First-round picks
OK, I'm not going to try to go all the way through to the CUp yet, just the first round, but here's who I like and why:
Western Conference
Detroit over Calgary in 5: I think the team that forged the best record in the West is tired of being bounced out early, and though Kiprosoff is a superb goalie, Detroit should be able to take the Flames in what should be a low-scoring series.
Ducks over the Wild in 5: Though the Wild compiled 100 points, I think the Ducks are built for the playoffs, and their veterans should show them the way and the importance of getting quickly through the first and second round of playoffs.
Canucks over Stars in 7: I love this series. Good defensive teams, great goaltending. I think Luongo, in his first playoffs if I'm not mistaken, should come up a bit bigger than Marty Turco, who has some playoff demons to overcome. I think Turco will play well, but the Canucks will win out.
Sharks over Predators in 7: Label this one the speed series. I like both of these teams, but I do think the Sharks have the momentum and goaltender edge right now. Should be a great series.
Eastern Conference
Rangers over Atlanta in 6: I have to go with my favorite team. I think their goaltending is stronger and they've played awfully well defensively since February. With the veterans leaders they have, I believe they can overcome Atlanta's strong offense.
Devils over Tampa Bay in 7: This could be a quicker series, except Tampa can get feisty, so I give them a couple of wins at home. But the major difference here is goaltending. Tampa doesn't have it, and Devils have the best, right now, as well as a stifling defensive system. Dull to watch, but good for at least a first-round win, I think.
Sabres over Islanders in 5: I'm being kind giving the Islanders a game here. I think the Sabres have been waiting for this series for a while; they could have won the Cup last year but for a couple bounces in the series against the 'Canes, but they've been focused and are strong is all aspects of the game.
Penguins over Senators in 7: Another great series between two strong skating, non-trap, offensive teams. Both have some questions in goal, with first-time playoff goalies. I like the Pens if only because it would be great to see their young core step up, and veteran Gary Roberts helps them tremendously.
So that's my picks. How about yours?
Western Conference
Detroit over Calgary in 5: I think the team that forged the best record in the West is tired of being bounced out early, and though Kiprosoff is a superb goalie, Detroit should be able to take the Flames in what should be a low-scoring series.
Ducks over the Wild in 5: Though the Wild compiled 100 points, I think the Ducks are built for the playoffs, and their veterans should show them the way and the importance of getting quickly through the first and second round of playoffs.
Canucks over Stars in 7: I love this series. Good defensive teams, great goaltending. I think Luongo, in his first playoffs if I'm not mistaken, should come up a bit bigger than Marty Turco, who has some playoff demons to overcome. I think Turco will play well, but the Canucks will win out.
Sharks over Predators in 7: Label this one the speed series. I like both of these teams, but I do think the Sharks have the momentum and goaltender edge right now. Should be a great series.
Eastern Conference
Rangers over Atlanta in 6: I have to go with my favorite team. I think their goaltending is stronger and they've played awfully well defensively since February. With the veterans leaders they have, I believe they can overcome Atlanta's strong offense.
Devils over Tampa Bay in 7: This could be a quicker series, except Tampa can get feisty, so I give them a couple of wins at home. But the major difference here is goaltending. Tampa doesn't have it, and Devils have the best, right now, as well as a stifling defensive system. Dull to watch, but good for at least a first-round win, I think.
Sabres over Islanders in 5: I'm being kind giving the Islanders a game here. I think the Sabres have been waiting for this series for a while; they could have won the Cup last year but for a couple bounces in the series against the 'Canes, but they've been focused and are strong is all aspects of the game.
Penguins over Senators in 7: Another great series between two strong skating, non-trap, offensive teams. Both have some questions in goal, with first-time playoff goalies. I like the Pens if only because it would be great to see their young core step up, and veteran Gary Roberts helps them tremendously.
So that's my picks. How about yours?
posted by Les at
9:16 AM
4 Comments:
Sens over Pens in 5
Canucks over Stars in 7
Sharks over Predators in 6
Ducks over Wild in 6
Rangers over Thrashers in 5
Wings over Flames in 6
Devils over Lightning in 4
Sabres over Islanders in 4
This is what I think will happen, but not necessarily what I hope will happen. I am pulling for Penguins, Stars, Predators, Lightning and Islanders, even though I don't think any of them will pull though. Who knows? There's always a surprise--it's the playoffs. It is the greatest part of any sports season, and anything can happen. I do think we'll see alot of good hockey. Two multiple playoff games in the first night! I wish I could have stayed awake to see 4 OTs in the Dallas/Vancouver game!
By
Russ Reaves, At
10:51 AM
I'd take the Senators in 5, Canucks in 6, Predators in 7, Rangers in 6, Wild in 7, Wings in 5, Devils in 5 and Sabres in 4.
But most of those are guesses. The Penguins looked lousy in Ottawa, but maybe that'll change.
By
Unknown, At
1:55 PM
This comment has been removed by the author.
By
Les, At
4:09 PM
It killed me yesterday, but I was up until the wee hours to see the Sedins make the play that won Game 1 for Canucks at the end of the fourth overtime.
It was a great start to the playoff season.
By
Les, At
4:09 PM
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