(courtesy of NHL.com)
The best two months in sports are here! The Stanley Cup playoffs are upon us. As much as it pains me that my beloved Montreal Canadiens aren’t in the tournament, I’m still going to watch. Why? Its for the cup! Its the best playoff tournament in all of sports. Yes, its better than March Madness. Anyway, here are my picks for each first round series.
Eastern Conference
2# Tampa Bay Lightning vs. #3 Detroit Red Wings: The Bolts will be without Steven Stamkos but they can survive this series without him. Detroit back doored in and they are not your fathers Red Wings despite making the playoffs for the 25th straight season. They don’t match up with the Bolts on paper. The reason? Tampa’s depth. The Lightning have enough depth offensively that they’ll score in this series. Couple that with Ben Bishop and a physical defense and that’s why I’m picking them to beat the Wings again. Tampa beat the Wings in seven last year. I don’t think it’ll be as close this year. I like the Bolts in six. Prediction: Lightning in 6
#1 Florida Panthers vs. WC1 New York Islanders: I know its easy to overlook the Panthers but don’t. They are loaded with veterans who have playoff experience. Jaromir Jagr, Roberto Luongo, Brian Campbell and Jiri Hudler have all logged big minutes in the playoffs. The veterans and the young players have meshed well in Florida. Its a testament to GM Dale Tallon acquiring the right players and coach Gerald Gallant making it work. I think the Isles are the better team offensively but they have too many injuries and I don’t buy Thomas Griess in net. This series will go seven games but I think the Cats will pull it out. Prediction: Panthers in 7
#2 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #3 New York Rangers: Despite their injury situation, I like the Rangers in this series. They are better in net and better defensively than the Penguins. Pittsburgh will look to push the pace and play fast but the Rangers have the players and the structure to slow them down. Not having Ryan McDonough hurts the Rangers but I think they are deep enough defensively to over come losing McDonough. I think Pittsburgh can steal this series if they can get some quality goaltending. They won’t. I’m going with the Blueshirts in this one. Prediction: Rangers in 6.
#1 Washington Capitals vs. WC2 Philadelphia Flyers: Don’t sleep on the Flyers. They’ll push the Caps for a couple of games but realistically speaking, this won’t be a series. Washington has the look of a cup contender. They are balanced offensively, deep defensively and solid in net. I think they are the most complete team in these playoffs. I can see Philly winning one game but that’s it. Prediction: Caps in 5
Western Conference
#2 St. Louis Blues vs. #3 Chicago Blackhawks: Its tough to pick against the defending champs. Chicago is battle tested when it comes to the playoffs. That and they have two big time playoff performers in Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. Both teams are suspect in net, especially Chicago but I think the Hawks will rise to the occasion and find a way to win this series. You almost feel for Ken Hitchcock and the Blues. They are a legit Stanley Cup contender but until they beat the Blackhawks, they’ll always be on the outside, looking in. I think St. Louis will play them tough but I like the Hawks in seven. Prediction: Blackhawks in 7.
#1 Anaheim Ducks vs. WC1 Nashville Predators: This will be a fun series. Both the Ducks and Preds physical teams that like to play the body and grind out wins. Both clubs are built to win in the playoffs. When I look at the Western Conference, I get the sense that this is the Ducks year. Winning the Pacific division was huge because they would have home ice against the Kings, Blackhawks or Sharks in the next round. Anaheim is tough at home. I think Nashville will give the Ducks all they can handle. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me if this series went seven. Either way, I think the Ducks will find a way to pull it off. I truly believe this is their year. It starts by winning this series.
#2 Los Angeles Kings vs. #3 San Jose Sharks: This series will be a war. The Kings have home ice and they are favored but the Sharks are more than capable of winning this series. I’m sure some of the veterans on the Sharks haven’t forgotten that they blew a 3-0 series lead against the Kings two years ago. They’ll be looking for revenge. This will be a physical series but I can’t pick against my second favorite team. The Kings are a legit cup contender. The core of their roster has a ton of playoff experience. This is a team that has been there before. That experience and an advantage in net will be the difference. By the way, I’m looking forward to the Jonathan Quick, Martin Jones goalie match up. Starter versus understudy. Should be fun. Prediction: Kings in 6
#1 Dallas Stars vs. WC2 Minnesota Wild: My upset special in round one. I think the Wild will beat the Stars. On paper, Dallas has one of the most talented rosters in the playoffs. Its the playoffs however, experience and toughness matter and I think the Wild have an advantage over the Stars in both areas. The Stars have had a great season but I have a feeling that they will get upset in round one by a Wild team that is dangerous.