First Round Preds-ictions
By Buddy Oakes
The 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs are underway. The Predators and Blackhawks still have to wait just a bit until the kickoff.
Here is a look at the first round series along with my deft picks as to who will advance.
Washington Capitals (1) - Montreal Canadians (8)
After running away with the President's Trophy (best regular season record), the Caps are unlikely to stub their toe against the Habs. But, I don’t see then going all the way to the finals. Montreal's goaltending will take the series deeper than many expect. Washington in six.
New Jersey Devils (2) – Philadelphia Flyers (7)
These two teams do not like each other and this series will produce plenty of bumps and bruises. Brian Boucher will be over-matched in goal, while the Devils have a future hall-of-famer in Marty Brodeur. It will be interesting to see how Ilya Kovulchuk plays in his first playoff games with a decent team. New Jersey in five.
Buffalo Sabres (3) – Boston Bruins (6)
This will be a long series to be dominated by defence and goaltending that will help Boston go deep. Ryan Miller will ultimately be the difference maker. Several overtime games that will not produce much offence by either team. Buffalo in seven.
Pittsburgh Penguins (4) – Ottawa Senators (5)
Coach Dan Bylsma is determined to return the Pens to the finals. Even with a ring on his finger, I still am not a huge Marc-Andre Fleury fan, but he should be able to handle the Sens. This will not be a long series as Ottawa will not match the Pen’s firepower. Pittsburgh in five.
San Jose Sharks (1) – Colorado Avalanche (8)
For the first time in several years the Sharks will not have a chance to stub their toes in the first round. The Avs have not played well down the stretch and there is no reason to believe that they will rebound now. San Jose in five.
Chicago Blackhawks (2) – Nashville Predators (7)
The Predators have been playing playoff-style hockey all season and are built for low scoring defensive contests. In spite of Chicago’s superior firepower, Pekka Rinne will be the star of the series as he will keep the Hawks in check and give the Preds a chance in every game. Nashville in six.
Vancouver Canucks (3) – Los Angeles Kings (6)
Had this series been played before the Olympic break, I would have picked the Kings to win. However, Jonathan Quick has not won a game since March 22. Luongo has not been at his best in the Nuck’s goal but I think that Vancouver’s firepower will reign. Vancouver in six.
Phoenix Coyotes (4) – Detroit Red Wings (5)
Detroit has been almost unbeatable since the Olympic going 16-3-2, but the Coyotes have not been far behind at 13-4-2. This will be a long series with the potential of several overtime games. Detroit has made the finals the last two years and their age and fatigue will show. Phoenix in seven.
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