San Jose (1) vs. Colorado (8)
I'm so sure San Jose could beat the Hershey Bears in a playoff series. I'm quite confident that San Jose will not be winning the Stanley Cup this season. There top line of Thorton, Marleau and Heatley may be the best in the league but they are also the softest line too. However, Colorado faded in the stretch and may not have enough gas in the tank to beat the Sharks.
Reluctantly picking San Jose
Chicago (2) vs. Nashvillie (7)
Every team has flaws, even the teams at the top of the standings. Chicago is no exception with their very ordinary goaltending. But Chicago has a potent offense and Nashville can't score so I don't see goaltending tipping the scales one way or another. Chicago had a lot of players participate in the Olympics which may create fatigue down the line but not in this round.
Confident that Chicago will win
Vancouver (3) vs. Los Angeles (6)
If you were to go by the goaltending match up, I wouldn't know what to tell you. Luongo has been awful as late despite so competent work during the Olympics. You hope he comes around for the playoffs but how can you be sure. However, Jonathan Quick has also faded so who knows. Both teams have had good offense but you would have to give the Canucks the edge with Sedin twins.
Picking Vancouver
Phoenix (4) vs. Detroit (5)
The Coyotes shouldn't even be in Phoenix let alone finishing with over 100 points and their first playoff appearance in years. They will go as far as their goalie Ilya Bryzgalov can carry them on his back. Unfortunately they drew Detroit who seem to have finally recovered from a rash of injuries. They are now healthy and the have one the best records since the all star break.
I'm taking Detroit.
Washington (1) vs. Montreal (8)
Washington has an incredibly potent offense but soft goaltending. However, this shouldn't be a factor against Montreal who just slipped into the playoffs by losing to the Leafs but earning a critical single point in the last game of the season. Washington's problems pale in comparison to Montreal 's. Ovechkin didn't dominate this season but there are so many other good players in that lineup that it doesn't really matter.
Going with Washington.
New Jersey (2) vs. Philadelphia (7)
If you over look all the accolades, Brodeur has been fading for several years now. But Philadelphia has had so many goalies hurt this season that I keep expecting to see Gerry McNamara in net one game. Philadelphia has underperformed all year though I suspect this has to do more with the big gapping hole in net. Picking up Ilya Kovalchuk hasn't exactly hurt New Jersey either.
New Jersey by a nose.
Buffalo (3) vs. Boston (6)
This series may go down as the most boring in the history of the Stanley Cup. Avoid it at all cost. Boston cannot score and Buffalo isn't much better. Throw in some decent goaltending and you have the fornula to keep me asleep until round 2. Miller is the league MVP which is all you need against the toothless Bruins.
Pittsburgh (4) vs. Ottawa (5)
Ottawa has had a strong finish to the season once their goaltending situation was cleared up. The Stanley Cup champions have looked flat all year but you can't count out a Sidney Crosby team this early in the playoffs.
Pittsburgh should win
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