Playoff Predictions

It's amazing sometimes what boredom can do to someone and for me, it has forced me to post to my blog. Blogs have been hugely unpopular for a few months and while this won't resurrect them, it'll at least give me something to do for the next, mmmm, 10-15 minutes.

So, playoff predictions. Predicting the playoffs in February-March is much smarter than predicting the regular season results in September and there's a bit mroe chance you'll be right. There are still plenty of spots left out there, but I have my views on what will happen and who will be the top 8 teams in the West and East. In my opinion, Washington, New Jersey, San Jose and Chicago have all but guaranteed playing with hockey sticks and not golf clubs past April. Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Ottawa (), Vancouver, Phoenix and LA are close to joining that club of near-clinchers. That leaves roughly 6 spots (3 in both conferences) spots up for grabs. In the East, I believe those spots will go to Philadelphia, NY Rangers and Tampa Bay. Florida, Boston and Montreal will just miss out. In the West, the lucky ones should be Calgary, Anaheim and Detroit. Nashville and Colorado will fall out, while the rest of the pack won't come close enough. So, if taht's what happens, here are my playoff predictions....

EAST

ROUND 1

1) Washington Capitals vs 8) Tampa Bay Lightning

Currently the league's best team will stay there and the powerhouse Caps should have no troubles against the one-line and young Bolts.

Washington in 5

2) New Jersey Devils vs 7) New York Rangers

The new-look Devils can go far in the playoffs. The new-look Rangers will fall to their opponent's depth and their own questions, but will put up a fight.

New Jersey in 6

3) Ottawa Senators vs 6) Philadelphia Flyers

Yes, the Sens will win the division, though just barely. the Flyers will go a long way in securing a playof position. Philly's tough, but a hot Sens team can beat virtually anyone.

Ottawa in 6

4) Pittsburgh Penguins vs 5) Buffalo Sabres

For some reason I think the Pens will face some major problems come playoff time. In the meantime, I think the Sabres will just lose out in the Northwest and Miller will be on fire and hungry for more.

Buffalo in 7

ROUND 2

1) Washington Capitals vs 5) Buffalo Sabres

Ryan Miller is the only thing that is truly hard to solve in Buffalo. AO and Co. should solve him though.

Washington in 6

2) New Jersey Devils vs 3) Ottawa Senators

Flashback to 2007. Again the Sens will be considered the underdog to NJ and with the Caps beating the Sabres, these are the other two top team in the East. Well....

Ottawa in 7

ROUND 3

1) Washington Capitals vs 3) Ottawa Senators

The Battle of the Capitals may not be as impressive as Ovechkin vs Crosby in Round 2 last season, but with their current play, it will be a huge match-up. Cue Thursday's game as the Conference final preview.

Washington in 7
Caps advance to the Stanley Cup Finals on a power-play Game 7 OT winner by Mike Green.

WEST

ROUND 1

1) San Jose Sharks vs 8) Anaheim Ducks

Re-match from last season's first round, but the conference-best Sharks are out for revenge and they'll get it.

San Jose in 6

2) Chicago Blackhawks vs 7) Calgary Flames

Like the Pens, I feel the 'Hawks will have trouble in late March - early April. This will let the settled in Flames to take them down in a big upset.

Calgary in 7

3) Vancouver Canucks vs 6) Detroit Red Wings

The Wings will turn their season around late and the Canucks won't be able to stop them. It will be a good match-up, but Detroit will also pull off an upset.

Detroit in 6

4) Phoenix Coyotes vs 5) Los Angeles Kings

The two surprise teams will go head to head in an unpredictable match-up. I like the 'Yotes more and could be biased, but I think they could take LA down. Not an exciting match-up, but interesting...

Phoenix in 7

ROUND 2

1) San Jose Sharks vs 7) Calgary Flames

The Flames will make it past the first round finally, but the Sharks are the West's Washington. Pretty much unstoppable.

San Jose in 5

4) Phoenix Coyotes vs 6) Detroit Red Wings

Another match-up which will hold fans in astonishment. The Desert Dogs are the favourite against DETROIT?! All I can say is: What a season in the West!

Phoenix in 7

ROUND 3

1) San Jose Sharks vs 4) Phoenix Coyotes

The twin series of the East's Washington vs Ottawa, with a powerhouse against a huge surprise. Like the Sens, the 'Yotes won't be able to overcome the force of one of the league's best.

San Jose in 6
Sharks take this series with a 3-2 result in Game 6, with the winner coming from Patrick Marleau.

STANLEY CUP FINALS

1) Washington Capitals vs 1) San Jose Sharks

This is my finals prediction. I think Washington will meet San Jose no matter what happens in the rounds before. The Caps will have home ice imo, and this will go the full 7. Neither team has won the cup before. In goal, Varlamov will be a solid opponent to Nabokov. The Sharks defence will be better and well-rounded despite the efforts of Mike Green, but Ovechkin, Backstrom, Semin, Knuble and the Caps offence should outscore Thornton, Marleau, Heatley and Pavelski. I don't want to predict how this would end because it would be unpredictable, but if it was up to my gut....

Washington in 7