Hockey Playoff Picks

I know it's a little late, but here's my picks for the NHL playoffs in the first round. I haven't looked at any of the scores yet, other than the fact that the Pens game is on and I just caught the tail end of the Devils/Rangers game, so I admit a little head start, so I'm cheating as little as possible.

MONTREAL (1) vs. BOSTON (8)

Montreal hasn't lost against the Bruins yet this year. I know the playoffs are different, and it'd be great to see a more competitive matchup, but it's not in the cards. Even so, with the playoffs being different, the Bruins may pull out one win in the series.

RESULT

Habs in five.

PITTSBURGH (2) vs. OTTAWA (7)

The Pens really have a lot of great players and they're an excellent team this year. The Sens aren't near as good as they were last year. The pen is mightier.

RESULT

Pens in four

WASHINGTON (3) vs. PHILADELPHIA (6)

The Flyers are underrated, but this is coming from a Philly fan. They're not the best team in the league, but they're definitely better than the Caps.

RESULT

Flyers in six

NEW JERSEY (4) vs. N.Y. RANGERS (5)

Great goalies on both sides, but I don't think the Devils can hold the line against the Rangers. I don't think with Brodeur in the net though that the Devils will get swept either.

RESULT

Rangers in five

DETROIT (1) vs. NASHVILLE (8)

No contest. Detroit is leaps and bounds better than the Preds.

RESULT

Wings in four.

SAN JOSE (2) vs. CALGARY (7)

This is going to be the most exciting series of the round. Hard pick, but I'm going to have to go go with Calgary. I don't know why.

RESULT

Flames in seven

MINNESOTA (3) vs. COLORADO (6)

A pretty even matchup, I'm hearing people talk about Foppa this and Foppa that, but I don't think that'll matter so much when it comes to the post season. Still going to be close.

RESULT

Wild in six

ANAHEIM (4) vs. DALLAS (5)

Maybe I'm just biased, but I think the Ducks have more names than ability. They'll fight it out to the end, but it's going to be tough without Sergei Zubov, which is why I say seven instead of six.

RESULT

Stars in seven

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