Pointless Playoff Prognostication: Conference Finals

Perfect in the West, squa-douche in the East. So, here we go-- we're looking at the Final Four, who-- oddly enough-- are the last four Cup winners. How about that.

CONFERENCE FINALS
EASTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (4) Boston Bruins
Prediction: Bruins in 6
Reason: The Bruins have a lot of life after that first round and the Penguins still look like a vulnerable team-- so the nod goes to the inspired Bruins over the Pens.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (5) Los Angeles Kings
Prediction: Blackhawks in 7
Reason: While Jonathan Quick looks like the goalie who stole games for last year's Kings, the offense of the Blackhawks could prove to be too much for the Kings defense-- especially if the Kings get a little listless offensively.

Pointless Playoff Prognostication: Second Round

Only got three right in the first round, which shows-- I know nothing. But I'll try again.

ROUND 2 
EASTERN CONFERENCE 

(1) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (7) Ottawa Senators
Prediction: Senators in 7
Reason: The Senators are healthy, rested, and handled their first round match-up somewhat easily. The Penguins barely survived the Islanders and goaltending is in doubt.

(4) Boston Bruins vs. (6) New York Rangers
Prediction: Rangers in 6
Reason: Henrik Lundqvist is on point and the Rangers are a shot blocking sensation. While the Bruins are carrying high emotions, they are beatable.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (7) Detroit Red Wings
Prediction: Blackhawks in 6
Reason: This last match-up of Norris Division rivals in the Conference should be a doozy, but the Hawks are a top team and the Red Wings could be easy prey for them.

(5) Los Angeles Kings vs. (6) San Jose Sharks
Prediction: Kings in 7
Reason: Both teams are hot and this could be the best match-up we see out there, but the Kings are out on a mission and the Sharks could very well be too rested for this Battle of California.

Pointless Playoff Prognostication: Round One

Everyone else is doing this, so why can't I?? Don't worry-- this will be quick and dirty.

ROUND 1
EASTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (8) New York Islanders
Prediction: Penguins in 5
Reason: Even without Sidney Crosby, the Pens are too deep to allow the Islanders to play the spoiler for their season.

(2) Montreal Canadiens vs. (7) Ottawa Senators
Prediction: Canadiens in 6
Reason: Despite the slipping towards the end, the Habs should be able to wear down the Sens, despite them trying to put up a good fight.

(3) Washington Capitals vs. (6) New York Rangers
Prediction: Capitals in 6
Reason: Third straight odd-numbered year these two teams will face in the first round and the Caps have won both. With their new confidence, they'll find a way past King Henrik.

(4) Boston Bruins vs. (5) Toronto Maple Leafs
Prediction: Bruins in 6
Reason: As much of a great story as the Leafs have been, the Bruins will turn up their playoff expertise in order to get past the first round.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (8) Minnesota Wild
Prediction: Blackhawks in 5
Reason: With a big season and resting their players during the last game, the team who has been great all season should have a solid first round pairing.

(2) Anaheim Ducks vs. (7) Detroit Red Wings
Prediction: Ducks in 6
Reason: With the Red Wings barely getting in, the Ducks should be able to pluck off an already tired team and get their offense rolling well.

(3) Vancouver Canucks vs. (6) San Jose Sharks
Prediction: Canucks in 6
Reason: Trying to exercise the demons of last playoffs, the Canucks will need to prove early and often they are a team on a mission.

(4) St. Louis Blues vs. (5) Los Angeles Kings
Prediction: Blues in 7
Reason: Brian Elliott has been on a roll this season and hot goaltending is the name of the playoff game. Plus, they feel to avenge last year's loss to the eventual Cup champs.

"Expert" Pick

We're a day away from the NHL season and everyone seems to be ready to somehow play Nostradamus and predict a shortened-season. I know we at the Face Off Hockey Show did last week on the show, but we have to take it to the science of things.

