The West
1. Dallas Stars vs. 4. Minnesota Wild
The atrocity that the Minnesota Wild were at the start of the season tickled me quite a bit, but their coaching change helped them win their way into the playoffs as the second wild card. The Wild certainly have enough big names to win the Cup, but I don't think this is a good matchup for them. In their favor, though, is Tyler Seguin's injury. Seguin and Benn have been excellent this season, but it's possible that Seguin could be lethargic after injuring his achilles. As of right now, no one is even sure if he will play in game one. But, none the less, I'm picking the Stars to win this series in 7 games.
2. St. Louis Blues vs. 3. Chicago Blackhawks
This is an extremely hard series to pick for me because I hate both teams. Deeply. The only things I possibly hate more are annoying children and UK Basketball. Unfortunately, picking an earthquake to destroy the stadium and eliminate both teams is not an option, so I'm really just going to flip a coin. I've learned to never, ever, ever, EVER, count Chicago out but tails never fails so I'm picking the Blllll...Bllllluuu...Bluuuuu...eeeee...ssssss. That was hard to get out of my mouth. Blues in 7...I guess.
1. Anaheim Ducks vs. 4. Nashville Predators
Let me start this series by saying that I've been plotting my revenge against Nashville since they traded Seth Jones in January. Instead of trading Shea Weber, who has an absolutely HIDEOUS contract, GM David Poile opted to trade Seth Jones for the center they desperately needed. I'm not against Ryan Johansen, and I'm not disputing Nashville's need for a legit top center, but I am livid that they traded Jones instead of that aging twit Weber. I was hoping they would miss the playoffs so that Poile gets fired, but it probably won't happen...so maybe a playoff loss will do the trick? That being said, Nashville has lost tons and tons of overtime games this season and draw themselves an awful matchup with Anaheim. Anaheim has so much depth, including Ryan Kesler, who has dominated Nashville in the past. This pick is pretty easy to make...Ducks in 6. Quack, quack, quack, David Poile. Quack. Quack. Quack.
2. Los Angeles Kings vs. 3. San Jose Sharks
The Sharks have become the butt of many jokes in the NHL. How many more talented teams will they have that will never make it to the Stanley Cup finals? At least one more, says I! LA is battle harden, winning 2 Stanley Cups in the last four seasons. They aren't the same team, sure, but they will have their core in tact. San Jose has drawn an awful matchup against them. They are fierce rivals and LA has dominated them. I might be going a bit bold in the length of the series but I'm pretty confident in saying that LA should take this series. Kings in 5.
The East
1. Washington Capitals vs. 4. Philadelphia Flyers
The Caps have been the best team in the NHL all season, but have slumped here towards the end. They have so many big names that have performed, including the obvious in Alex Ovechkin. Barry Trotz was fired from the Predators a few seasons ago, and I'm pulling for him this season! Philly has a good team, but they don't have the star power (or backend players) to beat Washington. Caps in 7.
2. Pittsburgh Penguins vs. 3. New York Rangers
The Penguins have been the hottest team going into the playoffs, and despite an injury to Malkin, they should be fine to starve off the Rangers. The Rangers have plenty of talent, but they reached their peak a couple of years ago. Pens in 5.
1. Florida Panthers vs. 4. New York Islanders
The Ageless Wonder Jaromir Jagr was traded to the Panthers last year, and I was shocked. Why in the world would someone nearing his mid-40's want to play for a team like Florida that isn't going to compete for the Cup? Last year, this was true. This year is a different story. Florida has good depth, and I think they will put the Islanders out of their misery...and by that, I mean end their post season quickly so that they can get out of that awful stadium deal. That new arena is a disgrace, NHL! Panthers in 6.
2. Tampa Bay Lightning vs. 3. Detroit Red Wings
Hockey teams usually don't boil down to just one player, but in this case, Tampa is in serious trouble without their captain, Steven Stamkos. The fact that he's out (probably for the entire post-season) makes me have serious doubts about their ability to compete against Detroit. I hate Detroit, but I think that they will take this series. Wings in 7.
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