Surprised this isn’t up yet. Figured it should go in the pit since it was here last year and still seems like the safest place for it.
It’s time for the NHL playoffs. Time to place your money on who is going to win.
As always, I like the Wings to win the cup. The defense is the best in the league and the forwards corps is skilled and deeper than any in the NHL. However, I simply can’t ignore the rest of the teams. Here’s my bets.
Boston vs. Montreal: Thornton is playing. The bruins took game 1. Theodore is to pretty to play hockey. Bruins in 5
Ottawa vs. Toronto: This is going to be just as fun as the Philly/Toronto last year. Both teams have great rosters and question marks in goal. For added flavor, add the fact that they absolutely hate each other and toss with the fact that neither team wants to go home in utter disgrace in the first round. Flip a coin. Mine came up Ottawa in seven. It’s a special coin :rolleyes:
New Jersey vs. Philly: Philly has a better crew of forwards and a slightly better defense than New Jersey assuming Scott Stevens doesn’t play. New Jersey has likely the best team game/defense in the NHL. Did I mention Martin Brodeur? The dude can steal playoff series. I think he’ll steal this one. My money is on a Philly meltdown and Jersey in 6.
Tampa Bay vs. NY Islanders: The isles might make it tough, but they are a playoff speed bump. Lightning in 5.
Detroit vs. Nashville: Nashville plays an aggressive system with a dash of diving, grabbing, and slashing. Their first ever playoff series provides motivation, but their coach reminds me of Bob from That 70s Show. Wings in 6. (and no, I’m not biased)
San Jose vs. St. Louis: The sharks surprised everyone by making it to second in the west in what was supposedly a rebuilding year. The blues surprised everyone by barely making it into the playoffs at all. I don’t know a lot about the Sharks, but I know that St. Louis can’t find their own end with a map and signal flares set up at their blue line. Somebody should tell them that Chris Pronger can’t do it alone. Sharks in 4.
Colorado vs. Dallas: This could be a great match up, or it could be the last gasp of two teams on the decline. Mike Modano has thrown more hissy fits and loudly had the worst season of his career. Colorado must be glad they got Kariya and Selanne at a discount. Still, if Aebischer falters, they have Tommy “clutch” Salo. Despite the game 1 win, I don’t think the Avs have the depth to get past Dallas. Stars in 6.
Vancouver vs. Calgary: Every commentator surrounding the NHL has Miikka Kiprusoff pegged as this years J.S. Giguere. He’ll need bigger pads for that. This is another coin tosser. Vancouver has talent left in the tank after Bertuzzis little fit and momentum after the game 1 win. I’ll take them in 6.
Those are my guesses. Every one of them written in pencil. Anybody else have any thoughts or flames?