Using Mascotopia Memory Blocks and my six-year-old kid, we've got our most scientific thing yet. Just like we should do with most things-- random selection will be the option for the day.

Without any further adieu, Kaity 'Beth (AKA Kegger) will make the picks for the Stanley Cup this June. Enjoy.

There you have it--if you can't trust a six-year-old with picks, who can you trust??

Predictions For Round Two

So after the 16 overtimes in the first round, a record, the second round really has to bring something special to the table in order to actually top its opening act. While there's plenty of chess-matches out west, the east is very wild in their match-ups, harkening back to the olden days of the Patrick Division. Now, how to pick them-- especially after the 5-3 record in the first round, no exactas either.

EASTERN CONFERENCE


(1) NEW YORK RANGERS vs. (7) WASHINGTON CAPITALS

This is the third time in four playoffs these two teams will face off, the Caps winning each series. And while the roles are reversed in terms of seeding, the main players are still the same. Henrik Lundqvist is always going to be the determining factor in most of the Rangers' games, while Alex Ovechkin will be piping mad from the first round and may want to prove the pundits wrong on the world's biggest stage at Madison Square Garden.

With what the Caps showed in Round One, this series could be a grind-fest of a series with things won or lost on the boards. Dale Hunter and John Tortorella could set a record for least amount of time spent on a podium in hopes they don't get fined.

PREDICTION: Capitals in Six. They showed a lot of moxy against the Stanley Cup champions and may have gotten a swagger back enough to take the Rangers for a third time in four years.

(5) PHILADELPHIA FLYERS vs. (6) NEW JERSEY DEVILS

Two Atlantic Division foes taking on each other will help with the no love loss in the playoffs thing. However, with Claude Giroux's explosion in Round One and the Flyers getting help from all aspects of the offense, it could make a rough series for Martin Brodeur and the Devils. Yet, the Devils are always up for the challenge, hoping to get more out of Adam Henrique and keep Zach Parise and Ilya Kovalchuk going. With the issues Ilya Bryzgalov has had in the playoffs, one domino may be all that's needed for the Devils.

It could be a tighter game for the Flyers, especially since they know how defensive the Devils can be, so seeing their wide-open game could be just a first-round-mirage, but the rest time could be what they need to adapt.

PREDICTION: Flyers in Five. Despite the long lay-off, the Devils will be tired out and with their goaltending being on the older age scale, it could be a task for them to actually be competitive.

WESTERN CONFERENCE


(2) ST. LOUIS BLUES vs. (8) LOS ANGELES KINGS

Well, this could be.....a long series. Emotionally and mentally draining. Not so much for fast game play, but for the chess match that will be going along with it all. The battle between Jonathan Quick and Brian Elliott will be something that keeps these games to 0-0 for the longest times. This could be a closer series than the Bruins/Capitals and the defense will be something to behold. It will be exciting even without the scoring, I'm sure.

Both squads will need their best players to keep going-- Dustin Brown may not be enough for the Kings, as Mike Richards and Jeff Carter need to get off the snide. The Blues will need to get more from TJ Oshie and David Perron, though Andy McDonald's eight points in five games could be a great start for his Conn Smythe bid.

PREDICTION: Blues in Six. While I like the Kings set-up and how they're able to keep things going-- the fact remains the Blues seem more of a complete team to me and will breakdown the Kings defense better than the Canucks did.

(3) PHOENIX COYOTES vs. (4) NASHVILLE PREDATORS

A battle between the last two teams that Jim Balsillie tried to buy, this other Western match-up will be a battle of the dueling goalies-- Pekka Rinne, who is a solid Vezina contender, and Mike Smith, the best statistical goalie since March. While Rinne has the advantage in terms of experience, we have seen that experience doesn't count for much in the playoffs this year.

At the end of the day, the dynamics that the Predators have, especially with Alexander Radulov coming on in a big way, the Coyotes may need to hope their luck from the first round keeps going and that their top players don't have the bumps and bruises they got against the Hawks.

