It starts tonight and here are my predictions:Washington over Montreal in 5 : The Habs have only one advantage over the powerhouse Caps and that's in the net department. Although they held Ovechkin pretty tight during the regular season, WAS has too much firepower for the Canadiens whether it's Halak or Price guarding the pipes.
Philadelphia over New Jersey in 7: Although the Flyers may not be strong in the net area, I have this feeling that B. Boucher will do enough to squeak by the favored Devils. Their overall grit will prevail in the end and upset NJ.
Boston over Buffalo in 6: BOS still has some injury issues but they previous playoffs experience will prevail over this young BUF team who hasn't been in the dance for a few years. Is Miller good enough to carry 'em over the Bruins? It's a tough task to ask at this time of the year, he's the reason along T. Myers that they are here, but a more balanced BOS team will prevail.
Pittsburgh over Ottawa in 5: The defending champions always get tough at this time of the year. It hasn't been their best season, did miss some key players on defense but when you have Sid the Kid on your side, they'll be in the mix for the finals along WAS. OTT will miss Kovalev and their goaltending department is not consistent.
San Jose over Colorado in 4: THe Avs barely made it to the final 8 in the final week of the season and may just be content to be here. Good experience for a lot of young players who had a great season and I certainly didn't expect them to be here. Sharks are a much tougher team against this bunch and will sweep'em easily. Their annual meltdown may start in the second round.
Chicago over Nashville in 6: The Hawks are serious candidates to be in the finals, in fact I expect them to represent the west for the SC finals. They're deep in all areas except goaltending but Niemi has shown enough confidence that they'll start with him. Their window of opportunity is closing too to get to Lord Stanley due to cap reasons, so I expect them to have a strong year. As for NAS, their special teams is a concern even though they're strong in D.
Vancouver over Los Angeles in 6: It's not going to be easy for the "Nucks as I witnessed personally when the Kings played at the garage twice this year. A lot of firepower up front and one of the best D-man playing the league has LA excited again after a long absence in the playoffs. Will J. Quick play at the level that he was at the beginning of the season? Canucks has too many questions in the D department as a few guys are still banged up and will miss W. Mitchell dearly, but I expect R. Luongo to get his game together just in time to advance to the 2nd round. VAN's overall experience and grit will win this series.
Detroit over Phoenix in 6: Who expected the Yotes to be here, raise your hands. What a run they had, all 4 lines are young and skilled and surprised many people. But they will face the hottest team since the Olympics and although Bryzgalov may steal a couple of games, the Wings' experience and talent will win over.
Stanley Cup finals will see WAS against CHI in a dream match up series.
Not going to freak out about losing 1 gm in the series, but that 3rd period was just awful.