is this another year of that?  Not in the first round...Wings sweep.

Since the format is goofy with each series being re-seeded...I'll hold off on the next rounds for now...But, I will give you my finalists. 

Out of the East I like Montreal...and in the west, unfortunately, the Ducks.  In the finals...look for the cup to come home to Montreal...Habs in 7.

Now, if all the re-seeding and such screws that up...I'll start over again.  But, you've got the team I am watching...and I can't believe I am saying it...but...Allez Le Habs!

Comments

[Rebecca]

I'm torn between Montreal and Boston but I think the Habs will do it (and my brother in law will hate me if I don't route for them)

[teflonjedi]

I have to root for the Holy team, under the circumstances...the Ken Dryden era is what got me into hockey in the first place...