The 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs will begin in about half an hour's time, and I, personally, am looking forward to the way this year's second season will shape itself. So, I will join in on the fun and attempt to make predictions on each series and a brief explanation to why I pick each team.
I will predict at the beginning of each round and calculate my record at the end of them.
- . - . - Western Conference - . - . -
(1)San Jose > (8)Aneheim Ducks [5 games]
I hear people talking about how the Ducks could actually pull this one off, but I don't see it being possible at all. San Jose is simply too deep and too good of a team for the one line, half a goaltender Ducks. It should make an interesting battle of California, though.
(2) Detroit Red Wings > (7) Columbus Blue Jackets [5 games]
It's red versus blue. Normally I choose blue over red, but in this case, there is no way Detroit can lose to Columbus. Detroit's team didn't change much from last year's cup winning group; if anything, they got better with the addition of Hossa. I view Columbus a lot like the Oilers, but the year the Oilers upset Detroit was because we made solid, solid additions at the deadline, something Columbus didn't do. Detroit shouldn't have much trouble
(3) Vancouver Canucks > (6) St. Louis Blues [6 games]
As much as I hate Vancouver and as much as the Blues have put on a terrific story, I simply don't think they have it in them, in the playoffs, to win a series. The Blues' group of guys are too young and inexperienced to really do anything, and I'm afraid the miracle season will have to end here against the 'nux. How far Vancouver will go in the playoffs is a completely different story.
(4) Chicago Blackhawks < (5) Calgary Flames [7 games]
Man, this is a really, really tough series to decide upon. I want Chicago to win because I love Patrick Kane, but I think Calgary should be able to take it. You get Toews and Kane going against Iginla and Cammalleri. Then you look at the secondary list, and although Chicago has better depth than Calgary, I think the 'lames gritty and in-your-face style will get to the Hawks. Then comes the battle between Kiprusoff and Khabibulin - Kipper is the man.
- . - . - Eastern Conference - . - . -
(1) Boston Bruins > (8) Montreal Canadiens [5 games]
This will be an epic battle between these passionate rivals, but Boston has got this in the bag. Boston is too good in all areas relative to Montreal and, therefore, should dominate in every area. The only aspect where the duel may be a little harder to decide is in goaltending - Thomas versus Price. Thomas has been the better goalie all year, whereas Price has had HUGE downs, so Thomas will prevail.
(2) Washington Capitals > (7) New York Rangers [5 games]
No brainer here. The Rangers really took a fall as the season progressed and Lundqvist will not be able to help them overcome the high speed, high intensity group led by, the one and only, AO. On top of that, the Rangers can't score, so even though Jose Theodore is questionable in net, it shouldn't matter for them; this series will be over before I can even take note of it.
(3) New Jersey Devils > (6) Carolina Hurricanes [6 games]
This one is also a tough one to decide on. I have to hand it to the Devils because of the style that they play and the core that they have. Brodeur should outplay Ward; Parise, Elias, Langenbrunner, Zajac, et al. should be able to handle the surge of Staal and comopany after Cole returned; the defense is where Carolina might have an edge because of the bombs they can throw from the point, but in the end, it will not matter as much since Brodeur is the man.
(4) Pittsburgh Penguins > (5) Philidelphia Flyers [7 games]
Just like the Calgary and Chicago series, this one can swing both ways; however, at the end of it all, I think Pittgsburgh winning is only reasonable. Malkin tends to die out during the post-season as demonstrated last year; Richards is a better overall player than Crosby because he can handle his own end; the top 3 lines of Philidelphia is better than Pittsburgh's but it might not be enough; there isn't enough on the back end for the Flyers to be able to be confident; and last but not least, I do believe Fleury is a better goaltender than Biron.
So there you have it, my picks for the first round of this year's playoffs, and just in time too! Let's see how horribly off I am when the second round begins.
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