Western Conference Round 2

My predictions went 5 for 8, I lost out on Washington, La, and Buffalo. This round I’m saying Chicago, Detroit, Pittsburg, and Philly.

Detroit Vs. San Jose
Detroit owned the season series 3-1 this year, and has really picked it up at the end of the Phoenix series. With Datsyuk and Lidstrom each getting two goals in the deciding game 7, combine that with Zetterberg leading the series in goals with 6, which is second overall in the playoffs to former teammate Mikeal Samuelsson. This is problematic for the Sharks as their top line of Heatley, Marleau, and Thorton have no goals in the Colorado series. The Sharks best players need to be their best players if they want any chance against Detroit. In the end I think Detroit takes this, all their best players are clicking right now, and Howard is beginning to look more and more like a legitimate number one goalie.

Chicago Vs. Vancouver
This series was a great series last year, with Chicago coming out on top you know the Canucks wanted a chance at revenge. In anticipation for this series Joel Quenville moved Byfuglien from defense back onto forward to cause more havoc in front of Luongo just like last year. Both teams have improved this year, notably Vancouver with the year the Sedins had, and the emergence of Burrows. Overall I think Chicago takes this one, they have the advantage in physical play, and Luongo hasn’t been the best of recently while Niemi posted two shutouts last round.

Predictions, and Thoughts

These have been one of the most exciting playoff years up to date, with every series being tied 1-1, and some physical and high scoring series what more do hockey fans want.

Before I discuss the playoffs I will share what my predictions were

I had Detroit, Los Angeles, San Jose, and Chicago coming out of the West.

I had Philadelphia, Pittsburg, Washington, and Buffalo coming out of the East.

Things aren’t that far off so I’m content.

Detroit Phoenix Series

This series has been the best by far.  The Yotes are definitely out hitting the Wings, but the Wings are coming alive in the physical department with the addition of Justin Abdelkater.  Him and Darren Helm are hitting anything that moves, but they are both overshadowed by the play of Coyotes captain Shane Doan.  Doan has been a machine for the Coyotes, this is costing the team as Doan has taking two minor penalties (Charging on Kronwall, and interference on Lidstrom), both of which resulted in a Detroit goal.

Now this is all lost as Doan left game 3 with an unknown upper body injury when he slammed into the boards after tripping over Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard.  This might be the end of the series for Phoenix.  Without Doan they lose one of their best players, and their captain.  I can’t see Detroit losing two in a row at home, and specially if Doan is out for game 4.  Expect a win tomorrow at the Joe Louis Arena, and then a exciting finish for the last three games of the series.

San Jose

I know every spring the Sharks always lose out in the playoffs with an amazing team, so far this year it isn’t looking any different.  We have to give the Sharks credit though, they brutally outshot the Avs and lost in overtime to a fluke goal.  They need a big bounce back game in game 4, but I don’t know if I see this happening.  Dany Heatley didn’t play in game three because of an undisclosed upper body injury, if he isn’t back for game 4 it’ll be a tough game for the Sharks.  With Thorton and Marleau goaless, and with the overtime goal shadowing Boyle the Sharks need to dig deep for the win.  The Avs are a young, hungry, and confident team now except them to come out of the gate early in game four.

If the Sharks lose this series, and get eliminated from the playoffs early again the team needs to do some serious roster moves.

Round 1 NHL Playoff Predictions

This is going to be a quick post stating my first round NHL playoff predictions.  The run to the Stanley Cup begins tomorrow so it’s an exciting time of year for hockey fans everywhere.  I’m not sure if you remember, but last year I went 8 for 8 in the first round of the playoffs, which included upsets such as Anaheim over the Sharks and the Hurricanes over the Devils.  This year I hope to do the same, but my first round predictions don’t include as many big upsets.  Check them out below:

Get the 2010-11 NHL First Round Predictions here.

Eastern Conference Predictions

(1) Washington Capitals -650
(8) Montreal Canadiens +425

Winner: Washington Capitals in 5.

(2) New Jersey Devils -235
(7) Philadelphia Flyers +195

Winner: New Jersey Devils in 6.

(3) Buffalo Sabres -170
(6) Boston Bruins +150

Winner: Boston Bruins in 6.

(4) Pittsburgh Penguins -280
(5) Ottawa Senators +240

Winner: Pittsburgh Penguins in 6.

Western Conference Predictions

(1) San Jose Sharks -450
(8) Colorado Avalanche +325

Winner: San Jose Sharks in 4.

(2) Chicago Blackhawks -450
(7) Nashville Predators +325

Winner: Chicago Blackhawks in 6.

(3) Vancouver Canucks -245
(6) Los Angeles Kings +205

Winner: Vancouver Canucks in 5.

(4) Phoenix Coyotes +165
(5) Detroit Red Wings -190

Winner: Detroit Red Wings in 7.

If you like hockey betting then I would suggest signing up at Bookmaker.com.  They will have NHL playoff first round odds for every series so you can place as many bets as you’d like!