PREDICTION: Predators in Five. With the scoring coming from unlikely sources and goaltending being solid, the Predators are a team that really want to get over the hump they have been dealing with for years.

Quick and Dirty Playoff Picks: Round One

I could bore you with all the breakdowns, analysis, and other crap that some have come up with for their predictions-- but it's be silly and really not my style. So, short, sweet, and down to it-- that's how I roll.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

(1) NEW YORK RANGERS vs. (8) OTTAWA SENATORS
Prediction: Rangers in Six
Reason: While the Sens have been a Cinderella in the East, the Rangers have the goaltending and intangibles. That said, I expect the Sens to steal a game at home, but the Rangers will be too much.

(2) BOSTON BRUINS vs. (7) WASHINGTON CAPITALS
Prediction: Bruins in Six
Reason: The Caps have struggled all year and you can't really bet against the Cup champs, even if Tim Thomas is in Barack Obama's house. Plus, the Caps goalie duo is an injured Michal Neuvirth and Braden Holtby with Dany Sabourin in the wings.

(3) FLORIDA PANTHERS vs. (6) NEW JERSEY DEVILS
Prediction: Devils in Five
Reason: The Panthers hobbled down the stretch and their goaltending is a little suspect at best. The Devils will have too much offense for the Panthers to handle.

(4) PITTSBURGH PENGUINS vs. (5) PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
Prediction: Flyers in Seven
Reason: The Flyers will beat and bang the Pens into submission, even with the stars the Pens have-- the Flyers physicality will be the story of this series.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(1) VANCOUVER CANUCKS vs. (8) LOS ANGELES KINGS
Prediction: Canucks in Six
Reason: One of the better goaltending match-ups in the first round, the Kings don't have the offense to help out Jonathan Quick. Roberto Luongo may get a little shaky, but will bounce back.

(2) ST. LOUIS BLUES vs. (7) SAN JOSE SHARKS
Prediction: Blues in Six
Reason: Defensively, the Blues are solid and should be able to take away any offense the Sharks could bring up. If they can get to Antti Niemi, all the better.

(3) PHOENIX COYOTES vs. (6) CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
Prediction: Blackhawks in Five
Reason: The Hawks will be back healthy and since they played in one of the competitive divisions in the league-- should be battle tested. Mike Smith may have peaked with his solid play too early.

(4) NASHVILLE PREDATORS vs. (5) DETROIT RED WINGS 
Prediction: Predators in Six
Reason: The Preds are not only due, but probably one of the more complete teams they've had. They have the tools, the confidence, now to get over the Wings hurdle.

Kaity 'Beth's Outsourced Picks

The joys of parenthood is defined different for everyone. For me, it's someone to do my work for me. As Kaity did in her 2nd Annual Picks for the Cup.



To be fair, on FOHS last night (which you can hear when the Playoffs start, I'm sure): I did pick the Carolina Hurricanes and Dallas Stars for my Cup picks, not picking a winner.

And that's what's up.

Chronic Prognosticator: Round Two

We've finally got all the Round Two match-ups and to be honest-- the quick turnaround may or may not be good-- depends on how you look at it and how your team is doing after their first round match-up.

Not for nothing, but went a perfect 8-for-8 last round, but only one exacta-- the Flyers pulling out the seventh game dramatics.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Washington Capitals vs. (5) Tampa Bay Lightning

Prediction: Capitals in Six Games
Why??: While the Caps were 4-1-1 against the Bolts this season, the play of Dwayne Roloson could give them fits, as he shutout the Caps twice this year. However, it seemed the Caps have shaped-up and really adjusted things throughout the season to adapt to the teams they're facing.

