The 2009-10 NHL Playoffs (Predictions)

I hate doing predictions on anything.  It doesn't matter what the sport is, I am no good at it.  Inevitably, whatever I pick is going to happen contrary to my initial reactions.  And yet...I keep doing it.  I can't even predict the weather correctly.  Today I said it would rain...it was sunny and 67. 

The playoffs are now set and we know what the match-ups will be.  I thought I would take a moment and give my prognostication just to see whether or not I keep my streak of being incorrect going.

First, the West.

#1 San Jose Sharks vs. #8 Colorado Avalanche - I am going to go out on a limb here and give this one to the Sharks in 4 games.  I think there is just too much power here for the Avs to have a chance.  I like the Avs.  I respect what they have done this year.  I just think the Sharks are a better team.  Sharks in 4.

#2 Chicago Blackhawks vs. #7 Nashville Predators - This one won't be easy.  The Hawks have some problems in the net and I think it will push this longer than it should.  The Preds don't have enough scoring capabilities to withstand much past an extra game or so.  Chicago in 5.

#3 Vancouver Canucks vs. #6 Los Angeles Kings - This one is going to go the distance but in the end, I'm taking the Kings.  I just like what they bring to the table and I think they will find a way to make Luongo look like a fool.  Kings in 7.

#4 Phoenix Coyotes vs. #5 Detroit Red Wings - I'm going with the lower seed here too.  What a shock?  It is the Red Wings.  Let's all be honest here.  They are the hottest team in hockey right now and I don't think there is a team out here that want a piece of them.  Despite the tumultuous season in Phoenix and the shocking playoff bid, it comes to an end in the first round.  Wings in 6.

The Eastern Conference predictions.

#1 Washington Capitals vs. #8 Montreal Canadiens - Despite my general disdain for Washington and everything they stand for, they are the team to beat.  The Canadiens are not that team.  Caps in 4.

#2 New Jersey Devils vs. #7 Philadelphia Flyers - The Devils took the Atlantic with the Pens loss to Atlanta on Saturday.  I think their luck is running out.  The Flyers are going to make a big push as they tend to do in playoff time.  I think they will pull this one out, and quickly.  Flyers in 5

#3 Buffalo Sabres vs. #6 Boston Bruins - Here is my next bold prediction.  The Bruins have done pretty much everything they needed to do to get here.  They were in trouble late in the year because they weren't healthy and they couldn't put points on the board.  That has changed (just ask Carolina).  The Sabres best player is Ryan Miller, their goalie.  Not enough to win.  B's in 6.

#4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #5 Ottawa Senators - I'm playing my homer card here again.  I know the Pens are only one seed ahead of the Sens but they are light years ahead in the talent pool.  They have too many weapons on the ice and if Fleury gets into "playoff mode", he will be impenetrable.  Pens in 6.

Like I said...I suck at picking so if I get half of these right, I will be shocked.

Head on over to Capt. Canuck's site Waxaholic if you want to get in on a prediction contest for the playoffs. You can win stuff!!

If The Season Ended Today - Eastern Conference Prediction

Normally I hate doing these "what if..." scenarios but frankly, I was too intrigued by the matchups as they currently stand.  So, that being said...

If the season ended today, we would have some really tough battles in the Eastern Conference.  I may do the Western Conference too but I'm more of an Eastern Conference kind of guy.  We'll see.

First, runaway winners Washington would face off against the Bruins.  This is not a guaranteed win for the Capitals despite the obvious learning curve between the two teams.  Boston has played some very uninspired hockey this season but anything short of a Cup in Boston is considered a losing season.  The Caps are the favorite to go to the finals this year and with good reason.  Their 96 points leads the league and they have shown that they can score with any line on the ice.  Plus, Boston is a little banged up and I don't think that all their players returning from the Olympics came back healthy.  That and the age factor of their team and you have a potential recipe for disaster.  The Caps have taken the previous meetings with Boston this year and lead the series 2-0.  My prediction:  CAPITALS IN 5

The defending Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins would face off against the Montreal Canadians.  In the season series, Pittsburgh has outscored the Habs, 15-9 and has a 3-1 series lead.  Unfortunately, too many times the Penguins sacrifice defense for offense and this could pose a major problem against a Canadians team that won't roll over.  They have been on a bit of a win streak as of late and would be a scary competitor.  I don't think Canada would cheer for Crosby anymore.  The firepower of the Pens offense coupled with the inconsistent play of Price and the confidence level of Halak would eventually do the Habs in.  My prediction:  PENGUINS IN 6

Buffalo would be matched up against the Flyers.  Buffalo leads the season series 3-1 but only by wins.  The Sabres have scored 12 goals to Philly's 11, making this a very even offensive battle.  Unfortunately for Buffalo, their offense as of late has not been the stuff you build championships on.  They are too inconsistent with thier play around the net and just don't get the pucks on goal the way they should.  The Flyers have a tight defense and Michael Leighton has been showing some great goal tending.  My prediction:   FLYERS IN 7

An underrated Senators team would take the ice against the New Jersey Devils.  The Senators have quietly made their mark in the league this year by staying right in the mix.  They won 14 of 16 prior to the Olympic break but have stumbled a bit since.  The additions of Alex Kovalev and Matt Cullen have finally given them some scoring options that they haven't had in years.  Their only issue at the moment is the inexperience in goal.  The Devils, on the other hand, have arguably the best goal tender in NHL history playing behind a fairly weak offense (they were shutout by Edmonton...Edmonton!?).  Plus they haven't been very good on the road this year (on in Canada for that matter) My prediction:  SENATORS IN 6

Then:

CAPS vs. SENS with the Capitals winning in 4 games
PENS vs. FLYERS with the Pens winning in 6 games

CAPS vs. PENS...7 game series decided by 3 overtime games.  Pens win.

Of course, that is only if the playoffs started today.  And, this is only my biased opinion.  Tomorrow, this could all change.  So really this was just a pointless rambling that wasted the last 4 1/2 minutes of your life.  Sorry, no refunds.