NHL Playoff Preview

o The start of a new baseball season means that spring is in the air. It also is time for my favorite playoff season of all to start: The Stanley Cup Playoffs. I am sure that poker reruns and arena football will get better ratings, but still the action on the ice in my opinion is still phenomenal. After a year with no Stanley Cup awarded I am extremely excited for this playoff season to get started, even since my three favorite teams the Columbus Blue Jackets, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Vancouver Canucks will not be in the post season. So without anymore build up here are my first round picks.

Western Conference

Detroit Red Wings (1) Vs Edmonton Oilers (8)

Detroit will win because they have to much offensive firepower for Edmonton to contain as they had eight players with at least 20 goals. Detroit has unbelievable special teams so if Edmonton takes stupid penalties, there is a good chance the wings will find the back of the net while on the power play. The one real question Detroit has is in net with Manny Legace and Chris Osgood, however I would still take both of them over Dwayne Roloson who is Edmonton’s goalie.
Edmonton will win because Dwayne Roloson some how pulls a J.S. Giguere and stands on his head. Edmonton will have a great home crowd for games 3 and 4, so it is imperative that they get off to a good start to keep them in the game.
Players who need to step up: Chris Pronger(EDM) and Henrik Zetterberg(Det)
Prediction: As much as I want to pick Edmonton, I just can’t do it. I think each game will be close, but Detroit will win in six hard fought games.

Dallas Stars(2) Vs Colorado Avalanche(7)

Dallas will win because they have Marty Turco, Mike Modano, and Sergei Zubov. Dallas is better at every position then Colorado is, and that will add up as the series moves on. Colorado has too many injuries to overcome, and they have played inconsistent the entire year.
Colorado will win because they are due to play consistent hockey for once this season. I will never count out Joe Sakic, as he is an incredibly clutch playoff performer.
Players who need to step up: Jere Lehtinen(Dal) and Alex Tanguay(Col)
Prediction: A few years ago these two teams were competing in the conference finals, now because of a salary cap, Colorado was lucky to make the playoffs. Dallas does everything just a little better then Colorado so I say Dallas in 5 games.

Calgary Flames(3) Vs Anaheim Mighty Ducks(6)

Calgary will win because they know how to play playoff hockey. They do an excellent job at clogging up the neutral zone, sitting back and waiting for you to make a costly mistake. They also have Miikka Kiprusoff who can steal one or two games in any series.
Anaheim will win because they play pretty much the same style of hockey as Calgary. Both teams know that it works, as they have made the finals in the last two years. Teemu Selanne has been phenomenal this season, and the Ducks need that continue if they want to move on to the next round.
Players who need to step up: Jarome Iginla (CAL) and Teemu Selanne(ANA)
Prediction: I think this series is the toughest to call in the western conference. Both teams play the same style. Anaheim has been one of the best teams in the league since the Olympic break. I think the first goal of the game is critical as it could be the only one scored. As simple as it is, which ever goaltender plays better, his team will win. I think Anaheim had a hell of year, but is a little young to oust the defending Western Conference Champions. Calgary in 7 games.

Nashville Predators(4) Vs San Jose Sharks(5)

Nashville will win because they have home ice advantage, and they got taste two years ago what playoff hockey is all about. Nashville has lots of speed, and had the ability to win a game 1-0 or 2-1. Without all star goalie Tomas Vokoun that is going to be a tall challenge for the predators.
San Jose will win because they have Joe Thorton who led the league in points and Jonathan Cheechoo who led the league in goals. These two guys along with Patrick Marleau will make life difficult for the Nashville defense.
Prediction: San Jose is playing too good right now not to win. If Nashville had Vokoun, I may be inclined to pick them, but with a youngster in net I have to go with the Sharks in 6 games.

Eastern Conference

Ottawa Senators(1) Vs Tampa Bay Lightning(8)

If Toronto somehow snuck up to the eight spot I would have picked them to beat Ottawa just because they do not lose to them in the playoffs. I think the defending Stanley Cup champions will give Ottawa some trouble, but too much offensive fire power will help the Senators prevail in 5 games.

Carolina Hurricanes(2) Vs Montreal Canadians(7)
This is my upset of the first round. Carolina had a magical regular season but I don’t see that translating into the playoffs. I think Montreal if they get stellar goaltending from whoever they decide upon will get enough timely goal scoring to win in 7 games.

New Jersey Devils(3) Vs New York Rangers(6)

It is so good to have the New York Rangers back in the playoffs. I think this will be the most intense series on the east side of the bracket. The Devils have won 11 games in a row to end the season, and have the great Martin Brodeur in net. Jarmoir Jagr has had a phenomenal regular season but his play alone won’t be enough to beat the team oriented Devils who will win in 6 games.

Buffalo Sabres(4) Vs Philadelphia Flyers(5)

The key to this series is simple whichever goaltender plays better will win this series. Both teams are still unsure on who will start the playoffs, which does not bode well for the winner of the series. Buffalo has lots of speed, grit, and determination that has helped pefrom well in the regular season. I think that Philly has too much talent with Forsberg and Gagne to lose. I see the Flyers winning in 6 games.

Written by: Dave Distelrath