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Edited on Tue Apr-12-11 02:05 PM by Forkboy
Chicago still has some great talent, but I think they lost some depth guys from last year's team, and I think that will be their demise. Plus, Vancouver has the pieces in place for a complete run. It's a decent rivalry though, and emotion can be a factor, so you never know. That's the beauty of the playoffs. :)
Here are my picks...
WEST
Vancouver over Chicago in 6
Nashville over Anaheim in 7 - Could be a great series. Anaheim is always tough, but Nashville has been playing great, and goalie Pekka Rinne is awesome, and he'd be a serious Vezina Award contender for best goalie if Tim Thomas hadn't played a record breaking season.
Phoenix over Detroit in 7 - I think this is the year for them to bump off Detroit. The Red Wings have been amazing all year, especially considering the amount of injuries they've had (and Zetterberg is out for Game 1). But I think Phoenix is a solid team, and have the edge in net, and if they stay cool and stick to their game they can take this series. The first round is the best chance to get at Detroit.
San Jose over L.A. in 5 - I'd say 4 if it wasn't for goalie Jonathan Quick. He's good enough to steal at least one game. Some major injuries for L.A. will kill any chance they have against a team as good as San Jose. Too much size and depth. A healthy L.A. would be lucky to win this series.
EAST
Washington over N.Y. in 6 - Interesting matchup. Lundqvist is an awesome goalie, and the Rangers have a clear advantage in goal in this series, but Washington seemed to buy into a defensive style for the last third of the season that's been awesome for them, and they've been playing really well. And they have Ovechkin.
Philly over Buffalo in 7 - Could be one of the best series. Should be some physical old time hockey. Miller is the better goalie for Buffalo, but Philly is a better team all around, and built for playoff hockey. This will be a tough series, but I think Philly will win it in the end.
Tampa Bay over Pittsburgh in 6 - No matter who loses it will be seen as a major disappointment, as both teams have Cup contention in mind. Pittsburgh just has too many key injuries. Even if Crosby plays he won't be up to game speed, let alone playoff game speed. No Malkin, some other guys questionable or playing hurt at best spells trouble, imo. Pittsburgh has a great goalie and a possible Coach of the Year winner, but this could be an early exit this year.
Boston over Montreal in 6 - This could just be wishful thinking as predicting anything besides old time hockey between these teams is risky. I do know that most series will be heating up by Game 3, but this series will be hot by minute 3. This will be playoff meeting number 33, and the two teams hate each other, and make no bones about it. Between Chara's hit last month, the 7-0 win for Boston and the 8-6 win for Boston that had tons of fights, this one is shaping up to be a lot of fun. Win or lose, this is as good as it gets for Bruins fans. The Red Sox World Series win was all the sweeter for going through the Yankees to get there, and it's the same for Montreal. :)
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