After 2460 games, over 6500 goals, an exceptional class of rookies, and playoff races that lasted right up to the final days of the regular season, it is once again that time of year: it's playoff hockey. As time ticks away in what is the last day of the regular season, the playoff matches are solidified and the puck will drop on the 'real' NHL season on April 9th. It's also the time of year when analysts, so called 'experts' and writers alike will all make their predictions for the Stanley Cup. Having already given my two cents by picking a Dallas-Montreal final (in my previous column), let's take a look at the first round match-ups and examine each series.
Eastern Conference:
Montreal Canadiens (1) vs. Boston Bruins (8)
What seems to be a dream match-up for Canadiens fans could end up being revenge time for the Boston Bruins. The Montreal Canadiens have gone a perfect 8-0-0 against the Bruins this season, and will look to make quick work of the eighth seeded B's. However, we don't have to look too far back in time when it was the eighth seeded Canadiens who upset the first place Bruins in the 2003 playoffs. The Bruins will hope that there is truth in the saying "What goes around, comes around", but Carey Price and the Montreal Canadiens will look to prove to the NHL that they are for real. It all comes down to talent, speed, special teams and execution. And the Canadiens are simply better than the Bruins in all categories. Bosoton won't go down without a fight, but look for the Canadiens to take the series. The only question mark for the Canadiens going into the playoffs is the health of Saku Koivu, but the Habs have gone 4-0 since his injury.
Canadiens in 6.
Pittsburgh Penguins (2) vs. Ottawa Senators (7)
What should be a high octane series driven by offense, the Penguins will look to pounce on the vulnerable Senators. Although the Senators have struggled in the second half of the season, I picked them along with Montreal as the last two teams standing in the Eastern Conference. However, with the recent injuries to Daniel Alfredsson and Mike Fischer, all bets are off. Unfortunate injuries to key players at an inconvenient time will cost the Senators a playoff run. If the Senators were healthy then I'd expect them to make a run for the Cup, but for now, the march of the Penguins will continue to the second round.
Penguins in 7.
Washington Capitals (3) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (6)
The Washington Capitals have been on fire since the trade deadline and closed out their regular season going 9-1-0. Cristobal Huet, Sergei Federov and Matt Cooke have been exceptional for the Capitals, and Alex Ovechkin will look to make a splash in his first ever post-season. Along with their deadline acquisitions, Kozlov, Semin and Backstrom have taken their game to a new level. Look for the Flyers to give the Capitals everything they've got in a close series that will go the distance. That being said, even the 'Broad Street Bullies' won't be able to ruin Alex Ovechkin's playoff debut.
Capitals in 7.
New Jersey Devils (4) vs. New York Rangers (5)
The New York Rangers have had the Devils' number this season going 7-0-1, but there is just something about Martin Brodeur in the playoffs. Maybe it's his 1.89 GAA. Or maybe it's his 0.921 save percentage. But the bottom line is that Brodeur elevates his game even when you think he can't get any better, and is very capable of carrying his team to the promise land. If the Rangers' 'big three' in Jarg, Gomez and Drury get going offensively, then the Devils will be in tough. That being said, we've all been waiting 82 games for that trio to live up to expectations. So would you bet against Martin Brodeur? I didn't think so.
Devils in 6.
Western Conference
Detroit Red Wings (1) vs. Nashville Predators (8)
Credit has to be given to the Nashville Predators for making the playoffs. After dumping draft picks, prospects, and solid players at the 2007 trade deadline and during the off-season, the Predators weren't expected to find a dance partner to the big dance. Unforuntunately for them, they found one in Detroit. The Red Wings ran away with the President's trophy and will look to prove to the NHL why they have been the best team in the league. Nashville went 3-3-2 against Detroit this season, so don't expect the series to be a walk in the park for Detroit. But with a potent offense, exceptional blueline, a proven playoff goalie in Dominik Hasek, and home-ice advantage, it's hard to go against the President's trophy winners.
Detroit in 6.
San Jose Sharks (2) vs. Calgary Flames (7)
This should be one of the most exciting series to watch in the opening round of the playoffs. The Calgary Flames will look to rattle the Sharks by playing a tough, physical game while San Jose will look to out-skate Calgary with a quick counterattack. In the crease, call it a draw. On the blueline, call it a draw. We all know Jarome Iginla and Joe Thornton will show up, so the winner of this series will be determined by which team's secondary scoring makes an impact. Unfortunately for San Jose, I don't think their second line will show up.
Flames in 6
Minnesota Wild (3) vs. Colorado Avalanche (6)
What a difference a year makes. Just ask Jose Theodore. One year ago the Avalanche were considering buying out the final two years of Theodore's contract. Now, he's taking them into the post-season. The Avalanche weren't expected to make a splash this season, but they are very capable of knocking off the Minnesota Wild. Can Jose Theodore steal a game for the Avalanche? We'll have to wait for the answer, but I can't give him the benefit of the doubt. Instead, Petr Forsberg will look to answer the critics instead. In 9 games with the Avs Forsberg has ammassed 14 points, proving that his new skate boot fits. Unfortunately for Forsberg, the 'glass slipper' so to speak doesn't as it will be an early exit for the Avalanche.
Minnesota in 6
Anaheim Ducks (4) vs. Dallas Stars (5)
What a series hockey fans are in for; can you say George Parros vs. Steve Ott? That pretty much sums up what kind of battle this match-up will be. This series could prove to be one for the ages because of an 'in-your-face' style that both teams love to play. Look for a low scoring, hard hitting affair as the defending Stanley Cup champions look to knock out Marty Turco in the first round (for the umpteenth time in the playoffs). However, Brad Richards knows a little thing or two about winning Stanley Cups and he didn't come to Dallas to lose. If any team can keep up with Anaheim, the Ducks are certainly staring a team in the face that can. Going out on a limb, the Stars will take the series in dramatic fashion. Marty Turco has finally arrived.
Dallas in 7
Regardless of who comes out on top in these series, there is one thing for certain; we are in for one heck of a ride when the puck drops on April 9th. What a great time to be a fan of the National Hockey League.
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