Post by thedarkangel1975 on Apr 8, 2012 10:00:41 GMT -5
Here are my predictions for the NHL Playoffs.
East
#1 Rangers vs#8 Ottawa - Ottawa could be that dark horse they have been all year, The Rangers need to be careful they do not look too far ahead. Still Broadyway Blue should prevail. Prediction: Rangers in 6
#2 Boston vs #7 Washington - I like this match up a lot. Washington always has a problem turning it up a notch in the playoffs. Think San Jose of the East. Bruins are too strong and playoff poised for the Caps. Prediction: Bruins in 6
#3 Florida vs #6 New Jersey - The Devils always seem to make the playoffs no matter what funk they get into. The Panthers have struggled down the stretch and I see our first upset here as Broduer still has the ability to steal a series. Prediction: Devils in 5
#4 Pittsburgh vs # 5 Philadelphia - The battle of the Keystone state. Pittsburgh has a bunch of whiners and the Flyers are probably the diriest team in the league especially Scottie Hartnell. I see this one going the distance and classic series. Prediction: Penguins in 7
West
#1 Vancouver vs #8 Los Angeles - Roberto Luongo has to breathe a sigh of relief not facing the Blackhawks first. No team has been up and down like the Kings have this year. No team is totally unpredictable as the Canucks. Can Jamie Quick show he truly is a number 1? The Canucks offense is just too much. Prediction: Canucks in 6
#2 St. Louis vs #7 San Jose - This is an odd turn around. Usually the seeding is the opposite way for both teams. Ken Hitchcock has done wonders with the Blues this year. Maybe not finishing so high will take the pressure off the Sharks. I am not totally sold on the Blues but they could prove me wrong with a deep playoff run. Prediction: San Jose in 7
#3 Phoenix vs #6 Chicago - I am in shock that Phoenix made the playoffs let alone win their division with the trades they made this past summer. The Coyotes are proof that coaching makes the difference hint, hint Edmonton, Toronto, and Montreal. The good thing, the Coyotes do not face The Red Wings in the first round but Chicago is no slouch. I see The Coyotes escaping the first round this year. Prediction: Coyotes in 7
#4 Nashville vs #5 Detroit - Detroit is easily the best 5 seed ever in my opinion. Never count the Wings out. Here is another situation where coaching does a world of difference. The Detroit has average goaltending at best yet they are a cup favorite every year. Barry Trotz has done an amazing job with his run as Predators coach. Can they shake the Red Wing monkey off their back? Not this year. Prediction: Wings in 6
East
#1 Rangers vs#8 Ottawa - Ottawa could be that dark horse they have been all year, The Rangers need to be careful they do not look too far ahead. Still Broadyway Blue should prevail. Prediction: Rangers in 6
#2 Boston vs #7 Washington - I like this match up a lot. Washington always has a problem turning it up a notch in the playoffs. Think San Jose of the East. Bruins are too strong and playoff poised for the Caps. Prediction: Bruins in 6
#3 Florida vs #6 New Jersey - The Devils always seem to make the playoffs no matter what funk they get into. The Panthers have struggled down the stretch and I see our first upset here as Broduer still has the ability to steal a series. Prediction: Devils in 5
#4 Pittsburgh vs # 5 Philadelphia - The battle of the Keystone state. Pittsburgh has a bunch of whiners and the Flyers are probably the diriest team in the league especially Scottie Hartnell. I see this one going the distance and classic series. Prediction: Penguins in 7
West
#1 Vancouver vs #8 Los Angeles - Roberto Luongo has to breathe a sigh of relief not facing the Blackhawks first. No team has been up and down like the Kings have this year. No team is totally unpredictable as the Canucks. Can Jamie Quick show he truly is a number 1? The Canucks offense is just too much. Prediction: Canucks in 6
#2 St. Louis vs #7 San Jose - This is an odd turn around. Usually the seeding is the opposite way for both teams. Ken Hitchcock has done wonders with the Blues this year. Maybe not finishing so high will take the pressure off the Sharks. I am not totally sold on the Blues but they could prove me wrong with a deep playoff run. Prediction: San Jose in 7
#3 Phoenix vs #6 Chicago - I am in shock that Phoenix made the playoffs let alone win their division with the trades they made this past summer. The Coyotes are proof that coaching makes the difference hint, hint Edmonton, Toronto, and Montreal. The good thing, the Coyotes do not face The Red Wings in the first round but Chicago is no slouch. I see The Coyotes escaping the first round this year. Prediction: Coyotes in 7
#4 Nashville vs #5 Detroit - Detroit is easily the best 5 seed ever in my opinion. Never count the Wings out. Here is another situation where coaching does a world of difference. The Detroit has average goaltending at best yet they are a cup favorite every year. Barry Trotz has done an amazing job with his run as Predators coach. Can they shake the Red Wing monkey off their back? Not this year. Prediction: Wings in 6
