Category: Personal

Despite the fact that I’m not in any hockey pools this year, I decided to make my yearly predictions for the playoffs anyway.  Feel free to add your own predictions in the comments section.  The only rules are:

1. Pick the winner
2. Pick the number of games
3. Give some kind of explanation why you think it will end up that way

Western Conference

Vancouver Canucks vs. Chicago Blackhawks

Normally I leave the Western Conference until last but I can’t help myself here.  The Canucks won the President’s Trophy for most points, had the most wins,  had the best Power Play, most goals for, least goals against, highest scorer, best goaltending tandem in the league, the number 3 Penalty Kill, and they were one of the best faceoff teams.  They displayed tremendous defensive depth, seemingly ignoring lengthy injuries to each of their top-6 defensemen.

The Hawks, last year’s cup champions are a shadow of their former selves, having backed into the playoffs on the last day of the season, being helped by a Dallas team that couldn’t win when it counted.

Sounds like we might as well be looking at the second round, shouldn’t it?  My answer is categorically “NO”.  Roberto Luongo has never really got it done in the playoffs and until he either single-handedly wins a series or two or carries the Canucks to the cup, his status as an elite goalie will always be in question.  With the loss of Manny Malholtra and the suspension of Raffi Torres, I worry about the offensive depth on that 3rd and 4th line.

From the Hawks’ perspective, I have to question their goaltending and offensive depth after their fantastic top two lines.  I also have to wonder if the Hawks are too tired from a long push after an even longer season last year.   Still, they do hold a bit of a mental edge, having handled Vancouver in each of the last two playoff seasons.

Prediction: Vancouver in 6 – too deep, too good, too strong

San Jose Sharks vs. Los Angeles Kings

Ah, San Jose, the perennial contenders/pretenders.  They didn’t finish first in the conference but they still have a good team.  Their goaltending is a big question mark, as is the annual playoff performance predictions for big Joe Thornton.  Are they deep enough for a good run?

The Kings are a different matter.  They have enough serious injuries to their forward corps that I am not sure they have the depth to compete.

Prediction: San Jose in 5 – LA just doesn’t have the horses

Detroit Red Wings vs. Phoenix Coyotes

Detroit has been at the apex of the hockey world for almost 20 years.  They have been accused of being too old and of having poor goaltending, but all they do is seem to win.  They are the measuring-stick that all organizations need to compare themselves to.  This year, they have been dogged by injures and yet they still managed to win their division.

The Coyotes have been playing well despite having the controversy of the sale swirling around them.  They have a top-notch goaltender in Ilya Bryzgalov and a solid defensive-corps.

Despite the advantage of experience and greater offensive depth, I don’t think the Wings have what it takes this year.

Prediction: Phoenix in 7 – Just a feeling that this will be an upset

Anaheim Ducks vs. Nashville Predators

Anaheim has the only 50-goal scorer in the league this year as well as a re-vitalized Teemu Selanne.  They have the experience and a whole lot of talent.  Their weak spot would be in goal with health question surrounding Hiller and Emery.

The Nashville Predators are a coherent, hard-working group with phenomenal goaltending in Pekka Rinne.  Their no-name offense is a concern but they can get the job done.

Prediction: Nashville in 6 – Rinne will be too hard to get pucks behind

Eastern Conference

Washington Captials vs. New York Rangers

This is the new-look, defense-first Washington Capitals team.  They have the most dynamic player in the game who has bought into the system.  They have three goaltenders that they can go to, and an excellent supporting cast.  Ovechkin is rested and ready to go and their pride is smarting from losing to the Habs last year.

The Rangers are scrappy and have learned to work hard under John Tortorella .  They have an all-world goalie in Henrik Lundqvist and a lot of young talent.  I’m not sure about their offensive depth, however, and I don’t think their hard work will be enough.

Prediction: Washington in 6 – Too much firepower combined with better defensive play

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Buffalo Sabres

Philly was pushing for first for a while but stumbled down the stretch.  The loss of Chris Pronger seemed to hurt them and their goaltending seems to have gone south.  They are still a talented, physical team with a lot going for them, though.

Buffalo surged with the introduction of their new owner and they have an outstanding goalie in Ryan Miller.  Their offensive and defensive corps are relatively pedestrian, however, and they don’t have a lot of firepower.

Prediction: Phiadelphia in 5 – Buffalo can’t compete unless Miller wins every game for them single-handedly.

Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadiens

While this matchup will not have the same lustre of past series between these Original Six rivals, it will have all the passion and all of nastiness.  The Big Bad Bruins are back, ladies and gentlemen.  Lead by Zdeno Chara and Milan Lucic, Boston can manhandle almost any team in the league.  Tim Tomas’ record-setting season will guarantee him the Veznia trophy and he gives his team every opportunity to win each game.

Montreal is small but fast and Carey Price has had a great season.  While I think Price can steal a few games, the decimated defensive corps is a big concern.  The fact that their top players have struggled putting the puck in the net is also very troubling.  If they can lull Boston into a speed game, they have a chance, but if Boston forces this into a physical contest, Les Glorieux will lose and lose badly.

Prediction: Boston in 6 – Price gets a few games but isn’t able to stop the juggernaut.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

Dan Bylsma deserves the Jack Adams trophy for what he’s done in Pittsburgh without his top two players.  Fleury has been outstanding and the team has made a real commitment to playing solidly in their own end.  The core of this team still has fresh memories of winning the cup two years ago and that will help them.  The question is, can they generate enough of the desperate play without Malkin, Crosby, and Matt Cooke (who is out for the first round)?

Tampa Bay has seen a great turnaround since Steve Yzerman took over as the GM.  Stamkos has flourished, flirting with the Art Ross and Maurice Richard trophy for most of the season.  They have Art Ross trophy runner-up, Martin St. Louis as well.  They are able to move the puck and generate offense.  The pickup of Dwayne Roloson was probably the best move made by the team.

Prediction: Tampa Bay in 6 – I don’t see the Penguins having the gas left in the tank after playing desperate hockey since January