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.

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.

Well the Wings barely snuck out of this series, but what a series this was.  Starting right off the bat with controversey in game one with the Hudler hit, and then the triple overtime in game two.  Moving to Anaheim we saw the disallowed goal, and then the Wings come back and chase Hiller out of the net in game 5. Game six saw the Ducks rebound and prevent the Wings from finishing another series out on the road.  Game 7 was the best game seven of these playoff we saw hits, goals, saves, and of course octapi.  With the Wings taking this series they move on to the conferance finals to meet Chicago.

The Wings won this series because of many things.  Firstly Osgood still showed us why he is one of the best playoff goaltenders of all time besting Patrick Roy in goals against average (2.11 Vs. 2.30 in the playoffs), but also following that up with three Stanley Cup Rings.  Beyond the crease Rafalski returned for game 6 and 7 quickly returning to form and moving alongside his usual partner of Lindstrom, thus keeping the other two tandums in tact (Stuart and Kronwall, Lebda and Ericsson).  The Defense played well but Lindstrom couldnt find the offensive production he had in game one, and Rafalski needs to get back on the scoreboard.  Offensively the Wings were terrific all lines were contributing, on both ends of the ice.  Babcock did shuffle the lines successfully to win game 4 moving Franzen with Filpulla and Hossa, while reuniting Datsyuk, Holmstrom and Zetterberg.  This trio didnt stay together long as Holmstrom quickley made his way into the dog house.  Babcock will keep shuffling Holmstrom around till he starts producing.

The Ducks lost for one reason they couldnt find secondary scoring beyond the first line.  Carlyle did shuffle up Getzlaf, Ryan, and Perry but never kep them apart for long.  Selanne did contribute but that was it.  The Ducks were not rolling four lines as well as the Wings were and this tired them out after that long game 2.  The Ducks weren’t the disciplined team that they needed to be taking stupid penalties throughout the whole series, but luckily the Wings powerplay took a drop without Rafalski in the lineup.  While Hiller shone greatly in this series, he lost his confidence and edge in games 4 and 5 getting chased and letting in nine goals.

Moving on for this Ducks team is this the last game for Selanne, and Niedermayer two future hall of famers?  What happens to Giguere after the emergence of Hiller. What is Anaheim going to do to adress their secondary scoring problems?

Detroit and Chicago

This will be another great series.  Detroit beat Chicago in the season series 4-2 including a great Winter Classic showdown.  Both these teams will be energized and ready to play sunday, this two day break, along with the minimal travel time between Chicago and Detroit will keep this a fast paced, high goal scoring series.

Detroit will win because of experiance and depth plain and simple They’ve been here the last two years and seem better this year then they were last year. All four lines for Detroit are firing, and Detroit still has some players in teh reserve if needed in Maltby, Mcarthy, and Meech.  Homer and Datsyuk will have to come up big this series, they need to revitalize their first line specially against the Keith Seabrook tandum.  The Franzen line will be against Campbell Hjalmarsson which will be tough but Campbell has lost some of his edge in the playoffs, and they haven’t faced players the likes of Hossa and Franzen yet so that will be an interesting battle.

Chicago  Will need to keep firing, and they have a chance if their secondary scoring comes up big like it did in round two, this is what Anaheim lacked to win.  Khabibulin hasent played as spectacular as Hiller has, but wiht cup experiance he has it in him, so we will see how he performs.  Kane, Toews, and Havlat haven’t faced a great defensive squad like the Wings so that will be the Hawks biggest test

Prediction

I think Detroit takes this in 6, the young Chicago team hasn’t played at this level yet it will be interesting to see how they react

On The West side of things the Vancouver Chicago series is turning into a good ‘greasy’ battle (As Bieksa would put it), these two teams are fighting hard and it will go a long way.  Byfuglien has been working hard in front of Luongo and he might start to be in the goaltenders head, we will see how game 4 plays out.

The Wings series is turning out to be the series with, maybe the most buzz.  First off we have to discuss game one and the antics that took place there.  The Brown hit on Hudler is the most talked about item of that game.  In my opinion it was a dirty hit, but the refs called it right on the ice.  It was a head shot, that was late.  Even though there was no elbow it was a blow to the head, and specifically the type of hit we want out of the game.  Also Brown jumped off the ice to hit the much smaller, and more skilled Hudler.  The emergence of Ericsson has been amazing.  This rookie is playing more minutes a game than the best defensemen in the league (Lidstrom), this will most likely change when Rafalski gets back, but it is nice to see Ericsson play at this level, and even fight with Perry (and win).

Game two saw Rafalski sit out again, and the Wings need him their power play isnt as efficient and they are playing worse.  I always like the long overtime games, and this one wasn’t any different. Some people are arguing that these overtime game lack in substance, but they are amazing the watch, and also the way the games in the playoffs should be decided.  Even though the Wings lost this one, it was a good game to watch and Hiller deserved the win for the way he played.

