Ahhhh….so you thought it was a top ten list……well no it isn’t.
Its the Predictions of Round Numero Uno……….
EASTERN CONFERENCE
#1 Buffalo Sabres vs. #8 New York Islanders……
With the questionable availability of Rick Dipietro…at press time he is definitely out for game 1 and likely longer, this series changes dramatically. The Isles may be able to steal a game or even two….but likely will not challenge much in this series. Buffalo has amazing offensive balance…and Thomas Vanek is one of the best goal scorers many haven’t seen. Drury will find him the puck….and that puck will be buried many times on the Isles.
Sabres in 5.
#2 New Jersey Devils vs. #7 Tampa Bay Lightning
The bolts triangle offense vs. Brodeur…..in one corner and The Eggs and Zz Top versus Holmqvist in the other. The advantage here in lies with the Devils…and it is enough of one to give the Devils the edge in a competitive series that may see a crooked number or three. Tampa will make this tough and this will help the Devils stay sharp. MVP canididate Brodeur makes the final difference.
Devils in six.
#3 Atlanta Thrashers vs. #6 New York Rangers
They say goaltending steals a series like this….and Lundqvist is just the goalie to do it. The Thrashers are loaded with firepower… Kovalchuk, Hossa, Kozlov….Tkachuk…etc. Lehtonen is a goalie of the future but the present contains a King Henrik. The Rangers have enough firepower and gritty offense when the situation arises…Jagr, Avery, and company should have just enough to outlast the feisty Thrashers.
Rangers in seven.
#4 Ottawa Senators vs #5 Pittsburgh Penguins
The offensive shootout of the first round…..Crosby and Heatley may go point for point here…..though Ottawa has the slight edge in goaltending with Emery….the Pens have a slight edge in overall offense oddly enough. No leads will be safe in any game as both teams can come back quickly from large deficits. First to 4 goals will likely win each game…and I think Ottawa has just enough to keep the Pens at bay at least for this year.
Ottawa in seven.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
#1 Detroit Red Wings vs. #8 Calgary Flames
The West may go upside down this year…I kid you not…this conference will feature slobberknockers galore…..Calgary has the ability to punch any team straight in the mouth and has shown this year more creativity on offense than last season. Detroit has Zetterberg, Lidstrom, Datsyuk, and company…but the Flames have Iginla and a sleeper in Huselius…who may be a playoff breakout waiting to happen. Kiprusoff is younger than Hasek and in a tough, long series…that endurance will be the difference and deciding factor.
Flames in seven.
#2 Anaheim Ducks vs. #7 Minnesota Wild
When will Giguere play? That is the million dollar question. No doubt the Ducks have a fearful offensive unit even from their backline with Pronger and Niedermayer. But lest not anyone forget that the Wild coach is none other than Jacques Lemaire and he rarely gets burned twice. Backstrom is the future in Minnesota and that future may be sooner than the Ducks would like to see. The Wild are riding a great goalie into the playoffs..and one energetic home crowd…add that with an ability to play solid road hockey and you have the seeds for another upset…despite the great play of Selanne, Kunitz, Perry, Penner, and company.
Wild in seven.
#3 Vancouver Canucks vs. #6 Dallas Stars
The one that kind of goes as expected or is it?? Luongo will make his first playoff appearance memorable at least here. Turco will improve over the past few years but it likely won’t be enough as the Sedin twins will be a force in this series. The Stars may score a bit but Luongo is just too good right now.
Canucks in five.
#4 Nashville Predators vs. #5 San Jose Sharks
Holy crap! Just break off some of that offense!! Forsberg, Kariya, Erat, Legwand…etc…etc…etc….versus the likes of Thornton, Cheechoo, Marleau…..and you get WOW! If Sullivan is healthy and Mark Bell is back to what he was a couple seasons ago….you get a feast of goals. If you add in the 2 headed monsters of Vokoun and Mason versus Nabokov and Toskala…you have a great goaltending matchup. This series gives you a little of everything….but I think one player makes a big difference and that is Bill Guerin…he will spur the Sharks PP in the playoffs and that will be the difference maker.
Sharks in seven amazing games.
