Playoff Picks

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Penguins (72) v. Islanders (55)

The Isles have some spunk, and I think they could beat most teams in the East, but they draw Pittsburgh.  Too bad for them.  Pens in 6.


Canadiens (63) v. Senators (56)

I’m just not a believer in this Canadiens team this year, and Price doesn’t look like himself.  I think Ottawa guts it out. Sens in 6.

Capitals (57) v. Rangers (56)

Have the Capitals recaptured their mojo of a few years past, when they were perennial East favorites?  I’m not sure, but they’re playing well enough to knock off the Rangers who never really got it going this season.  Caps in 7.

Bruins (62) v. Leafs (57)

 The Bruins lost in the first round last year, and are probably the coldest team entering the playoffs.  The Leafs are a surprise this year and will not be bullied by the Bruins.  Looks like a 7 game series to me.  Bruins in 7.



WESTERN CONFERENCE

Blackhawks (77) v. Wild (55)

 The Blackhawks were the best team in the regular season.  The Wild are objectively the weakest team in the playoffs.  We have a mismatch.  Hawks in 4.


Ducks (66) v. Wings (56)

 Are the Red Wings as good as they appeared at the end of the season?  Are the Ducks as good as their season-long performance suggests?  I’ll go with the sustained excellence and depth.  Ducks in 7.


Canucks (59) v. Sharks (57)

 I don’t like either of these team’s chances for a playoff run.  Sharks will dominate on faceoffs, and won’t need a lot of goals to win in what will likely be a sleepy series.  Sharks in 6.


Blues (60) v. Kings (59)

This looks like it might be the best first round series.  The Blues are still an up-and-coming team, don’t give up many shots, and have good skaters on defense.  The Kings are the defending champs and can be physically intimidating.  I’ll take the surging Blues and their mobile defense over the Kings with Quick in pedestrian form.  Blues in 7.