Game 3 is where everything spins out of control.  First off the Ducks second goal was interference by Niedermayer.  You can’t jump on the goalie when he is trying to make a save.  This ticks me off, and surely every Wings fan out there.  Holmstrom gets within an inch of the goalie and gets called for interference, but Niedermayer can jump on the goalie to prevent Osgood from making a goal stopping save?  I fail to see the logic in that.  Now at the end of the game the puck clearly went in before the whistle, but it is intent to blow the whistle that matter, not the actual sound.  Brad Watson  the referee in question was in a horrible position, all the way in the corner when the play was at the net, but Bob Mckenzie said it best on tsn.  Stating that human error will happen by the officials as long as their are human officials and not everything is reviewable.  Now this one will get blow up because of the time, but their is nothing we can do about it now.  The Wings need to forget about this and move to game 4.  Datsyuk, and Hossa really need to start scoring, or Babcock has to mix up the lines but losing game 4 would be horrible for the Wings chances.  Now, game aside hopefully Wisnieski has a speedy recovery, taking off on a strecher is scary, and their is no u pdate on what happend to him, other then he is in stable condition

A quick note on the Pheonix situation.  Balsillie made a bid to buy the team with a clause that they would be moved to Southern Ontario.  This is great for hockey, while I do support all teams, these lower market teams (Nashville, Pheonix, Florida etc.. ) are losing money and it makes sense to move them to a place where they make money.  In the past we have seen some teams get revitalized such as Chicago, Washington, Pittsburgh, and Tampa after they won the cup.  Saying that it’s best to weigh all the option, but the bottom line is Pheonix has fallen under and their is a dedicated owner willing to buy them and move them to a great market.  Balsillie learnt from his previous outings and used the bankruptcy court this time.  He is putting all the power in the courts hands, and the question is does the bankruptcy court have the right to dictate a move by an nhl franchise?  This situation will unfold thrusday as all parties are meeting to start discussions.

This is the series everyone wants to see.  The classic showdown Crosby and Malkin against Ovechkin.  This series will most likely silence the critics, and ultimately pick who is the better player.  Also this series might play heavily into the Hart Trophy voting

Washington came back from a 3-1 deficit in round one to wrap up the series in 7 games.  Although this may seem as a feat it is not much.  The Rangers got lucky to push Washington that far.  In this series we need to see Ovechkin, Semin, Backstrom, and Green all play better.  Other then Ovechkins wonderful goal these 4 weren’t the difference makers they need to be to win this series.  Varlemov has to keep up his stellar play in this round, because the Caps got no other options in goal.

Crosby and Malkin have been firing on all cylinders, and are leading their team going into this second round.  Jordan Stall and Gonchar need to up the ante here.  Staal got a new contract but he needs to play like hes earned that new contract.  Also Gonchar was not playing as good as he can, while Letang was playing better then expected.  It seems Washington has the edge in goal, but don’t count out Fleury he has been here before and Varlemov hasent faced a real offence yet.

Prediction is Pens in 6 I think Varlemov will cave under the Pens offence, and Fleury will pick up his game

Boston Vs. Carolina

Little to say here I think Boston is the clear favorite,  Carolina spoiled New Jerseys party last round.  This in my opinion was a little bit of a fluke but Staal and Whitney arent enough to take down the Boston’s depth Chart.

Boston in 5

I am highly biased in favor of the Wings, but I will do my best to be neutral in this one.  Anaheim’s got a hot goalie going into this round.  Hiller has played well agaisnt a powerful Sharks offence, the questions is can he keep this up against the Wings.  While the Sharks were a deep team, the Wings are deeper.  As brought out on Tsn last night Hudler and Holmstrom are two of the highest scoring players for their amount of ice time (16 Mins).  In the first round the elite players from the wings Datsyuk (2Pts), Zetterberg (4Pts), and Hossa (4Pts) barely shown what they could accomplish, watch for an emergence in this round.  On the back end Stuart and Kronwall have been playing like first tandum defensemen, while Lindstrom and Rafalski need to step it up.  The wild card in all this is Osgood, can he keep up the play that he has shown against Columbus or not.

Anaheim has spoiled Detroits playoff party in the past to avoid this , the ducks the trio of Getzlaf, Ryan, and Perry have been on fire and are going to have to be contained by the Wings.  Home ice advantage is key as Babcock can put Selke winner and nominee Datsyuk against the top line or go with Selke Nominee Zetterberg’s line.  Either way the Ducks will have to rely heavily on the presence of Pronger (If he could play disciplined) and Niedermayer.  It is also unfair to underestimate the importance of Beauchemain, and Whitney in this series.  Whitney was aquired for Kunitz at the trade deadline and needs to step up his game to show he was worth it.

