Well, that time again. Lost in Skates comes out of hybernation for the ‘real’ hockey season. Herewith the first round match-up predictions and Cup final choices.
Eastern conference
Washington (1) vs NY Rangers (8)
By all accounts this one could shape up to be a quick series with a much improved Caps team, defensively, taking care of business over an injury riddled also-ran blueshirts squad that can only hope for ‘king’ Lundqvist’ to steal a game–but only one at best. Caps in 5.
Philly (2) vs Buffalo sabres (7)
There has to be an upset (or two) in the post season, right? That’s why we watch. Philly, a preseason cup favorite and still so pegged by many, are also dealing with some injuries (Pronger) and still have question marks in goal. Nevermind the sabres’ inconsistent season; they’ve been hot down the stretch and Lindy Ruff is a great coach. And to top it off they have that most prized of commodities the elite goalie, in Ryan Miller. Sabres in 7
Boston (3) vs Montreal (4)
Shouldn’t be a lack of intensity to this match up. Boston finally has a pretty well rounded team with strong defense, impressive goal tending and an ability to score some goals. And they have size. If they play their game (ie, don’t get chasing the darting little guys in red, white and blue around and lay on the big bodies) then there isn’t much even a Halak-like performance from Carey Price can do to stop the B’s. Bruins in 6.
Pitts (4 vs Tampa Bay (5)
This series will be tight and will go the distance, I think, to 7 games. Am tempted to take theBolts with all their fire power, but Bylsma is by now a well seasoned coach, has configured his team to carry on with the loss of some key guys (Malkin, Crosby…) and will have his team ready to grind it out playoff style. Plus the pens have the edge in goal, which is always crucial at this time of year. Pittsburg in 7
Western conference
Vancouver (1) vs Chicago (8)
It really is poetic justice that the road to the cup, for the Canucks, should go through Chicago. Not that it’s going to be easy for Vancouver. But if they do win it all, it’ll be all the sweeter for having slayed the Blackhawk dragon en route. Chicago has simply lost too many of it’s decisively gritty players, and Vancouver has stocked up well in all departments, especially defense, for this series to go the way it has the last two seasons. There will probably be more jitters early for Vancouver than the Hawks, but finally the Canucks will prevail. Vancouver in 6.
San Jose (2) vs Los Angeles (7)
Along with the Washington/Rangers series, this will be a short one. The Sharks are pretty solid looking and with Niemi in goal are set for a pretty good run this year. Maybe because the spot light has been off them a bit this year, but they have quietly gone about their business: they are a physical club, a scoring club and, again, have the goal tending. LA unfortunately hasn’t got the fire power to match (especially with Kopitar out) and can’t have their goalie stop everything. Sharks in 5.
Detroit (3) vs Phoenix (6)
Experience is again the huge intangible in this series, even though the two teams met last year. Detroit is too well coached and has too much experience together and in the playoffs to not get the job done. Phoenix will give them fits, especially if Bryzgalov is solid. The desert dogs have some wiley vets themselves to be sure: Whitney, Jovo, Fiddler, Vrbata, Doan. Belanger is a good pick up, and Yandle can score…so it won’t be a cake walk. Wings in 6
Anaheim (4) vs Nashville (5)
This series, along with the Flyers/Sabres one, is ripe for an upset. If you can call the Preds winning an upset since both teams finished with the same number of points. You’d figure Nashville would be due to win their first playoff series; they’ve been in the post season a number of times. And if they do, it’s going to be largely because of goal tending–again. Pekka Rinne is a superb net minder. Add that to a team that plays to win 2-1 almost everytime they hit the ice and you’ve got one defensively tough opponent. Nashville’s coach Barry Trotz fashions his teams on a playoff-style-of-play template year after year, so why wouldn’t they finally see some successs? I’m tempted to pick the Preds, but I’ll still have to go with the Ducks, mostly because of their size, but also because they have 6 guys who pose a major scoring threat. Anaheim also has a decent veteran back end, if, albeit, some question marks in goal. Still, Ducks in 6.
Cup final prediction:
Sorry Vancouver fans, but that President’s trophy is probably going to be too much of a jinx. Something tells me that San Jose will finally reach the promised land and win in the final against….what?….Buffalo! Hey why not? Don’t you think something unusual has to happen? Sharks over Sabres in 6.