If you haven't figured it out, I'm talking about the NHL playoffs. With several outstanding match-ups in Round One, I'll try to pick my winners for each series and give a little explanation to back up the (sometimes bold) prediction. Here we go.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
#1 New York Rangers vs. #8 Ottawa Senators
Henrik Lundqvist and his crew are simply too good to lose in the first round. The Senators have some talent, and their offensive prowess will steal them a game. But a game is all I see the Sens stealing from John Tortorella and his Rangers. Rangers win in 5 games.
#2 Boston Bruins vs. #7 Washington Capitals
The Caps scared me for a brief moment when I saw that the B's were matched up against Ovechkin and company. Backstrom coming back healthy could be a huge addition. But when it comes down to it, Zdeno Chara and the rest of his fellow defensemen — and Tim Thomas, for that matter — have always had success shutting down offensively-minded, star-driven teams. That is the Washington Capitals in a nutshell. Bruins win in 5 games.
#3 Florida Panthers vs. #6 New Jersey Devils
Props to the Panthers for winning their division and getting to the playoffs. Good stuff to see Florida becoming a little bit relevant again. But the road ends here. The Devils equaled the Bruins' point total this year. Their division's dominance is the only reason they find themselves in the 6-hole. Not the kind of hole they can't climb out of. Devils win in 6 games.
#4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #5 Philadelphia Flyers
Most people will consider this to be, without question, the most intriguing first round match-up in the NHL. These two teams have so much hatred boiling between them, their relationship makes the Bruins-Canucks relationship look like a mere bickering married couple. As long as neither side sees a player have his head dislodged from his shoulders, this one will come down to the wire each game. Ultimately, though, the Penguins are too fine-tuned a machine. Penguins win in 6 games.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
#1 Vancouver Canucks vs. #8 Los Angeles Kings
Upset alert! Of course, I pick an upset here in the pure hopes that the Canucks — who, if I haven't mentioned, I despise — will crash and burn after winning another Presidents' Trophy. But on the realistic side, the Kings have a goaltender who can get red-hot at any moment. They have some talent. They have been streaky in the past. It only takes a short streak to make history in the months of April, May and June. Kings win in 7 games.
#2 St. Louis Blues vs. #7 San Jose Sharks
Another match-up that showcases just how deep the Western Conference is. The Sharks are the seventh seed? San Jose would give just about any team in the East a lot of trouble. Having said that, they can give those Western teams trouble, as well. And they will. But defense wins championships, and the Blues survive. Blues win in 6 games.
#3 Phoenix Coyotes vs. #6 Chicago Blackhawks
Like I did with the Panthers, I'll give the Coyotes props — they aren't the traditional powerhouse and many are calling for their relocation, but they got themselves to the dance. Anything can happen in these months, but Chicago's experience will give them an edge. Patty Kane's silky mitts cannot be contained easily. Hawks win in 6 games.
#4 Nashville Predators vs. #5 Detroit Red Wings
The 4-5 match-ups in both conferences are unreal. This is my favorite match-up out west. Just two different styles that will clash for the right to move on. Will it be the skill and possession of the Red Wings or the chippy, defensive game of the Preds that prevails? Nashville has the edge in goal with Pekka Rinne, as good as Jimmy Howard can be. This series is the biggest toss-up to me, but I have to pick someone. Predators win in 7 games.
It's going to be a blast. Let the games begin — and may the odds be ever in your favor!
PS — Appropriate Hunger Games reference or no? I mean the NHL playoffs are kind of like the Hunger Games, right? Vote 1 if you think Katniss should put an arrow through my skull for making that reference. Vote 10 if you think the NHL playoffs are exactly like the Hunger Games and everyone but the victor will suffer excruciating pain and loss.
