Yes, the most wonderful time of the year is here, The
Stanley Cup Playoffs. The 60 Day War for Lord Stanley’s Cup. I think the Cup is
up for grabs this year more than any year since the Lockout. Last year I picked
correctly picked the winner in every series except the Finals. This year I can
only guarantee won one series, so let’s begin there.
The East-
Pittsburgh vs
Columbus- If the Penguins don’t win this series, the planet better be hit with
a meteor because life as we know it will end in Pittsburgh. The Pens will have
everybody healthy except Pascal Dupuis. Geno Malkin was flying before his
injury and Kris Letang is rounding into shape. The Blue Jackets will be missing
their only playoff tested guys in Nathan Horton , R J Umberger and Nick Foligno.
I’m not picking Pens in 4 because I’m old school and that means revenge.
PENS in 5
Boston vs Detroit- The Bruins had a great regular season and
did not deserve the Red Wings in round 1. Boston is the best team in the East
and has the best goaltending but Detroit is fast and skilled. Detroit Mike
Babcock will know how to make Zdeno Chara’s life hell but I think the B’s have
too much size and depth up front to wear out the smaller Wings. If Wings
Nyquist, Tatar and the old witch Datsyuk steal one in Beantown it could get
interesting.
Bruins in 6
New York vs Philadelphia – This will be an absolute war. The
Flyers have scoring depth up front but the Rangers have the advantage on
defense. The Rangers big tough defensemen will not let the Flyers pull their
usual bullshit around the crease and King Henry is the difference in this
series
Rangers in 7
Tampa vs Montreal – Tampa has had a swell year over coming
tons of drama but they will not overcome losing their goaltender Ben Bishop.
Montreal has too much tradition and scoring for a back up to handle.
Montreal in 6
This leaves us with an amazing second round. Bruins vs
Canadiens is hockey’s Jews vs Arabs and the Penguins would face one of their two
biggest New York or Philly. In Pittsburgh losing to New York is equal to your
fish dying, losing to Philly is your dog dying but we will save these
predictions for the next round, onto the West.
The West -
Anaheim vs Dallas- I love the Stars. Lindy Ruff is a great
coach and the power duo of Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin are exciting but the Ducks
duo if Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry have a better supporting cast. BBQ Bruce
Boudreau will get exposed in the playoffs but not in round one.
Ducks in 5
Los Angeles vs San Jose – Both of these teams could be
picked to win the Stanley Cup for a variety of reasons. Both teams have four
lines of big, nasty men who can score, a sound defense and Cup winning goalies,
so who do you take? I’ll take the Kings because of the goalies. Quick has been
sharper than Niemi this year, plus Drew Doughty is just a beast on the Kings
blue line.
Kings in 7
Chicago vs St Louis- Chicago was looking like a lock to win
the West then their two superstars got hurt but now Toews and Kane are back so
lookout West. Chicago DOES have the ability to turn it on and they will this
series. St Louis is limping into the playoffs and always has trouble scoring in
the playoffs. Ryan Miller is not enough to save their fate.
Blackhawks in 5
Colorado vs Minnesota- Colorado is missing scoring machine
Matt Duchene but they still have enough to beat a goal tender that either
belong in a hospital (Harding) or a mental institution (Bryzgalov) . The Avs
kids came on strong and earned the right to take on the Wild. Roy won’t let
them waste that good fortune.
Avs in 6
If you live in the East, stay up a watch LA vs SJ it could be
the best series of the entire playoffs.
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