2011 NHL Playoffs: I've Seen this Movie Before

82 games later and the real season begins. It's exciting for fans of hockey in general and frankly it makes me so nervous I feel sick days before games (I admit that is taking fandom way too far). But seeing as it's a stressful time of the year for me (at least for another week or 2) I'll do a quick rundown of what I think we are going to see starting Wednesday and post an update each round. Keep in mind these picks are using my head, if I used my heart they would be planning a parade passed the Bell Centre come June. Anyways, here we go!

Eastern Conference:
(1)Washington Vs. (8) New York Rangers: It's not even a contest, all due respect to the Rangers, but this is a Washington team that is vastly superior to the mirage they were when Montreal took them down a year ago. It could get interesting....but not for long Prediction: Washington in 5

(2) Philadelphia Vs. (7) Buffalo: This one could be interesting. The Flyers were the team to beat all year, they roll out three lines that could be number one anywhere else. However without Chris Pronger they look lost, and they more or less enter the post season puttering alone rather than steam rolling opponents like they did at the start of the season. Pronger's health is critical, but so is Ryan Millers. Miller or not, Philly is too good to be put away by an offensively challenged team like the Sabres. Prediction: Philadelphia in 6

(3) Boston Vs. (6) Montreal: This is what playoff hockey is all about. The NHL higher-ups are dancing a jig that these forever rivals drew each other first round. Montreal will need Carey Price to continue his astounding season while the top six find some momentum and solve the drought of scoring that has plagued them all year. Boston is a solid team from top to bottom and the guy between the pipes is literally having a season for the history books. This one's a toss up, not because of skill level or depth (Boston takes those handily), but rather because when two rivals with such incredible history get together it is hard to predict the intangibles that will decide the outcome. It's going to seven either way so what the heck...Prediction: Montreal in 7

(4) Pittsburgh Vs. (5) Tampa Bay: May be the best series of the first round. Two very exciting teams, but I'm not going to bother with much analyzing. In the end, coaching will win it, and you can expect the Penguins to hold that advantage while Tampa's Guy Boucher is figuring out what it takes to coach in the NHL playoffs. Anyways I can't have the Pens out in the first round, because as you will see in a bit. I think they are in store for a lot of springtime hockey. Prediction: Pittsburgh in 6

Western Conference:

(1) Vancouver Vs. (8) Chicago: Poor Canucks fans. This is exactly who Vancouver did not want in their first round. Chicago is well disciplined and will have a chip on their shoulders in an effort to prove that they belong in the playoffs after squeaking in on the last day. Roberto Luongo will be haunted by the memories of  (a now gone) Big Buff. And Canada's best hope will be eliminated too soon. Prediction: Chicago in 7 

(2) San Jose Vs. (7) Los Angeles: It's the battle of Cali! And what a battle it will be! Two fantastic teams looking to shake their playoff demons. Will it come down to goaltending? Maybe, but in the end I like the big guns of San Jose over LA's top six, especially without Kopitar. Prediction: San Jose in 6

(3) Detroit Vs. (6) Phoenix: As much as I would love to see the Coyotes succeed. They just don't have a chance, Detroit is superior in every facet. Will this be the last NHL playoffs Phoenix ever experiences? Prediction: Detroit in 5

(4) Anaheim Vs. (5) Nashville: California has more teams in the playoffs this year than Canada. Thats rough to wrap the head around. This series doesn't need any analyzing, Anaheim is arguably the best team in the playoffs. Besides I can sum it up in two words: Corey Perry. Prediction: Anaheim in 4

Now for my abbreviated Second round and on picks: 

Eastern Conference Semi Finals: 
(1) Washington Over (6) Montreal
(4) Pittsburgh Over (2) Philadelphia 

Western Conference Semi Finals: 
(2) San Jose Over (8) Chicago
(3) Detroit Over (4) Anaheim 

Eastern Conference Final
(4) Pittsburgh Over (1) Washington

Western Conference Final:
(3) Detroit Over (2) San Jose

Stanley Cup Champion:
Detroit Over Pittsburgh 

My bold prediction; for the third time in four years, we will see the Wings and the Pens battle for Lord Stanley's mug. The veteran Wing lineup has one more magical cup run left in them, even against a Penguins team that is bolstered by the return of Sidney Crosby in the late playoff rounds.

So there we have it, the only thing I know for sure is that I'll be back to update and analyze the second round match's as soon as the teams are decided. Because the only certainty I have is that these predictions are dead wrong. 

                                                         








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