(2) Philadelphia Flyers vs. (3) Boston Bruins

Prediction: Bruins in Six Games
Why??: This is a revenge series for the Bruins, who collapsed against the Flyers last year. The Flyers goaltending woes will be something to worry about, while the clutch play of Nathan Horton in Boston should help carry the team into the Conference Finals, hopefully.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Vancouver Canucks vs. (5) Nashville Predators

Prediction: Canucks in Seven Games
Why??: The true colors of the Canucks were shown in the Blackhawks series, which could be feasted on by the Predators-- but in the end; the Canucks are the top-dog in the NHL for a reason. The question is whether the Sedins will be noticeable more in this series than they were in the last series.

(2) San Jose Sharks vs. (3) Detroit Red Wings

Prediction: Red Wings in Six Games
Why??: While the Red Wings have been off for what feels like a month, odds are it was needed and it should revitalize them and get their injured guys rested and healthy. The Sharks have had a lot of issues with the Kings and if the Wings can get on them early-- it could be a short series for the Sharks.

Chronic Prognosticator: Round One

Alright-- we've got the match-ups, we've got the buzz; now time for the typical picks. It's definitely something that's hack, but it's a given for most places. I'm no exception on this one. Have to be part of the herd on this one.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Washington Capitals vs. (8) New York Rangers

Prediction: Capitals in Six Games
Why??: The Caps are good and while they have some kind of question of goaltending-- all around, I think they are better than the Rangers. Plus, they have been preparing all year for these playoffs and now it'll truly show if the system change was worth it.

(2) Philadelphia Flyers vs. (7) Buffalo Sabres

Prediction: Flyers in Seven Games
Why??: Ryan Miller can only carry the Sabres so far, but the Flyers are going to be in tough without Chris Pronger. The fact remains that the Flyers are second-seed for a reason and they won't want to fail after a great run last year.

(3) Boston Bruins vs. (6) Montreal Canadiens

Prediction: Bruins in Six Games
Why??: Tim Thomas has been sturdy and will be the guy to keep the Bs in it this year. Plus, the added feeling of trying to get Mark Recchi another Cup ring before he retires may fuel the emotional side of the Bruins-- added to the Bs/Habs match-up we've come to know and love (or loathe).

(4) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (5) Tampa Bay Lightning

Prediction: Lightning in Six Games
Why??: While they have a rookie coach, the Bolts have a key guys who have been to the trenches when it comes to the playoffs, including Martin St. Louis and Vinny Lecavalier, couples with the ageless Dwayne Roloson-- who has pulled a couple rabbits out of his hat in Minnesota and Edmonton before.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Vancouver Canucks vs. (8) Chicago Blackhawks

Prediction: Canucks in Five Games
Why??: While the Hawks have had the Canucks' number in the past two playoffs-- the Hawks don't seem to be the same team, while the Sedins and Roberto Luongo will be wanting revenge for the past year failure. A lot of pressure on the Canucks, so they'll want to prove the critics wrong.

(2) San Jose Sharks vs. (7) Los Angeles Kings

Prediction: Sharks in Five Games
Why??: Without Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams, the Kings are going to be hard-pressed to deal with the playoffs in terms of scoring. Plus, it appears that Antti Niemi is back in his form that got him a Cup ring last year, added to the offense that Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, and Logan Couture will probably provide.

(3) Detroit Red Wings vs. (6) Phoenix Coyotes

Prediction: Red Wings in Six Games
Why??: The rematch from last year's first round probably won't go the full seven, but should be a solid one. I expect Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg to step their game up, while Jimmy Howard will have to silence his critics somehow-- a long playoff run will do that. The offense for the Coyotes could be questioned, too-- as they only had one 20-goal scorer.

(4) Anaheim Ducks vs. (5) Nashville Predators

Prediction: Predators in Seven Games
Why??: While the Ducks have been on a hot streak, Pekka Rinne will be the guy to kill the Ducks, like so much Nintendo. Corey Perry will be the main guy on the Ducks, but expect Shea Weber to shut him down from the start.

