The Playoffs

Ok, that’s it, I will talk about the playoffs. The NHL Playoffs, of course. I don’t particularly care about the NBA PLayoffs. I don’t know if I’ve mentioned that yet. In any case, let’s look at the playoffs, series by series.

1. Ottawa Senators vs 8. Tampa Bay Lighting – This is going to be a fun series to watch, especially if you like goal scoring. The Senators and Lightning each have fleet, adept goal scorers, but the Sens just have more, not to mention incredible, all star defenders, namely Wade Redden and Zdeno Chara. I give the Sens the nod.

2. Carolina Hurricanes vs 7. Montreal Canadiens – I suspect the Canadiens will be better than expected, with David Aebischer and Cristobal Huet in net. They won’t be an easy team to score on. But give the Hurricanes a shot, what with their being the highest scoring team in the league. Hopefully they have Eric Cole back in time for the series. Nevertheless, the Canes will win this series.

3. New Jersey Devils vs 6. New York Rangers – What an absolutely incredible first round matchup. Two bitter rivals whose fight for the Atlantic division went down to the wire. I think the Rangers will pull this series out, just because they have more individual playmakers. The Rangers, however, will be so worn out by the end of the series, they won’t get past Ottawa in the second round.

4. Buffalo Sabres vs 5. Philadelphia Flyers – The Sabres and Flyers each go two deep at center, but the Flyers are worn out, and playing hurt. The Sabres can afford an injury here or there, because Lindy Ruff’s system is so well ingrained. This series will end quickly, and is truly the least interesting out east.

1. Detroit Red Wings vs 8. Edmonton Oilers – Just like the old NHL, the Red Wings are on top of the NHL. They were buildt for the New NHL before there was a New NHL, with gifted goal scorers and defensemen who moved there feet, played the puck and not the body. The Oilers, just like always, it seems, are the eight seed, and will assuredly give the Wings fits in the first round, but in the end, the Wings will pull this series off.

2. Dallas Stars vs 7. Colorado Avalanche – Looking at this matchup, you are probably thinking that this could be an upset. But these Avs aren’t the same ones as you’re used to. They don’t have the second superstar now that Peter Forsberg is in Philadelphia, and they don’t have a clutch, reliable goaltender in net, no matter what you think of Jose Theodore. The Stars aren’t as good as their record indicates, especially in a short series, but they are better than the Avs.

3. Calgary Flames vs 6. Anaheim Mighty Ducks – This is the last series for the Mighty Ducks. They are looking at changing their name next season, since they are no longer owned by Disney. And they aren’t particularly mighty, either. They lack the offensive force that it needs in the playoffs, and the Flames will move on to face the Stars.

4. Nashville Predators vs 5. San Jose Sharks – The addition of Joe Thornton to this roster cannot be understated. He led the team in assists, because he played on the same line with Jonathan Cheechoo, the leading goal scorer in the league. This wouldn’t have happened without Thornton. And the Sharks would have home ice if they had started the season with him. The Sharks will eliminate the Preds quickly.

The following matchups would happen, if things go as I plan. Ottawa vs New York, Carolina vs Buffalo, Detroit versus San Jose and Calgary vs Dallas. We’ll talk about that later, however. – Ryan