On Wednesday the Stanley Cup Playoffs begin their long and tedious road to deciding the winner of Lord Stanley's Mug. All of the series are best-of-seven. The first two games are played at higher ranked team's home, then two at the lower ranked team's ice. After that, they alternate venues. Using my hard-gained and great NHL knowledge, the following are my predictions for the first round of the NHL playoffs.
Eastern Conference
1 Boston Bruins v. 8 Montreal Canadiens
This is the fourth time in just seven seasons that these two clubs will be matching up in the playoffs, and the third time that the Canadiens are large underdogs. The two previous meetings with Montreal being statistically lower were in 2002 and 2004; during both of these series the Canadiens managed to get a huge upset. That said, however, I think that the Bruins have a much better team then they did during those years, and they should be playing much better. The Bruins are second best in scoring in the NHL, and I expect them to use that to carry the series, both at home and away. This is going to be the closest to a blowout during these playoffs.
Boston in four
2 Washington Capitals v. 7 New York Rangers
Though the Rangers started the season out well, they have been underperforming in the final stretch. On the other hand, the Capitals have been playing quite consistently. In the playoffs, more than in the regular season, consistency is what's needed for a winning team. These two teams are almost exact opposites, as Washington has great offense (third in the league) but are 19th in defense. New York, however, is air-tight and highly ranked in defense, but only 28th in offense. Due to these competing factors, you can expect close games, with the winner probably being the home team.
Washington in seven
3 New Jersey Devils v. 6 Carolina Hurricanes
This is a quick rematch for these two teams, as they closed out the season with a 3-2 Devils win. Even with that bit of momentum on the New Jersey's side, the pendulum is still swinging for the Canes as they have won 13 of their last 18 games. To win, Carolina is going to need to learn how to score on the great Martin Brodeur. The career wins leader has been been hot and cold throughout the season, so I believe that the series will be decided based on which Brodeur — the Hall of Famer or Mr. Hyde — shows up for the game. Expect a close and hard-hitting game, but the edge goes to Carolina.
Carolina in six
Article comments
1 - Jordan Richardson
I write a hockey blog elsewhere, so I'm just transferring my picks over from there:
Western Conference:
Sharks in 6.
Wings in 5.
Canucks in 5.
Chicago in 6.
Eastern Conference:
Bruins in 6.
Rangers in 5.
Carolina in 6.
Pittsburgh in 5.
So excited for playoffs!
2 - Robert M. Barga
you know, the EA simulations have columbus winning in 6... that makes me happy
what is your site, so I can be sure to check it out
3 - Jordan Richardson
I saw another simulation that had Chi-town winning the Cup, so yeah....
4 - Robert M. Barga
I can see that, though they need to get by CBJ first
5 - El Bicho
"tedious"?
6 - Andrew
pitt will make it to the east finals against b'town but lose in 6...then b'town vs detriot in finals....sorry red wings fans but b'town will bring the cup home...but still PENS RULE!!!!
7 - Robert M. Barga
@El Bicho
what?
8 - Robert M. Barga
@Andrew
Btown=Boston
i really do not think that Boston will pull it off, i expect them out pretty early
9 - El Bicho
"On Wednesday the Stanley Cup Playoffs begin their long and *tedious" road to deciding the winner of Lord Stanley's Mug."
10 - Robert M. Barga
pffff
editing is over rated
11 - Tambland
The bloggers over at stayclassy.net have some interesting picks. There is a considerable riff between Detroit and Columbus. Same with New Jersey and Carolina.
Bottom line though, Boston is going to win and 'bruin' the Canadiens anniversary.
12 - Robert M. Barga
Boston will win the first round, after that I wouldn't be so sure... (check back before round two for complete predictions then too)
13 - canttell
seeing the penguins change since the trade, they have been a good threat. penguins have the nhl's 2 top scorers, evgini malkin, and sidney crosby. i think the penguins are going to go all the way, by facing boston and beating them in the 6th game. mvp- sidney crosby. i am a penguins fan anyway, but im calling the series as i see it!
14 - Robert M. Barga
Come back in a few days and you will see my newest picks, based on the new match ups