NHL Playoffs: Round 1 Predictions

My sense is that there will be a couple of tight series in Round 1 but most will be rather unbalanced. Here's my predictions:

Western Conference

1 San Jose vs. 8 Anaheim
- Projects to be one of the best first round series, but the all-round impressive Sharks will prevail. San Jose in 6.

2 Detroit vs. 7 Columbus
- Columbus will simply be over-matched by the star-studded Red Wings. Detroit in 5.

3 Vancouver vs. 6 St. Louis
- How did St. Louis rise to 6th? What a finish. Unfortunately their lack of playoff experience will show against the solid D and excellent goaltending of the Canucks. Vancouver in 5.

4 Chicago vs. 6 Calgary
- Chicago will prove themselves by taking care of the Flames but Iginla and co. will not go quietly. Maybe the most unpredictable match-up. Chicago in 7.

Eastern Conference

1 Boston vs. 8 Montreal
- The storied rivalry will have to wait till next season to resume in force. The deep and hungry Bruins will dominate the hapless Habs. Boston in 5.

2 Washington vs. 7 New York Rangers
- Lundqvist may steal one and Theodore will probably give one away. Washington in 6.

3 New Jersey vs 6 Carolina
- Not a good match-up for the Devils. Parise will find it difficult to lead this team to victory against the streaking Hurricanes. Carolina in 6.

4 Pittsburgh vs 5 Philadelphia
- Has the potential to be the most exciting series with loads of firepower at both ends. But goaltending favours the Penguins, who showed they are a legitimate Stanley Cup threat last post-season. Pittsburgh in 6.

Just to give you a sense of what I am thinking long-term, here is my roster for the office playoff pool.

Sidney Crosby, PIT
Daniel Sedin, VCR
Chris Kunitz, PIT
Bill Guerin, PIT
Ryan Clowe, SJ
Petr Sykora, PIT
Devin Setoguchi, SJ
Jordan Staal, PIT
Alex Burrows, VCR
Ruslan Fedotenko, PIT
Sami Salo, VCR
Tyler Kennedy, PIT