Originally Posted by
pickemtowinem
These are just my leans, not officially locked in as "plays" as of yet: But I been leaning this way for a while....so it might stay this way. Phoenix and Detroit: This should be a series, with constant back and forth games. The redwings seemed to have really slowed down the last 5-6 weeks of the season, and in watching them play, it almost seemed as if something is missing, or out of whack in the motor city. Detroit ended the season 8 - 12 in their last 20 games and THAT gives me cause for concern. One could argue they were resting up for the playoffs, knowing they were locked in a spot early....But....in my honest opinion, something looks wrong in Detroit. Phoenix went 10 -8 to close out the season, and had some emotional games in that time span..... young teams with something to prove don't usually get it done, but call this one a feel of sorts..... I'm leaning towards the NHL owned Coyotes being the surprise team in the 1st round. Early Lean: UPSET SPECIAL: Coyotes in 6 Rangers and Capitals: While the general consensus seems to be that the Rangers will be the underdog team to win in the 1st round, I'm not so sure. I dont think there is a team with more to prove in the 2011 playoffs than the 2011 Washington Capitals. Caps had playoffs locked up early, and still ended the season on a 15-4 run. This team is hungry, young and full of talent. Defense looks good. Goalies have done there respective parts and only a fool would question the offensive power that lies in this lineup. Rangers ended the season 11-7. Pretty good at first glance, but they lost to teams like Ottawa, the Islanders and Senators and that scares me a whole lot. Washington should be locked in and focused on the task at hand. Nothing short of conference finals for these guys this year. Capitals in 6. Ducks and Predators: This is in my opinion going to be some entertaining hockey. These 2 teams are very well matched up. Nashville has played the Ducks hard all year, last meeting I think was a 5-4 win. However, in a 7 game series, I dont think the Preds have what it takes to beat the Ducks. The Ducks finished the season a very strong 14-5 - with 3 of those 5 losses coming against the Canucks, Coyotes and Predators. Nashville is no slouch of a team, and they could well upset the Ducks, but in this low scoring series (yes I think the Goalies will shine in this series) I cant see Nashville (12 - 7 to end the year) beating Anahiem in a 7 game series.... Ducks in 7 Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh In what should be another high scoring series, the injury ravaged penguins have overcome alot of adversity this year, and seem to be a team that is coming together at the right time. 12 - 6 to end the year, with 4 of those losses coming against playoff teams. The other 2 being OTL's to Toronto and New Jersey, both teams that were playing very decent puck at the time. Tampa comes into the playoffs, winning 4 of their last 5, but were 9-10 to close out the year. Being a team that has loss more games than it won coming into the playoffs, versus a team that somehow keeps getting it done, I cannot see the Lightning beating the Pens in a 7 game series. And I HATE the PENS and am a HUGE fan of Vinny LeCav. Penguins in 6 Chicago and Vancouver Chicago came into the playoffs weak. Needing other teams help to get in, and not winning games they needed to win and you have everyone and their moms mom taking the Canucks. (last I checked better than 80% of "us" were on the Canucks.) Chicago closed the season out at 10-9. Lost to teams they shouldn't have. Vancouver closed out the season at 15-4. 2 losses to Edmonton and one each to Nashville and Phoenix. This team knows this is their respective year to put up or shut up. Problem I see is that Chicago has played the Canuck's very well this year. Chicago beat em 5 times this year out of 8. There are teams that give vancouver trouble, and well, this Hawks team is one of them. Gotta go with the champs. Less pressure at 8th seed. President trophy winners dont usually fare too well in the playoffs, Vancouver is Canada's top choice to win the cup, that's even more pressure- the pressure of a nation on Luongo's shoulders.....again. He didn't do it then, he wont do it now. Call it what you want, but this one goes to the original 6 team in my early opinion. Blackhawks in 7 Montreal and Boston F*K the HABS. F*K their fans. F*K their whiny police force for sticking their nose in the game's on ice affairs. I'm still convinced, if a Montreal player hits a Bruin player into the stanchion, there is no police interference/investigation. Price will choke with the pressure on. He is a good goalie, but not great. Over valued, over hyped and over touted team are these Habs. Habs and their respective fans can watch Thomas and Chara win this series with relative ease. Boston is too big, too strong and has the edge in between the pipes as far as im concerned. Tim Thomas with his 2.00 GAA and .938 save percentage coupled with home ice advantage and the fact that the Bruins have won 2 of the last 3 meetings.....gives me all I need to take this one to the bank. The habs are in over their heads. They will resort to cheap play and euro style soccer diving to try and get the calls.....but guess what- it aint going to work. This is playoff hockey. No refs will save you. The whistles will be put in the pockets unless its blatant and obvious penalties......and the HABS have revenge on their minds....that will distract them, not help them. Look for Boston to thump em into a big steaming pile of Hab-Crap. Bruins in 5. Los Angeles and San Jose I'm totally looking forward to this series. It seems to be in the back shelf for everyone else, but I think this series gives us some seriously good entertainment. I can't recall off the top of my head the last time all 3 california teams made the playoffs, but as a betting man, I dropped a little money on all 3 of them to win the cup. (3 out of 16 is a pretty good shot no???) If Los Angeles didn't have the injuries they do, I would have pegged this series to go 7 games, with Quick stealing a game or 2. However, the Sharks are a deep squad, with lots of experience, lots of size, a good deal of speed and guys who can put the puck in the net. This is the series I predict everyone will make a ton of cash on, as I cannot see this one getting to even 5 games. I like the Kings, and the direction they are heading in......its just a year or 2 too soon. Sharks SWEEP. yes, 4 games. Buffalo and Philadelphia This one can go wither way. Buffalo comes in 14-7 to close out the season, also winners of 4 in a row to end the year. Philly comes in 7 - 13 to close out the year, and winners of just 1 in their last 5. However, what should not be overlooked, this team rested a ton of players to end the year, had some injuries and still has a guy they call Pronger on the back end.... Buffalo in my honest opinion peaked a little too early. They are getting very strong goaltending as expected by Miller- but this Philly team is a different type of beast. Philly holds the all time series edge, 5 to 3. Miller while he played a few minutes here and there to close out the season, is returning from an injury..... Philly's late season swoon is fresh on everyone's mind.....but this guy is reading between the lines...... Philly is built for this time of year. Much like the Lakers and Celtics are built for playoff action in the NBA, Philly is built to play in the post season- and there is no way the Sabers pull the upset. Too small. They might steal a game or two, but in the end....... Philly in 6 Just my early thoughts, with limited research on match ups and so forth.....but as we all know, when the playoffs start, anything can happen- and usually does. Should be a great opening round in both conferences. ENJOY!!