NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions

[Sal]

Tonight, the Stanley Cup hockey playoffs---the greatest reality series on TV today---begin as 16 teams look to win the most sought-after, and most difficult trophy to win, in pro sports, the Stanley Cup. The action can be seen on CBC and TSN in Canada, as well as ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC in the US. Here are my predictions and observations for Round 1:

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Detroit vs Nashville---Detroit in 4

Last season, Detroit suffered a huge upset in the first round at the hands of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. This year, they face another heavy underdog in Nashville. I doubt the Wings will make the same mistake twice. This one should be a breeze, but you never know.

San Jose vs St. Louis---San Jose in 6

This is a tough series to call. I'm picking the Sharks because I believe that they have the better team, but an upset isn't out of the question either.

Colorado vs Dallas---Dallas in 6

The Avalanche suffered through a disappointing regular season by their standards and the playoffs don't get any easier with Dallas as their opponents. Those looking for a classic Detroit/Avalanche rematch further down the road will have to wait at least one more year.

Vancouver vs Calgary---Vancouver in 6

Calgary really came on down the stretch and are seen as a team that can surprise a lot of people in the post-season. Vancouver appears ripe for the picking without Todd Bertuzzi but I don't see that as being a factor until later, when the competition becomes a lot stiffer.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Toronto vs Ottawa---Toronto in 5

Ottawa was picked by many experts to win the Cup this year, but they haven't shown me too much to make me believe it. They still have to get by Toronto, who have beaten them in their past 3 playoff meetings, and have a solid core of veterans that can handle any situation that comes along. This should be the most intense series of the first round, and possibly the most fun to watch.

Boston vs Montreal---Montreal in 6

Even though Boston is a big favorite to win this series, there are a lot of factors that work against them, such as an inexperienced goaltender in Andrew Raycroft, a serious rib injury to Joe Thornton that will sideline him indefinitely, and a 7-22 lifetime record of past series won against the Habs. That could be too much for them to handle, even against a supposedly inferior opponent.

Philadelphia vs New Jersey---Philadelphia in 7

This is easily the toughest series to call. It may come down to one shot to decide it and its anybody's guess at this point as to who the hero will be. The Devils are hurting on defense due to the huge hole left by the absence of captain Scott Stevens, and the Flyers will try to expose that weakness every chance they get. In the end, that could be the difference.

Tampa Bay vs New York Islanders---Tampa Bay in 6

Every year, in the first round, there's always one series you look at and say to yourself, "Who cares?". This one is it for me. Both teams play an exciting style of hockey, but will anyone be watching?

[TJ]

Detroit vs Nashville---Nashville in 6

Everybody says it's an easy win for Detroit, but I think Nashville is going to cause them all kinds of problems. Legace has played 1 period in the playoffs and their backup Curtis Joseph has always struggled come playoff time. Predators pull an even bigger upset then the Mighty Ducks.

San Jose vs St. Louis---San Jose in 7

These teams have had great series in the past, but I think the Sharks have a little more depth then the Blues. The Blues defense is much weaker having lost MacInnis and Jackman. I see it going the distance, however, with home ice being a factor.

Colorado vs Dallas---Colorado in 6

Arguably, one of the better matchups of the first round. I think the Avalanche will be able to get by Turco and company. Aebischer proves he belongs in the series and Sakic and Forsberg pile up the points.

Vancouver vs Calgary---Vancouver in 7

If you remember 1994, the Canucks and Flames battled in a classic 7 game series and the Canucks went on to the Stanley Cup Finals. I envision another classic series and a trip to the finals for the Canucks (my favorite since 1982). Sanderson and Rucinsky will help make up for the loss of Bertuzzi.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Toronto vs Ottawa---Toronto in 7

Another great matchup, too bad for the Canadians that 2 of their teams will be out of it after the first round. Both of these teams have no apparent weaknesses. Belfour outplays Lalime and the Leafs survive on home ice.

