This season, I did pretty well for my mid-season playoff predictions going 13 for 16.
Predictions Right On or Close to the Money: Pittsburgh, Ottawa, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Boston, New York Rangers, Washington, Detroit, San Jose, Anaheim, Calgary, Minnesota, and Colorado.
Predictions Totally Blown: Carolina, Vancouver, St. Louis.
Boy was I wrong about the three teams I missed out on though: Dallas, Montreal, and Nashville. In fact, it seems that other than San Jose, these are three of the most talked about teams going into the playoffs. So, once again I say, I hate predictions.
And with that positive note, here are my 2008 Stanley Cup Playoff First Round Predictions:
Western Conference(1) Detroit Red Wings vs. (8) Nashville Predators
Prediction: Detroit 4-2
Why: Just like every other hockey pundit, I'm going to continue to underestimate the Predators. With the experience and sheer power of the Red Wings, the Predators are going to have a huge task ahead of them to survive a seven game series that includes four games in Detroit. The key to this series will be the first two games. If Detroit goes to Nashville up 2-0, the chances of the Preds coming back would be slim, to put it generously.
(2) San Jose Sharks vs. (7) Calgary Flames
Prediction: San Jose 4-2
Why: This is the first round series to watch. During the past few weeks it has appeared that the Sharks have finally matched the hype surrounding them for years, going 19-1-2 in their final twenty-two games.The trade deadline addition of Brian Campbell added an offensive threat from the blue line, but also brought a greater sense of patience and confidence in the Sharks defensive play. The worry for the Sharks is the problem that cost them their 2nd round series against the Red Wings last season: their ability to maintain a lead. The Flames are a team that have become known for coming back from behind during games, and any team with a lead and Mikka Kipprusoff in goal is a serious threat. Expect a hard fought, tough series.
(3) Minnesota Wild vs. (6) Colorado Avalanche
Prediction: Colorado 4-1
Why: The Wild are a team that will not go down without a fight, and given the possibility that they could field an on-ice roster that includes Chris Simon, Derek Boogard, and Todd Fedoruk, the opposing team is likely to come out battered and bruised. The edge in the series goes to the Avalanche due to their top two lines and their new found defensive depth as a result of the deadline acquisitions of D-men Adam Foote and Ruslan Salei. Consider the fact that Jordan Leopold is likely to be a healthy scratch as the Avs 7th defenseman, and you will have a hint as to how deep their blue line is.
(4) Anaheim Ducks vs. (5) Dallas Stars
Prediction: Anaheim 4-2
Why: Due to their experience at every position, the Ducks have got to be the favorite to win the Cup yet again. As long as every man on their roster plays to his ability and manages to stay relatively healthy, the Ducks will remain the team to beat. The wild card in this series, as it has been with every series involving the Stars over the past few years, will be Marty Turco. Despite his phenomenal play in last year's playoffs, the Stars still managed to lose in the first round to Vancouver. It would seem that the Stars ticket to winning this series will be Turco stopping every Anaheim opportunity, every game.
Eastern Conference
(1) Montreal Canadiens vs. (8) Boston Bruins
Prediction: Montreal 4-1
Why: Simply put, Carey Price is a man possessed. Add the fact that Montreal beat Boston in every meeting during the regular season, and you have a series that looks like a no-brainer. If Boston wins this series, it could be the biggest upset of the playoffs; don't count on it though. The Kings, Thrashers, and Blues have a better chance of landing Steve Stamkos in the NHL Draft than the Bruins do of beating the Habs.
(2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (7) Ottawa Senators
Prediction: Pittsburgh 4-0
Why: Can anyone remember watching a team fall from grace in such a tragic and unnecessary way as the Sens have this year? By Christmas the Senators were the team to beat. By St. Patrick's Day they were the team everyone in the Eastern Conference was hoping to play in the first round. Obviously Bryan Murray's comments about the Pens throwing their final regular season game to the Flyers in order to get matched up with his Sens was nothing more than a desperate attempt from a desperate coach/GM to sway the focus away from his team's erratic play. The Sens only hope will be for their players to get hungry and desperate, and now.
(3) Washington Capitals vs. (6) Philadelphia Flyers
Prediction: Philadelphia 4-3
Why: This prediction can't necessarily be deemed an upset considering Philadelphia (95) finished with more regular season points than Washington (94). Looking ahead, it would be phenomenal to see a Capitals vs. Penguins Eastern Conference Final, but it's much more likely that the Caps will burn out after their unlikely regular season finish. Also, Martin Biron will finally have the opportunity to show his stuff in the playoffs, and it's likely he may surprise a few people.
(4) New Jersey Devils vs. (5) New York Rangers
Prediction: New York 4-2
Why: Though the Devils are one of the most experienced playoff teams in the Eastern Conference, it seems as though it is finally the Rangers time to be a serious threat in the playoffs. The off-season signings of playoff heroes Chris Drury and Scott Gomez are the factors which seem to put the Rangers over the top. The Devils certainly won't be push overs, but it just simply seems to be the Rangers time.
2 comments:
A few counterpoint, which may not surprise you, seeing that you've seen my bracket....
Western Conference
(4) Anaheim Ducks vs. (5) Dallas Stars
Prediction: Anaheim 4-2
Counterpoint: Dallas in 6 or 7
Dallas is going to surprise alot of people in this series. I expect Marty Turco to play more confidently as all the attention wont be on him this year. If last night's game is any indication. Also, the ducks are going to wear down eventually, Stanley Cup Fatigue or whatever, plus I jsut can't pick the ducks on principal.
Eastern Conference
(3) Washington Capitals vs. (6) Philadelphia Flyers
Counterpoint: Caps in 5 or 6
First, we'd only see a penguins-caps in the semifinals, unless the bruins pull off a major upset, right? I have to think the Caps have Momentum, and they have Ovechkin. Going into the playoffs, it's usually teams that had to work hard late to get there that will have early success. Also, Huet has been solid for the Caps, who dont have to rely on the unpredictable Olie the Goalie.
I have to say I agree with most of the other predictions...any chance you'll put up everyone's brackets so we can critique and analyze them to no end until someone hoists the cup?
Re: "If last night's game is any indication. Also, the ducks are going to wear down eventually, Stanley Cup Fatigue(.)"
I'd be careful underestimating that team. They never play two terrible games in a row, so expect them to bounce back in a big way. I agree with your read on Turco though. The Ducks may come out like a bat out of hell, but if they can't score, they can't win.
Re: "First, we'd only see a penguins-caps in the semifinals, unless the bruins pull off a major upset, right?"
You're right. Somehow in my sleep deprived daddy-day-care state, the Caps and Pens in the semi-finals made perfect sense. The only way they can meet in the Conference Final would be for the Bruins to pull the upset.
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