Eastern Conference
Philadelphia (5) vs. Pittsburgh (4) - Philadelphia (7 Games)
I really hope I'm wrong about this, but I have a feeling Philly is going to do it. That being said, I'd like to see both of these teams in the second round, but unfortunately one of them has to go. Malkin and Crosby need to be on fire for the Pens to come out victorious. I think that Philadelphia's depth could put them over the top, even with Pittsburgh having home-ice advantage.
Carolina (6) vs. New Jersey (3) - Carolina (7 Games)
Given Brodeur's shaky play of late and Carolina's brilliant play, I have to go with the Canes. Anton Babchuk (who?) has been incredible of late and the Carolina defence has been very strong overall, but it has been their strong mixture of Swedish and Finish that has been impressive of late.
NY Rangers (7) vs. Washington (2) - Washington (5 Games)
I think too much is being made of Sean Avery vs. Ovechkin. Avery doesn't stand a chance. OV will more than likely get annoyed with him and absolutely destroy him in the trolley tracks. Watch for Lundqvist to steal one but Washington's firepower will prevail in the end. Theodore is their weakest link, but if he can somehow gain some confidence in goal the Capitals will be a team to contend with.
Montreal (8) vs. Boston (1) - Boston (6 Games)
The Bruins are by far the superior team this season, but if history tells us anything it's that the Habs and B's HATE each other. Every game will be a good one and look for this series and "The Battle of Pennsylvania" to be two of the best in the playoffs. On a side note, Chara will literally eat Koivu for breakfast.
Western Conference
Calgary (5) vs. Chicago (4) - Chicago (6 Games)
I really hate to go with the Hawks, but Calgary MUST get healthy to have even a remote chance. Playing with 15 guys each night killed the Flames at the close of the season. They have no momentum going forward into the playoffs, and the young guns of Chicago are going to take advantage.
St. Louis (6) vs. Vancouver (3) - Vancouver (6 Games)
The Blues are on absolute fire of late, and Chris Mason has been stellar. Vancouver's Mats Sundin (as weird as that is to say) will be a dominant force in the playoffs. If he is as motivated as he says and gives it his all he could be a deciding factor in this series. Oh yeah, and they have this guy named Luongo who isn't half-bad.
Columbus (7) vs. Detroit (2) - Detroit (6 Games)
Steve Mason should have his name engraved in the Calder Memorial Trophy this year. 10 shutouts as a rookie in the most competitive league on the planet, sort of impressive. He will steal a few but Detroit is just too deep to be stopped here. Osgood needs to stop some pucks for the Wings to win it all, but they may go pretty far without much help in goal.
Anaheim (8) vs. San Jose (1) - Anaheim (7 Games)
I really want to believe in the Sharks, but I just don't see it in them of late. Anaheim has been absolutely crazy good and I believe that they will take this series deep and come out victorious against the Sharks.
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