This is the time of year that every NHL fan waits for. The Stanley Cup playoffs. So without further hesitation, let’s break down the series.
First in the East, the Bruins face a familiar rival in the Montreal Canadiens. Boston and Montreal are no strangers to each other, and Montreal has had the edge in recent memory. Not this year. Shaky goaltending and an uninterested offense led by Kovalev will be the Habs downfall. Bruins in 5.
Rangers vs. Capitals. This one is close, but I believe the Capitals will prevail. Ovechkin has something to prove after last year, and he has a nice surrounding cast. The Caps will defeat the Rangers, who haven’t been able to put it together for any long period of time lately, in 6.
Devils vs. Hurricanes. The Devils will erase the Hurricanes led by Brodeur. As overrated as some of us think Brodeur is, he can still steal the series for the Devils. Cam Ward will have to stand on his head to beat the Devils. Devils in 6.
Flyers vs. Penguins. The Pens just have too many guns. The Flyers are a gritty team with lots of talent, but if Crosby and Malkin get on their rolls, the Flyers are done. Their goaltending is too suspect to hold off two solid lines from the Pens for any length of time. Penguins in 5.
Now the West:
Sharks vs. Ducks. This is the first upset. The Ducks are a gritty team, capable of stealing a series or two. The Sharks have no playoff heart, and unless Joe Thornton shakes his reputation of the being the NHL’s Tin Man, the Sharks won’t get by the first round. Ducks in 6.
Blue Jackets vs. Red Wings. The Jackets are in for the first time in their history, but it won’t be a long stay. Steve Mason will win the Calder, but not the Conn Smythe. The Wings are too deep and too experienced. The Jackets will try, but will fall to the mighty Red Wing machine. Red Wings in 4.
Blues vs. Canucks. This will be another series hard to call. I believe the Blues have the grit, but do they have the talent to beat Luongo? If they can solve Luongo, they will win. If they can’t, it will be short. Blues in 7.
Blackhawks vs. Flames. The Blackhawks are young, hungry, and oh so talented. The Flames are having troubles staying consistent. This will not be a long series. The ‘Hawks have something to prove. ‘Hawks in 4.