I'm challenging myself to keep this brief. Something I never seem to accomplish with these blog entries.
These matchups are especially tough. Several of the mid to late season leaders seem to struggle down the stretch and many of the lower seeds come in on a high note or have been playing playoff style hockey for weeks in hopes of sneaking in.
The first round is especially tough. I think that's because the higher seeds face the most pressure in this round and a single slip at home in one of the first two games can create doubt and send them tumbling out. Lower seeds generally have nothing to lose as their seasons are often considered a success if they just get one playoff victory.
Eastern Conference
#1 Boston vs #8 Montreal
Prediction : Boston in 7
Montreal was my preseason favorite to win it all but they haven't played consistently well all season. I don't expect that to suddenly start now. Boston is a well balanced team with all it takes to win it all. This is a legendary matchup between two teams with a lot of history so I don't expect it to be easy but Boston's defense should prevail.
#2 Washington vs #7 New York Rangers
Prediction : Washington in 7
Offensive juggernaut vs defensive standout. I really don't think the Rangers will have enough offense to keep up except in the games where their defense plays error free. Washington has played well throughout the season and is looking to build on the regular season success. Higher expectations in D.C. this time around may get to a relatively young group. But Rangers aren't consistent enough to dispatch them.
#3 New Jersey vs #6 Carolina
Prediciton : New Jersey in 6
Carolina has been awful hot lately but I have a feeling they may have peaked too soon. Broduer will slow them down offensively and the Canes are much better at dealing with a high scoring affair. A lot of veterans on both rosters should make for compelling and disciplined hockey.
#4 Pittsburgh vs #5 Philadelphia
Predicition : Pittsburgh in 7
Two weeks ago I would have picked the Flyers to win the East. Now I don't think they make it out of the first series. Philly has a great chance to win this series and recapture some momentum but they need to make an impact quick and avoid undisciplined hockey. Pittsburgh seems to be playing their best hockey of the season at just the right time. If they can get their defense to play like last spring, they'll have a good chance of getting to the finals.
Western Conference
#1 San Jose vs #8 Anaheim
Prediction : San Jose in 6
San Jose couldn't have been too thrilled when this matchup was finally decided on the last night of the season. This series will be extremely physical and take a toll on whoever wins. I'm not buying into Anaheim being a serious contender simply because I don't think they have enough secondary scoring. Pressure is on San Jose though and an early loss could create a lot of doubt. Just too many weapons at the Sharks' disposal.
#2 Detroit vs #7 Columbus
Predicition : Detroit in 6
Finally the Wings get to play some meaningful games. The bad news is their defense and goaltending have been sub par all year. The good news is they still won 50 games and played their best when a big game comes along. If the Wings get off to a good start look for it to carry them deep in the playoffs. Poor goaltending could see them out before the second round. Columbus is very underrated. A sound team defensively with very good goaltending and the sniper Nash up front. They'll want to play a low scoring affair as they cannot match the Wings offensively. Any chance for the Blue Jackets lies in their ability to stay out of the penalty box.
#3 Vancouver vs #6 St. Louis
Predicition : Vancouver in 5
As much as I respect the Blues for getting this far, I think the party is about to come to an end. They simply lack the talent to keep up with the Canucks at either end of the ice. Luongo has come on strong since returning from injury and the Sedin twins are too much to handle. Should be an interesting game to watch with a lot of speed on the ice. Don't expect the Blues to go down easy, just eventually.
#4 Chicago vs #5 Calgary
Prediction : Chicago in 7
Two teams heading in opposite directions as the season ended. Chicago is emerging as force to be reckoned with and Calgary is struggling to find the identity the carried them for the first 3/4 of the season. With Keenan's job potentially on the line, any significant errors could result in a blow up. Both teams will have very loud home crowds and goaltending will be a key. Usually I'd go with the veteran laden team in such a matchup but I've got a feeling Calgary will self implode.
First set of predictions wouldn't be complete without a finals prediction. I cannot stick with Montreal beating Detroit as I originally predicted back in October. In fact, I don't think either team makes the finals although I expect Detroit to be in the mix.
I'm going with Pittsburgh over San Jose. The way things are setting up, San Jose is going to have a dog fight to get there. While Pittsburgh faces some serious competition, things will be incredibly physical out West. I'm not really confident in either of these picks. I think Detroit, Vancouver and Boston are also serious contenders. Only time will tell.
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