NHL Playoff Preview - 1st Round

First of all, check out Rob Ullman's NHL Playoff preview, he has a unique way of making his predictions. Here's his Eastern and Western Conference previews.

Eastern Conference:

(1) Washington Capitals vs. (8) Montreal Canadiens

Washington won the President's Trophy for having the best overall record in the NHL in the regular season. That's usually a kiss of death, kids. Washington dropped Game 1 to Montreal, but that can be overcome (2006 Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes). Washington's shaky goaltending and defense will cost them in the playoffs, just not this round.

Prediction: Caps in 6.

(2) New Jersey Devils vs. (7) Philadelphia Flyers

The Flyers took Game 1 in an upset. Martin Brodeur has struggled recently in the playoffs, especially to teams with Cam Ward in net. I can't see Brian Boucher carrying the Flyers through an entire round. I think Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise will do enough to get Jersey through to the second round.

Prediction: Devils in 6.

(3) Buffalo Sabres vs. (6) Boston Bruins

To quote my favorite band, Dropkick Murphys, "Go! Go! Black & Gold!". Alas, Ryan Miller is the best goalie in the world and Boston doesn't have enough offense to hold off the Slugs. Buffalo survives only to have their hopes dashed.... again.

Prediction: Sabres in 5.

(4) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (5) Ottawa Senators

Pittsburgh kind of limped into the playoffs and it carried over into a Game 1 upset by the Sens. Marc-Andre Fleury has not played up to his capabilities since the Olympic Break. Still, any team with Crosby, Malkin, Jordan Staal, and Bill Guerin should be able to put up the offense necessary to overcome shaky goaltending. I think the Pens will win and set up a Round 2 matchup with Ovechkin and the Capitals.

Prediction: Pens in 7.

Western Conference:

(1) San Jose Sharks vs. (8) Colorado Avalanche

To quote Carl Lewis, Uh-oh! The Sharks are perennial playoff chokers. The Avalanche are the plucky, never-say-die team of scrappy kids. If there's any sort of training or highlight montage, it would make a great 80s movie. Well, Avs fans, you're the best around, nothing's gonna ever get you down!!!

Prediction: Avs in 7.

(2) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (7) Nashville Predators

Chicago is the odds-on favorite in the West. Nashville is another plucky underdog team. Chicago's only concerns are goaltending and health on the blue line. If Cristobal Huet can be even serviceable, then the 'Hawks should have enough offense to go far.

Prediction: 'Hawks in 5.

(3) Vancouver Canucks vs. (6) Los Angeles Kings

The Canucks won an exciting Game 1 with an overtime goal by Mikael Samuelsson. The Kings are young and exciting, but I think their playoff inexperience will cost them. Roberto Luongo was clutch in the Olympic tournament but has been a spotty big game goalie in the past. The Sedin Twins will do enough to get Vancouver to the second round.

Prediction: Canucks in 7.

(4) Phoenix Coyotes vs. (5) Detroit Red Wings

The Desert Dogs won Game 1 in overtime. Detroit really struggled during the first half of the season, but were one of the top teams later in the season. If goalie Jimmy Howard can produce, then Detroit will be a force deep into the playoffs. After all, goalies have been able to win the Stanley Cup in their rookie seasons before (2006, Cam Ward and 1986, Patrick Roy).

Prediction: Wings in 6.

There you go. Hopefully I will be able to blog a bit more frequently. Actually, the NFL draft prediction blog is almost done and it's gonna be a veritable tome of football geek awesomeness. As a prima donna receiver once said, "Getcha popcorn ready!"