I'm actually really excited for the playoffs as a whole this year. There isn't a lot of match ups I'm not looking forward too. I foresee myself spending a lot of time in front of the TV watching hockey the next 2 weeks. I'll break them down:
1 New York Rangers Vs. 8 Ottawa Senators- Not really too interested in this one. I think NYR will take it pretty easily but if Ottawa's offense gets really hot and Anderson goes into beast mode like he did a few years ago it could get interesting. If an upset looks like it's brewing I'll start tuning in.
Rangers in 5
2 Boston Bruins Vs. 7 Washington Captials- This one has really good potential. Boston is still very strong and the defending cup champions. Washington is finally starting to play well and Ovechkin has really picked it up the last few weeks. Also, the Caps getting Backstrom back could be a game changer. I'll keep my eye on this series and try to watch some it.
Bruins in 7
3 Florida Panthers Vs. 6 New Jersey Devils- On paper by far the least interesting match up BUT as a Southern hockey fan I really want to see Florida turn into a feel good cinderella story. I'll probably tune in to some of these games.
New Jersey in 5(Hope I'm wrong)
4 Pittsburgh Penguins Vs. 5 Philly Flyers- What more needs to be said? Sucks so many of our games are at the same time because this series will be must see.
Pitt in 7
For the west:
1 Vancouver Canucks Vs. LA Kings- LA comes in hot but Vancouver is just on another level. LA is a solid team and I think they will take 2 games but fall short. Considering the late start times I probably won't watch too much of this series unless it looks like an upset might be brewing.
Canucks in 6
2 St. Louis Blues Vs. 7 San Jose Sharks- I will definitely be watching this one. I know STL dominated them in the regular season but it's hard to ignore SJ's talent.
Thorton,Marleau,Pavelski,Couture,Havlat,Burns,Boyl e,Vlasic. It is impressive. STL is so solid top to bottom and I am legit afraid of them. However I just have a feeling about this series this one is my upset. Blues learn a tough hard lesson and come back even better next year.
San Jose in 6
3 Phoenix Coyotes Vs. Chicago Blackhawks- Quite simply I believe the Yotes have and will continue to run into the same problem we did for years. Until you have legit talent up front on several lines it's hard to take on a top team and come out on top. Still this series interests me and maybe Smith can steal it but I will say
Chicago in 6
4 Nashville Predators Vs. 5 Detroit Red Wings- I won't be watching this snooze fest
Every other year I have not done predictions. This year I say screw it
Preds in 6 Please validate my confidence Trotz and co!