Prediction Wings in 6. The Wings look too good and are too dominant to lose this series, I took them all the way to the cup so we will see how this plays out.

Chicago Vs. Vancouver

Lets not forget the history these two teams have.  A end of the season brawl in march  between these two teams saw over 80 minutes of penalties given out in one minute.  Leading the way was a good tilt between Bieksa and Eager.

People say that their is no fighting in the playoffs, well this year they are wrong.  This year the playoffs have had everything and don’t expect that to stop tonight when the puck drops in this series.

Vancover’s Luongo has had a stellar series against the Blues, but this series looks to be tougher with all of Chicagos line’s firing it will be a close goaltending battle between him and the Bulin Wall.  The Wall has the experiance and a ring so don’t put him behind Luongo in this series.  The forwards from the Canucks got off the first round easy.  The Sedins haven’t stepped up to this level yet so they need to be even better this round, also where have Sundin and Demitra been.  Sundin was  brought in halfway through the season and hasn’t done much, Demitra started off the season hot but has slowed down.  These two need to pick it up to win this round.  Seabrook and Keith have been the best defensive paring in these playoffs, Bieksa, Ohlund, and Salo will have to work hard to shut down all of the Blackhawks lines

I give the edge to Chicago in this one they will take it in 6. This series will be the most physical of the second round, expect fireworks

Eastern Conferance preview tommorow

The best player in this series was no doubt Hiller, followed closely by Getzlaf.  The sharks have been favored for years to advance far into the stanley cup playoffs, nothing change this year.  After being out scored, out hit, and out goaltendended again in the playoffs Thorton and Marleau’s leadership abilities have come into question.  Their are even rumours swirling that Marleau and\or Thorton are on the out’s from San Jose.  Enough about San Jose, lets talk bout the winners.  The top line from the Ducks featuring Ryan, Getzlaf, and Perry played amazing, arguably one of the best in the first series.  Niedermayer led the way on defence, and Pronger had a great series.  We must not forget about hte efforts of Beauchemain, and Wisneski.  I Called San Jose in this series, but this is the last time I bank on San Jose

Detroit Vs. Columbus

Best player in the series was Osgood, showing why hes one of the best playoff goalies of our generation.  There isnt much to write about this series.  No one took Columbus as a threat and the Wings just mowed over the Blue Jackets.  I called this series correctly, but then again who didn’t.

Vancover Vs. St-Louis

Best player in this series was Luongo.  Once again no surprises here, even though the Blues were the hottest team going into the playoffs, Vancover was superior on paper, and that translated nicely onto the ice.  A physical series that didn’t last very long.  I called this series correctly.

Chicago Vs. Calgary

By far the best series in the west, with the best player being Seabrook.  Seabrook is now the highest scoring defensemen in the playoffs played a good shut-down role alongside Keith and really gave it to Igilna, who was mediocore, at best in this series.  This series has intense physical battles, Byfuglien, Burrish played their roles perfectly.  Byfuglien was a force all series even scoring goals, and being a good finess player (See his play in the last game where he circled Leopold).  Toews played great in his frist series, but Kane, Jokinen, and Cammaleri weren’t anything amazing but nevertheless fun to watch.  I took Chicago in this series.

Boston Vs. Montreal

Its hard to pick a best player in this Series I will give the award to Kessel, Savard, Chara, and Ryder.  It’s hard to say anything positive about this series Montreal centenial season was plagued with downs, and this series was another one of those downs.  Boston played a physical game and this took its toll on the Habs and threw them off their game. Like everyone else I took Boston in this series

Washington Vs. Rangers

Varlemov was probably the best player in this series, but facing a low scoring Rangers offence can make any goalie look good.  The star players from the Capitals didnt play particularily good, but luckily neither did the Ranger’s.  I tookl the Rangers to win this series for one reason.  I didnt think a team backstopped by Theodore could win a series, and I was technically right, but I know now to not overestimate the ranger.  Lundquist could steal a game or two b ut not 4.

New Jersey Vs. Carolina

You have to say Stall was the best player in this series.  What an end to game 7, kudos to the Canes for not quitting.  I expected alot more from the Devils after a terrific season without Brodeur, but I guess even Brodeur couldnt prevent Gleason from making that amazing play to keep the puck alive in the final minutes of game 7.  I took New Jersey in this series, but I would still do the same pick, and don’t regret it.

Pittsburg Vs. Philidelpia

The best players in this series was Crosby and Malkin.  Another tough chapter in the battle of Pensylvania once again the Pens come out as victors.  I would have liked to see more of Gonchar in this series, not just Gonchar, but also all of the Pittsburg defense squad wasent too engaged in the series.  The Flyers put up a good fight but their highest paid player in Briere wasn’t anywhere to be found.  Also, nice to see Giroux stand up and show how good of a player he actually is. I called Pittsburg to win this series.

Round Two Predictions to come