That's how it is from me-- quick and dirty. No need to break it down scientifically because when have playoffs ever been scientific?? It's a bunch of lucky bounces, fate happens, and we saw that last year because the top-seeds in the East got eliminated last year in the first round-- you can't explain that. It starts for real on Wednesday-- so enjoy it.

Pointless Playoff Prognostication: Eastern Conference

It's playoff time again, which means everyone and their estranged mother is making a prediction about what's going to happen in the series. I will be on that boat as well, because it's how I roll. I'm all about joining a trend in progress and act like mine will trump all. My NCAA March Madness last place finish will tell you the results may vary. We'll start out in the Eastern Conference because the sun always rises there first. It's true.

(1) WASHINGTON CAPITALS vs. (8) MONTREAL CANADIENS

The season series had each team split their four meetings, both winning one in extra-time. Everyone knows that the Caps are going to have the pressure on themselves, especially after the regular season they've had. The hope is that Jose Theodore can continue his sparkling record to end the season, going 20-0-3 in his last 23 games. It'll be familiar territory for him, as he returns to where he starts his career out to prove something. The offense is no problem for the Caps, but people will have the focus on the defense and if they can actually be a shutdown team; which is how playoff teams roll. The bigger story is what can happen with Alex Ovechkin and Nick Backstrom in the big pressure role. The depth is there for the Caps, it's just execution now.

The Habs got in by the slimmest of margins, which should be telling of this team. To the opposite of the Caps, Jaroslav Halak has been stellar all year for the Habs and keeping them in the race when the rest of his team faltered. Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta will be in the spotlight for the playoffs-- especially after getting into town and commanding big paycheques. Andrei Markov will be key, as he's a big-game player and should be able to help out the offensive shortcomings from the back-end.

PREDICTION: Capitals in five. I think the Habs will get one on home ice, but there's a lot of determination on this Caps team and they want it all or nothing right now. They will be looking to get rid of the first round in quick-and-dirty fashion.

(2) NEW JERSEY DEVILS vs. (7) PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

Martin Brodeur is going to be on the hot-seat, especially after his lapse in the closing games against the Hurricanes last playoffs. Losing six out of eight games to the Flyers this season doesn't help at all, either. While they'll have to have goaltending, Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise will have to be giving their goaltender some support. Kovalchuk is also playing for a new contract, so he has much motivation for this playoffs.

The Flyers, though knowing they took over the season series, have many issues-- like riding Brian Boucher as their starter for the playoffs. If this was 2000, then it'd be a good match-up, but the Water Boy will have to get plenty of help from the likes of Jeff Carter and Daniel Briere to give him some cushion. Luckily, they have Chris Pronger and his Macho Man-esque elbow ready to go and hopefully pull out a miracle.

PREDICTION: Devils in seven. Sure, it's a damn reach for it to go that long, but to be honest-- I don't know how well Boucher will play-- especially with the high he's on at getting another chance. Luckily, the experience of the likes of Pronger will help, but if Kovalchuk can kick it up a notch, the Devils have the edge.

(3) BUFFALO SABRES vs. (6) BOSTON BRUINS

This is another match-up where the higher seed had a losing record in the regular season. However, the Ryan Miller effect will be in play. The man who should have the Hart Trophy will be the main factor. If he's on, then the Sabres are in good shape-- if not, it's a crap shoot. Luckily, Thomas Vanek is back and notched four goals for his finale. Also, we'll see what Tyler Myers has to bring to the show and if he can play up this is counterpart, Zdeno Chara. It'll be a tale of the tape....on the real.

When the Bruins lost Marc Savard, many wondered how they were going to keep up. Patrice Bergeron has picked up the slack though, while David Krejci will be the possible X-factor for the Bruins. Tuukka Rask will probably be the starter, but on a short-leash; especially with Timmy Thomas' performance last year in the playoffs. This will be a series of futility as both teams don't have many prolific scorers on their rosters.

