I'm on the clock here so maybe I'll try to summarize each series in one sentence. I'm also not going to try to predict how many games each series will go because that's one of the dumbest and most pointless predictions in sports.
EAST
#1 Washinton vs #8 Montreal
Washington had a goal differential of +85...Montreal was -6 on the season. If you're a Montreal fan watch as much as you can right now because this is it. Washington to advance.
#2 New Jersey vs #7 Philadelphia
I think Philly is better than the average #7 seed. They started so slow. They also still have no goal-tending. NJ is what you'd expect out of a #2 and they have Brodeur. I pick Jersey.
#3 Buffalo vs #6 Boston
Just like the old days in the Adams division. Boston did well to get in this year with all their injuries and lack of firepower. Buffalo is a young, solid, well-rounded team with and exceptional goalie. I take the Sabres in this one.
#4 Pittsburgh vs #5 Ottawa
Looking forward to this match-up. Ottawa is a little light on playoff experience, but they have Carrie Underwood now. Pittsburgh just seems a bit off. I may be carrying a slight grudge against Pittsburgh with this prediction. I pick Ottawa.
WEST
#1 San Jose vs #8 Colorado
Colorado is in a free fall. It was a great accomplishment that they got here this year. San Jose has something to prove in the playoffs. Beating Colorado won't prove anything, but it's the first necessary step to doing so. San Jose to move on.
#2 Chicago vs #7 Nashville
Another division playoff match-up. Nashville keeps getting a raw deal in the playoffs. 100 points again and they earn the right to play the mighty Blackhawks. This Chicago team is awesome as well as fun to watch. Nashville will have to steal this series with goal-tending which is the Blackhawk's area of weakness. Taking Chicago here.
#3 Vancouver vs #6 Los Angeles
This will be a good series. The Kings are going places in the years to come. H Sedin won the scoring title. You could have got some nice odds betting that before the season started. I'm going to take the team with the better goalie, the most experience, plays Phish during breaks in the action, and has the most annoying nation anthem singer. Vancouver.
#4 Phoenix vs #5 Detroit
Phoenix had 14 wins via the shootout. I could argue that their seeding is very inflated. Their goal differential, offence, defence is similar to Detroit's, but Detroit was decimated by injuries the first half of the year and their coach had a few other things on his mind. (Gold Medal). Detroit is on fire, has the experience and may fancy their position of underdog a little bit. The goaltending in Phoenix has been outstanding this year and it's really come along in Detroit with Howard in the second half. I don't see how anyone could pick Phoenix in this series. Detroit.
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