Alright, so here we go, let's start with what I'm less familiar with the west:
San Jose vs. Anaheim: Well the road is never easy for the Sharks is it? Maybe they should start to learn that Stanley Cups aren't just handed to you on platters. They've done what they always do this season. Destroy the regular season. Now it's time, this is the test, and how better to start with a team that just loves the playoffs (save last year). Anaheim is a dirty gritty mean son of a bitch kind of team. You got plenty of veterans who just play hard day in day out and you know you won't leave the corner without some lumber and welts.
Still all the Sharks did was just grab and grab dudes who've been there. I mean, the team is sick. They're gonna get past the first round, but it will be a test of character. Either they're gonna be bruised and bedraggled, or they'll finally learn what it takes to actually get that damn shiney piece of hardware. San Jose in 6.
Red Wings vs. Columbus: Wow finally make it to the playoffs and who are you paired with? This kind of reminds me of the NCAA pairings this year when my alma matter Binghamton made the basketball tourney for the first time, and who do they get: Duke. But what can you do? The blue Jackets gotta whipe that open mouthed look of awe off their face and face up to the most successful team of the last decade. Who knows, maybe Osgood and Conklin will blow it. Or maybe Osgood will take a tip from Roy and stick his stanley cup rings in his ears, he can't hear all this media bullshit. I love seeing Columbus make it this far, finally making the playoffs. But um, good luck. Red Wings in 5.
Vancouver vs. St. Louis: So St. Louis comes out steaming this year, just kicking ass at the beginning, then a rash of injuries, but they had a great end of the season, real hot. However, Roberto Luongo finally has some help. Vancouver actually has offense. Look out, this team is lookin to do some serious damage. Vancouver in 5.
Chicago vs. Calgary: The young guns out to have fun vs. a team of grizzled veterans. Khabibulin vs. Kipper is probably the key to this match up. However, I have a real soft spot for Jarome Iginla, not to mention who knows how Olli Jokinen will fair in the playoffs. Maybe this will come naturally to him, you never know. Most people are favoring Chicago in this one, but I'm gonna have to go with the grizzle. Especially if Dion Phaneuf gets healthy, I see this being one hard fought series. I'm gonna disagree with the experts and go against the grain (seriously, all the experts like Chicago). Calgary in 7.
Alright the east! Finally something I know about. That western stuff, well, I just do what the media tells me.
Boston vs. Montreal: Forget Yankees/Red Sox. Let's look at a rivalry that has shed some blood over the years. One of the most bitter rivalrys in sports and noone pays attention to it. Bruins vs. Habs, it's just baaaaad blood. Though I don't know how awsome this series is looking. Montreal is so soft this year, so disappointing in their centennial. I think they're really gonna blow it. Their "next one" goalie needs some work, and more importantly, the Boston Bruins are out of control. Hard hitting, goal scoring, tight defense, a 6'9 dude who does whatever the fuck he wants cause he's Zdeno Chara, I mean, these dudes are nasty. Sorry Montreal, it's over. Boston in 5.
Washington vs. New York: This should be an exciting series. Even if the Rangers are a pretty stingy defensive oriented team. What with Alex Ovechkin is not exciting? Not to mention Mike Green is scoring more goals than half the forwards in the league. Hard hitting crash and bang offensive hockey, gotta love it. Don't forget Alex Semin, slippery as a snake and sneaky as a rat. This team is just a lot to handle on offense.
But you can't forget the Rangers, and I don't think you can just play them off as roll overs either. It all rides on one man really, the rock and roll swede Henrik Lundqvist. What a cool dude. He'll probably stop pucks all over the place with his rock and roll swagger. Oh yeah, and Sean Avery's back, what a douchebag! And yet, he does his job so well. I bet his jersey's by Prada. Plus Mr. Clutch Chris Drury and speedy Scott Gomez along with the young gun Dubinsky. I mean they've got a chance right? Well, I guess, but Washington is just a freaking monster. Washington in 6.
New Jersey vs. Carolina: Marty Brodeur gets to cut down his net. Good for him, the winningest goaltender of all time. Honestly though, I think I might rather have Clemmenson in net. We'll see, it's kind of hard to bench the Brodeur. Their offense really came together too especially Parise, damn. Oh but the 'Canes. From workhorses to skill players, they really are an exceptionally ballanced team. Good offense, good defense and great goaltending. I've always liked Cam Ward. And Ron Francis is my hero. 'Canes get this one for being a real team's team, sort of like a toned down Red Wings. Carolina in 6.
Pittsburgh vs. Philladelphia: Go Penguins, I love this team. Give me a moment to say something good about the Flyers. Nice offense, good job, and good luck.
Best Center depth in the league, it's kind of absurd. Staal could be a first line center on many other teams. Crosby is an absurd playmaker, and an insane workhorse. He's sort of like a grinder with the top skills in the league. Oh yeah, and if Malkin wants to score he just says "puck go" and it's over. Also you've got Sergei Gonchar who can control the game, Brooks Orpik my hero, and Kris Letang who is clearly taking tips from Gonchar. Plus the grit and scoring ability of Kunitz and Guerin. What great pick-ups. And even though Malkin probably doesn't even need wings, Feds and Sykora compliment him well. That said, Philly really is a good team buuut. Pittsburgh in 6.
I can't wait :D.
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