PREDICTION: Sabres in six. Miller will win this for the Sabres. While Rask/Thomas will be tough to beat, Miller has been nothing short of amazing. He should be able to get the Sabres past the first round, but with the amount he has played this year-- the support will need to be coming quickly.

(4) PITTSBURGH PENGUINS vs. (5) OTTAWA SENATORS

A re-re-match of the 2007 and 2008 first round, the Penguins will need to show their Stanley Cup championship ways. Sidney Crosby came to play in the regular season, as seen by his co-Richard Trophy campaign. The focal point is definitely going to be on him, but what about Evgeni Malkin?? Will be able to get his playoff flair from last year back, because if show-- that makes the Pens more dangerous. That said-- they are a vulnerable team. I don't know why, but they could be beaten if there's a one minor slip.

The Sens think they can capitalize on that slip-up. However, the issue that the Sens have is goaltending and if Brian Elliott can hold up to the playoff pressure and if Pascal Leclaire could stop the bleeding. Another issue is the Senators, along with the Canadiens, are on the negative side of the goal differential for playoff teams. The points aren't there, with Daniel Alfredsson as the only point-per-game player. Jason Spezza has had an off-year, but Mike Fisher did surprise a lot of people with his first-half, but slacked in the second-half. It'll be an uphill battle for the Sens in this playoffs, for sure.

PREDICTION: Senators in seven. An uphill battle, but not something they couldn't overcome, especially when people counted them out as a non-playoff squad this year. Elliott could pull a series out of his back-side, while M-A Fleury has had an off-year, but did a solid job in his run last year. This could be a the best series in the East to watch.

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I'll be touch on the West tomorrow, but that has plenty of solid match-ups and has the possibility for a lot of upset specials in the making. Join me.....or not.

Looking at the Rookies

We're at the camping time of the year-- finally the dark days are behind us. A hot topic will be which of the young guns coming into the league will be the one to turn heads and maybe become the franchise player of the future, today. I could put more rambling cliche things in here, but you get the point; so with that-- let's get to some freshmen who could be making waves in the NHL this coming season.

Steve Stamkos, TB: The first overall pick in the '08 Draft, Stamkos has been pimped out the entire summer in the Tampa area. And with good reason, too. After 197 points in 124 OHL games, Stamkos will probably be thrown into the top-six of the Bolts. However, many forecasters have Stamkos between 40 and 65 points this season. There could be that learning curve, but I would expect to see him more in the 70-point area.

Fabian Brunnstrom, DAL: There was plenty of buzz with Brunnstrom from the start of the calendar year, but he landed in Dallas as a final destination. Even with a few years under his belt in the Swedish Elite League, the transition for Brunnstrom could be a longer one than some kids coming out of junior. With the Stars defensive prowess, there's a good chance the point total for Brunnstrom will be lower than most freshmen.

Kyle Turris, PHX: Turris got a small taste last season and netted an assist. Now, with a summer of training under his belt, Turris has a good chance to make his way into the top-six and to many, become a team leader in scoring. With a team like Phoenix, it's a good chance for him to get time on the ice, but somewhat little exposure in the mainstream media-- which will hurt him in the Calder ballot.

Kyle Okposo, NYI: Fast tracked from college to the NHL, Okposo did what he could in his nine games last season, potting two goals and five points; while in the AHL, he put up 19 assists and 28 points in 35 games. With a rebuilding Islanders team, Okposo should be one of the the hot hands for the Isles this season and could create some buzz for the other New York team.

Ted Purcell, LA: Purcell's offensive stride should be able to get him a shot at the top-six slot of the Kings, especially with the departure of Mike Cammalleri. With 83 points in 67 games as an AHL rookie last year, Purcell will probably get plenty of chances to prove himself as a go-to guy for the Kings for this season and beyond.

