With the NHL Regular season coming to an end, it’s time for the real season to begin. The 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs promises to be exciting, from long time rivalries, to old time veterans in searched of the holy grail, to young guys dreaming of finally realizing their childhood dreams.
Here are my predictions for the upcoming 1st Round action.
Eastern Conference
Washington Capital (1) Vs. New York Rangers (8)
Season Series: New York won season series 3-1.
Advantages.
Offense: Washington
Defense: Washington
Goaltending: New York
The Capitals possibly have one of the most dangerous offense in the NHL . They will be looking to avenge their early last year, and unfortunately for the Rangers they are going to feel the wrath of the Capitals.
Prediction: Washington in 5.
Philadelphia Flyers (2) Vs. Buffalo Sabres (7)
Season Series: Tied at 2.
Advantages
Offense: Philadelphia
Defense: Philadelphia
Goaltending: Buffalo.
This series is really intriguing as the Sabres have all the tools to pull out the upset of the 2010 Stanley Cup Finalist. But, it will all depend on the health of Ryan Miller. With an healthy Miller, and a tight checking game by the Sabres, we could see our First upset of the Playoffs.
Prediction: Buffalo in 6
Boston Bruins (3) Vs. Montreal Canadiens (6)
Season Series: Montreal won season series 4-2
Advantages
Offense: Even
Defense: Boston
Goaltending: Even
This is the one series that every hockey fan in the world wanted to see. Forget about the Fight Night in Boston, or the Chara-Paccioreti incident. This series will be a battle of size and grit against speed and skills. This series will be determined possibly on which goalie will outplay the other.
Predictions: Montreal in 7
Pittsburgh Penguins (4) Vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (5)
Season Series: Tied at 2
Advantages
Offense: Tampa Bay
Defense: Pittsburgh
Goaltending: Pittsburgh
This is one series that will be based on skills and talent alone. Both teams have some great playmakers, and can really light it up. I’m thinking that the main difference in this series will be the absence of Crosby and Malkin.
Prediction: Tampa Bay in 7
Western Conference
Vancouver Canucks (1) Vs. Chicago Blackhawks (8)
Season Series: Tied at 2
Advantages
Offense: Vancouver
Defense: Even
Goaltending: Vancouver.
The Canucks are taking on their main adversaries in the 1st round and it might be just what the Dr. ordered. The Hawks are not the same team that won the Cup last season, and the absence of David Bolland will be to the Canucks advantage.
Prediction: Vancouver in 6
San Jose Sharks (2) Vs. Los Angelas Kings(7)
Season Series: Tied at 3
Advantages
Offense: San Jose
Defense: San Jose
Goaltending: San Jose
This series should be a walk in the park for San Jose. They have veterans in all positions and should not have any trouble with the young Kings. LA will be force for some years to come, but they are not there yet.
Prediction: San Jose in 5
Detroit Red Wings (3) Vs. Phoenix Coyotes (6)
Season Series: Tied at 2
Advantages
Offense: Even
Defense: Detroit
Goaltending: Phoenix
This series will be interesting, as it’s a battle of the old guards Vs. the young warriors. Detroit as experience, but also have the older players, and a couple of key injuries. The biggest question mark for the Wings is in goal. Can Jimmy Howard lead the Wings in the playoff. Personally, I don’t believe he can.
Prediction: Phoenix in 6
Anaheim Ducks (4) Vs. Nashville Predators (5)
Season Series: Nashville won season series 3-1
Advantages
Offense: Anaheim
Defense: Nashville
Goaltending: Even
This will be a great series that should be based on skills and finesse. Nashville’s key goal will be to counter the Perry line, and they should see success.
Prediction: Nashville in 7
There you have it, my First Round Predictions. Let me know what you think and share your predictions. Comments are always welcome.
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