Since Derek posted his Western Conference preview, I decided it was only appropriate to post my picks for all the first round series and beyond. I won’t go into detail about the selections, just quick predictions.
West 1st Round
Canucks vs. Kings
If Jonathan Quick doesn’t stand on his head, I really don’t think the Kings have much of a chance. With the Sedins back together, I see a quick series. Not a Jonathan Quick series, but a series that won’t last long.
Canucks in 5.
Blues vs. Sharks
This series has all the makings of one best of the first round for true NHL fans. I expect Antti Niemi to outplay which ever goalie Ken Hitchcock decides to put between the pipes. I also expect the Blues to slow down the Sharks attack with their NHL leading defensive system. Expect two or more 1-1 games that will be decided in one or more OT period. It’s going to be a tight, low-scoring series that casual fans may find boring.
Sharks in 7.
Coyotes vs. Blackhawks
This series may rest on the health of Hawks captain Jonathan Toews. If he plays and plays well the Hawks will win. If he doesn’t it’ll be a coin flip. Although Corey Crawford struggled at times this season, he was spectacular in last year’s 7 game series against the Canucks. I expect another big performance, this time to move to the second round.
Hawks in 6.
Predators vs. Red Wings
Surprisingly, no one is giving the Wings a shot in this series. I couldn’t disagree more with the so-called “experts.” The Wings are healthy, and the stars that were injured have played at a high level over the last week or two of the regular season. When healthy, the Wings have more experience firepower up front and more depth on the blue line. Rinne may have the edge over Howard, and that’s the only way I see Nashville winning the series, Rinne playing out of his mind. Expect Datsyuk to have a huge series.
Wings in 6.
West Round 2.
Canucks vs. Sharks
This would be an interesting series. The Canucks would be too much for the Sharks after a tough 7 game series against the Blues.
Canucks in 6.
Red Wings vs. Blackhawks
This series would be a doozy. Both of these teams have even talent on their top two lines, and depth on defense. I would give the goaltending edge to Jimmy Howard by a small margin.
Wings in 7.
Western Conference Final
Canucks vs. Red Wings
If the Wings are able to make it this far it’s likely they would have had to endure more lengthy battles. The Wings weakness over the past few years is their ability to stay healthy in physical series. The first two series will be too physical and I expect them to be too shorthanded to deal with the depth of the Canucks.
Canucks in 5.
EAST Round 1
Rangers vs. Senators
The Senators have been one of the best stories in the NHL this year. Their fairy tail ends here. Marion Gaborik will average a goal a game.
Rangers in 5.
Bruins vs. Capitals
This is not a good matchup for Ovie and the Caps. Chara will blanket Ovechkin, and the Caps just don’t have enough firepower on their 3rd and 4th lines to make it a series.
Bruins in 4.
Panthers vs. Devils
It seemed that everyone in the East wanted to play the winner of the lowly Southeastern division. The Devils have more skill and this may be Marty Brodeur’s swan song. I expect Marty to turn back the clock over the next month or so, but Florida won’t just lie down.
Devils in 6.
Penguins vs. Flyers
This is the series I can’t wait to watch. There will be fights, and probably a few huge hits. There will be cheap shots and controversial penalties. This series will probably have everything a hockey fan could ask for, and will probably be the series you’ll want your fair-weather hockey friends to watch. Really, this series could go either way. Because of Malkin and Crosby….
Pens in 7.
EAST second round.
Rangers vs. Devils
You have to think this is the series Brodeur really wants, and the series that will make ESPN wish they had hockey still on their airwaves. I sense an upset, and this is probably where my picks go against the norm.
Devils in 7.
Bruins vs. Penguins
I’m not going to hide it. I hate the Penguins. As much as I want the Pens to face the music against the Rangers (as do NHL execs), I don’t think it will play out. God bless John Tortorella for calling out these whiners. The Bruins will impose their will and the Penguins will fall.
Bruins in 6.
EASTERN Conference final.
Bruins vs. Devils
Marty, Marty! This will be the chant and the talk of the NHL playoffs. While Marty stands on his head, Parise will be scoring a point a game and Elias will continue his Seilke worthy play.
Devils in 6.
STANLEY CUP FINAL
(EA Sports rendition of Canucks with Cup)
Canucks vs. Devils
Although the Brodeur story will be captivating, this is the year the Canucks finally get over the hump. This team reminds me of the talented Detroit teams that had to suffer through gut-wrenching losses before they could taste the glory of winning a cup. Good thing Vancouver lawmakers have enacted new laws against rioting. This is the year the party will be in B.C.
Canucks in 6.
Sam Plymale
These predictions were garbage!!!!