Boston vs Montreal---Boston in 7

The Canadiens are scrappy, but goaltending will be the difference. Inexperience shouldn't affect Andrew Raycroft, remember a guy by the name of Patrick Roy? I am not comparing him to Roy, but nothing seems to rattle Raycroft. Boston's acquisitions of Slegr, Gonchar, and Nylander were key.

Philadelphia vs New Jersey---Philadelphia in 7

I think fatigue will be a factor for Marty Brodeur and the loss of Scott Stevens is huge. The Flyers have enough offense and either Esche or Burke will be able to carry them into the next round.

Tampa Bay vs New York Islanders---Tampa Bay in 6

Nobody believes in the Lightning, but having watched many of their games this season - they are for real. They really have no weaknesses when you look at their team on paper. I think they make a run to the finals to face Vancouver.

In the 2nd round, I see:

Tampa Bay over Toronto in 7
Boston over Philadelphia in 6
San Jose over Nashville in 6
Vancouver over Colorado in 7

Semi-finals:

Tampa Bay over Boston in 7
Vancouver over San Jose in 6

Finals:

Vancouver over Tampa Bay in 7

Markus Naslund wins the Conn Smythe

[Swimfan85]

Joe Thorton's rib injury, isnt holding him back, I believe he is going to play tonight

[Swimfan85]

yah he played and raycroft got a shut out

[Sal]

TJ, I read your predictions and I noticed that you're the only one so far out of all the media and fans that I've heard and read about who believes that Nashville can beat Detroit. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see it happen and I think it would be great, but I was wondering what it is about these two teams that would lead you to believe an upset is possible. Do you think Nashville has the team that could turn out to be like Anaheim was last year or are there other factors involved that you think will be more important as the series progresses?

Incidentally, I disagree with your assessment of the goaltenders. Despite his inexperience, I think Manny Legace is a good goalie and I think he could handle playing under pressure, otherwise the Wings would have looked elsewhere. That would mean putting in Joseph. I saw Joseph play in Toronto for 4 years and, trust me, if Legace falters, he could do the job. I know he's never won the Cup but this year could be his best chance even if he has to sit on the bench to do it, unless the upset you predicted comes true.

In that case, it will all be Legace's fault!

[TJ]

I know people say the regular season doesn't mean anything, but Nashville beat Detroit in their regular season series. I still won't change my mind after game 1, Nashville was playing their game for the first 2 periods. Had they scored on that penalty shot early on, I think they would have been able to hang on leading 2-0. I don't care how Legace plays in the series, if they lose the media and fans will all blame it on him.

[Sargent Stewie]

Detriot has been my favorite team since I was 3. Now I don't even know if Steve Yzerman is still there, but I heard they made the playoffs, so i'm guessing I want the Red Wings to win.

[Swimfan85]

lets go bruins!! best road team in NHL...end the series!!

[db108108]

Go Canadiens Go! Game 7 Monday night!

I only care about the NHL playoffs for the Canadian teams, it's great that there are 5, but it's unfortunate that four are playing each other. If the Canadiens can take game 7 (they've owned the series the last two games), then at least three Canadian teams will still be in it.

Right now, I'm watching Game 6 Calgary vs. Vancouver. After so many years of nothing, this has to be a dream season for Calgary fans.

[Jenya]

Originally posted by db108108
Go Canadiens Go! Game 7 Monday night!

I only care about the NHL playoffs for the Canadian teams, it's great that there are 5, but it's unfortunate that four are playing each other. If the Canadiens can take game 7 (they've owned the series the last two games), then at least three Canadian teams will still be in it.

Thanks to my company, I was just at the Montreal game yesterday.

Montreal Rocks- I hope we take out Boston!!

[KJH278]

[Zebra 3]

*

[db108108]

A reminder (as if you needed it). Game 7 tomorrow night at 8pm on the CBC Boston-Montreal, then game 7 Calgary-Vancouver at 10:30. What a great night of tv!

[Sal]

Originally posted by STEPH_McMAHON_FAN

DITTO!!!!!!!!

[db108108]

Habs win 2-0!!!!!

Next up: Cal vs. Van

Then tomorrow night: Toronto vs. Ottawa