The Stanley Cup playoffs are just around the corner so here is my firt blog post since Febuary 19. I figure, what way to better cement my playoff picks than to post them here on the blog. Can't go back on it if it's in writing, so here they are. I just hope my predictions come closer than Maggie the monkey's picks over at TSN.
Boston vs. Montreal (Bruins in 4)
Like everybody else, I will have to go with the outstanding Bruins simply because they are offensively better as well as defensively. However, the biggest difference between these two teams is solid goaltending. The Bruins have it, the Habs don't. This will also be my only sweep (there has to be at least one sweep in a first round, right?)
Washington vs. NY Rangers (Rangers in 6)
I'm going to go out on a limb here and pick the Rangers, but I will admit this match-up is perhaps the most difficult one to predict (like it's any easier predicting any of the other seven series). While the Blueshirts can't score, the Caps can't keep the puck out of their own net. In the playoffs, however, the latter one is usually a bigger problem. Lundqvist will have to stand on his head against Washington's amped up offense.
New Jersey vs. Carolina (Devils in 7)
Yes, the Hurricanes have shown crazy form lately, but I think Martin Brodeur, along with scoring machine Zach Parise, will be the one tipping this series in favour of the Devils.
Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia (Flyers in 7)
This has certainly has the promise of an awesome series. Even though the Penguins really picked up the pace down the stretch, I don't see any clear favorite here. Mike Richards is just as good as last year and Jeff Carter is much better. Like always, it will come down to who has the hottest goaltender. Philadelphia will have their revenge.
San Jose vs. Anaheim (Sharks in 5)
The President's Trophy winners will make the process short with the some what struggling Ducks. Who ever the Ducks put in net, likely Jonas Hiller, will find it hard to match Evgenij Nabokov. Thornton, Boyle, Marleau, Setoguchi, Blake, Moen... there is no running out of resons why these Sharks couldn't go all the way to cup finale this year.
Detroit vs. Columbus (Red Wings in 5)
It must be said, Steve Mason or not, the Wings couldn't be happier about the fact that they don't have to travel to west coast to face Anaheim. But then again, not only is the terrific rookie goalie a threat, he is by far the biggest obstacle the Wings will have to overcome. Playoff experience will favor Detroit. Question is: Where does Osgood stand?
Vancouver vs. St. Louis (Canucks in 6)
In recent playoffs I have always gone against the Canucks, simply because they haven't been a very good team in the post season. Against the Blues, however, I will have to predict in favor of the Canucks. Chris Mason is a good goalie, and without him the Blues wouldn't be here in the first place, but Roberto Luongo is better. The pressure is on the Sedin twins to show they can deliver in the playoffs as well.
Chicago vs. Calgary (Hawks in 6)
The injury-plagued Flames will have their hands full trying to control the young guns leading the Chicago offense. Like always, the hopes of the Calgary fans weigh heavlily on the shoulders of Miikka Kiprusoff and Jarome Iginla. Khabibulin or Huet in net for Chicago?
Let the show begin!
No comments:
Post a Comment