Nathan Gerbe, BUF: Probably one of the dark horses for the Calder, Gerbe's size will definitely come into question when it comes to if he's ready for an everyday line-up slot. At 5'5, Gerbe will have to do his damnedest to get noticed. Though he led the NCAA in scoring last year in points, Gerbe will have to do even more to get a fair-shot in the pros.

Jakub Voracek, CLB: Voracek is coming off two 60+ assist season in the Q and could be slated to be a set-up man for Rick Nash in the future. However, without many weapons behind Nash and maybe Kristian Huselius, Voracek may have to go about things the hard way in the first few seasons in order to hit the cash cow of being Nash's set-up man.

Now, I'm sure you're probably wondering why guys like Drew Doughty or Zach Bogosian aren't on this list. It's not because they won't make some waves, but most off-- since 1988, only three defensemen have won the Calder Trophy: Brian Leetch, Bryan Berard, and Barret Jackman. With a class like this, odds are that the trend will continue for d-men to be overlooked.

Plus, we have to put into effect the "Sean-O Rookie Theorem" where an out of nowhere rookie will have a hot second-half and steal the show. We'll have to see, but with camps starting up-- we'll be able to weed out the candidate from there.

Quick and Dirty Playoff Picks

Now, I could be that guy and analyze every portion of the NHL playoff match-ups, giving the ins and outs-- but why bore you with all that mumbo-jumbo. You want predictions, you want picks, you want the meat and potatoes-- all killer, no filler. Welp, drive-thru to the second window because your order is ready.....man, am I hungry now or what??

EASTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Montreal Canadiens vs. (8) Boston Bruins-- Montreal in Five Games
Why?? Look, the Habs took all eight games from the Bruins and are on a roll with Carey Price anchoring the team from the pipes. With Alex Kovalev playing great and everyone chipping in for the Habs; the Bruins don't stand a chance.

(2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (7) Ottawa Senators-- Pittsburgh in Six Games
Why?? The Senators are depleted and one of the worst teams since American Thanksgiving. Though they dominated the Pens in the regular season, the Pens will have too much fire power for the Sens to handle and the media frenzy behind the scenes will wear Ottawa down.

(3) Washington Capitals vs. (6) Philadelphia Flyers-- Washington in Seven Games
Why?? The Caps are the hottest team in the playoffs, but the Flyers are always a tough team to play against. Alex Ovechkin will have a lot to prove, as will Cristobal Huet so expect both to be on top of their games and squeak this series out in the distance.

(4) New Jersey Devils vs. (5) New York Rangers-- New Jersey in Five Games
Why?? The offense for the Rangers hasn't been the most consistent and you have to wonder which Jaromir Jagr will show up. It should be a goaltending duel, but you never bet against Martin Brodeur in situations like these.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Detroit Red Wings vs. (8) Nashville Predators-- Detroit in Five Games
Why?? The Wings are going to overpower the Preds from the word go and won't let up. They have plenty to prove because of their recent playoff woes, so they should be out for blood.

(2) San Jose Sharks vs. (7) Calgary Flames-- Calgary in Six Games
Why?? The Flames are far more physical and should throw the Sharks off their game. Evgeni Nabokov doesn't have the best playoff history, while the Flames could be underestimated and be able to shed the underdog label if they get out to a quick series start.

(3) Minnesota Wild vs. (6) Colorado Avalanche-- Minnesota in Seven Games
Why?? The Wild have a team build for defensive playoff hockey and the wheels to get goals when needed. Niklas Backstrom should be solid, while Marian Gaborik will be the main focus. While the Avs have everyone healthy, I don't think they can contain the speed, nor be able to dictate the flow of the game like the Wild will.

(4) Anaheim Ducks vs. (5) Dallas Stars-- Anaheim in Seven Games
Why?? The Ducks have been on fire after a slow start and getting Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer back. The only reason the Stars will be in it is if Marty Turco can stand on his head like he did last year against the Vancouver Canucks in the first round.

The playoffs begin on Wednesday, so strap in, throw the remote out, and enjoy.