Of course the weather outside doesn’t matter: it’s playoff hockey time! This year provides us with something old (classic rivalries ), something new (the format), and something (black &) blue: such as any team surviving most of the 2-3 seed match ups. Plus a whole lotta goal-tending uncertainty.
To the predictions then….
Bos vs Det
An original six match up! Not since the 1950’s have these two teams gone head to head in the playoffs. That adds a little something. And, in fact, this series at first blush did seem to offer good potential for an upset. But, when you consider just how solid the Bruins are offensively and defensively (even without d-man Siedenberg), and with the edge in nets (Rask), even the wiley, well-coached Red Wings with their long-in -the-tooth vets and surprising up-and-comers are no match for the President’s trophy winners. Bruins in 6
Tampa Bay vs Montreal
Here’s one of those 2-3 seed match ups, although probably the least gritty of the four. Pretty even points-wise during the regular season, these two teams arrived at similar places in the standings, but by different means: the Habs with defensive play; the bolts with scoring punch. Something’s gotta give. As with NY, BOS, and LA, the Habs’ edge is in goal with Corey Price. It’s a cliche by now, but as Corey goes, so go the Habs. If the Habs can out-check Stamkos and Co. they’ll win. Habs in 6
Philadelphia vs New York
Another of the 2-3 seed match ups, this one will feature a little more edge (hitting) than the Montreal/TB pairing. These two teams have played each other tough all year and this series promises to be hard fought. A match-up that contrasts offense (Philly) with defense (NY) should see NY prevail based on King Lundqvist’s presence in goal. But something tells me that a Berube coached Flyer team will have a little more fire in the belly that coach V’s blue shirts. So, Philly in 7
Pittsburgh vs Columbus
The perennially playoff-participating Penguins certainly resemble their former, successful editions, but aren’t as much of a sure thing as in the past. Injuries, age and some question marks in goal are a factor for these Pittsburghers. And Columbus has obviously made some great strides in their development to be in the post season–with strong goal-tending being a notable element. Pittsburgh will still prevail, but it’ll be much closer than anticipated. Pens in 7
Anaheim vs Dallas
The Ducks are a formidable team. Great offense. Not bad defense. A little bit uncertain in goal. Would have picked ’em to win it all, but not sure they have the battle hardness to do so. In this series against the Stars we have two teams who are decidedly offense-first. Anaheim’s Perry and Getzlaf are the elite goal scoring duo in the league, but not far behind are Benn and Seguin in Dallas. The Ducks have more balance in their lines, 1 thru 4, and certainly a deeper defense corps. Dallas, though, does have a better goalie. I’d be surprised if Dallas wins more than one game.
Ducks in 5
Colorado vs Minnesota
Hard to really access this series. Colorado appears to have been punching above their weight this season, and missing Matt Duchene, for at least a while, could spell a bit of a coming down to earth for the Avs. Plus Minnesota is rounding out nicely with a pretty good balance between offense and defense, and has some playoff experience to build on. This has upset written on it. Yet, if Varlamov stands on his head (with inspiration from Patrick Roy), those dynamic Avs forwards O’Reilly, Mackinnon and Landeskog just might be the difference. Avs in 7
San Jose vs LA
Once again, another 2-3 seed match up. This series, like the CHI/ST.L one, will be war. It features offense (SJ) against defense (LA). Year after playoff year the Sharks seem poised to go deep into the later stages of competition. They look even better now than over the last 5 years. But are they really capable of getting shut down again? If so, the stingy LA Kings and Jonathan Quick would be the team to do it. The Kings have a lot of difficulty producing goals, but in the playoffs, in a grind ’em out battle royale, maybe they don’t need many. Kings in 7
Chicago vs St. Louis
The final of the four 2-3 seed pairings. It boggles the mind how any player is not going to come out of this series hurting. Big time. An old Norris division tilt, this has all the hall marks of a classic tilt. Two well developed, mature playoff-seasoned teams with a bunch of newly rehabed players on both sides that will undoubtedly be engaged in the toughest series of the first round–along with that between SJ and LA. Which teams’ players returning from injuries will be up to speed and ready to rumble? I like Chicago’s integrity as a team just a little bit more than the blues’. And also, Ryan Miller is a shade past his best before date and I doubt he will be the difference maker St. Louis needs him to be. Black Hawks in 7