ACHSDU17'S 1st Round Predictions...
East
Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers - Caps in 5
I think after last season's first round departure, the Caps are going in thinking about redeeming themselves. I think the Rangers were just lucky as hell they made the playoffs and their offense is just so inconsistent. The Capitals have some major secondary scoring, a tough defense and really all the Caps need is for a mediocre performance in net and they will roll over the Rangers. Unless we see Chris Drury from his pre-ranger days, Marian Gaborik out score Ovechkin and Henrik Lundqvist just shut the door... expect a short series from a Capitals team that will want to redeem themselves from last years 1st round exit.
Flyers vs Sabers - Sabers in 6
After the dominance shown by the Flyers this season why would I choose the Sabers? The Sabers are going into the playoffs hot going 8-1-1 in the last 10 games. Ryan Miller one of the best goalies in the league today, if he gets hot there is no way you are scoring on him. They have been better on the special teams, way more consistent and the Flyers are going in a bit more beat up. Granted they Flyers have great offense and when healthy a really great defense. However, I think Buffalo has caught fire at the right time and will be my dark horse in the East.
Bruins vs. Canadians - Bruins in 7
This is going to be one hell of a street fight. This is a series you can throw stats aside, put the numbers away and just think about what these teams mean to one another. I know the Bruins on paper have a better team but do you ever roll over for your long time hated rival? After all the 911 calls to arrest Chara and the punches thrown this year I expect this to go the distance. Price will have to be the star of this series for the Canadians to win but I think Bruins have enough talent to get them by. Either way any team that gets out of this series will be coming out hurt.
Pens vs. Lightning - Lightning in 6
Both teams are running smoothly and though the Pens have been doing a great job stepping their game up they will defiantly hurt without Crosby and Malkin. Especially against a team that seems to have their crap together. If you do your homework right and make sure their secondary stars are shut down the Pens will fall. They don't have much scoring depth left. That doesn't mean Fleury can't save them though. He's a goalie you can count on in the playoffs and will give the Pens a shot. In the end I think the Pens lack of depth will get them.
West
Canucks vs. Blackhawks – Canucks in 5
As much as I’d like to see the hopes and dreams of the Canucks burn to the tune of Chelsea Dagger again I don’t think the Hawks have what it takes to bring them down this season. They were lucky to make the playoffs, they are going in with a smaller proven core, another goalie has to prove himself again and lets face it… the Canucks have the best team in the league. Only way the Hawks get past the Canucks is if Luongo screws up and though I won't put it past him, I don't think the great offensive talent nor the strong D will let that happen.
Sharks vs. Kings – Kings in 7
Even though the Sharks took down the Avs and Wings last season… I’m just not sold on them actually showing up in the playoffs. This will be another classic California series though and it will go back and forth. The Sharks will find a great secondary scorer stepping up and matching the Kings offense. The defense for both teams will be tossing bodies left and right. However in the end I think goaltending will decide it and though Niemi won the cup last season with a great Chicago D, I have much more confidence in Jonathan Quick in net. I like to think of Quick as one of the elite goalies in the NHL and if he wins this series I think he could officially be in that spot. His time is about to come.
Red Wings vs. Coyotes Round 2 – Wings in 6
This one I have to think about more… Offense I give that to the Wings. Defense I have to give that to the Wings. Special Teams Wings… So why is it so tough? I don’t like Howard and personally I think he’s a overrated goalie. Phoenix is not a pushover, they have some pretty decent offense with good depth, their defense is ok… but it’s Bryzgalov I would worry about. I think the Wings will overcome though and Bryzgalov will run out of gas before this series ends.
Ducks vs. Preds – Ducks in 6
The Predators have been consistent all season but since the All Star break there hasn’t been a team that has fought as hard as the Ducks. This team has become one dangerous threat in this year’s playoffs, they will continue to fight, they will continue to play their hockey and really they are my dark horse in the West. This will be a battle of the Ducks offense against the Preds strong D. Though some will say you can win with great d, if that’s all you do you can’t score. I think Corry Perry will see to that.
Alright... Reaction! What do you think will go down in round 1?
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