Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Stanley Cup play-off first round predictions
I haven't done this for awhile. J and I used to do it together, and I usually won. It's harder now, since I pay much less attention to hockey - and J has virtually no interest now - but what have I got to lose? I don't have anything to win either, but I suppose if I prognosticate well, it will give me some satisfaction. Why blog it? Well, there must be a record, mustn't there? As it happens, I picked Angel Cabrera to win the Masters - not before the event, but after the second round - but didn't tell anyone. This time, I have proof, baby.
So, herewith my fearless picks - with some comments.
1. Boston 4 Montreal 1. This is the Charlie Brown series. That is to say, the fucking Canadiens almost always (24-7) find a way to break my heart. Not this year, though. Boston is just way better, and Carey Price won't stand on his head this year, which is what it would take. Boston has owned Montreal during the season. I don't even give Montreal more than a game.
2. Washington 4 New York 2. Again, the Capitals are just way better than the Rangers, and handled them during the season. Here the underdog does have a goalie who can stand on his head. That's what it will take, because the Rangers just don't have enough scoring, especially on the power play.
3. Carolina 4 New Jersey 3. I'm going with the underdog here. Brodeur is not the goalie he once was. He can still play outstandingly in any given game, but he's much less consistent than he used to be, which was his hallmark. Yes, the Devils have great play-off experience, but the Hurricanes won the Cup more recently. Cam Ward won the Conn Smythe that year, and I would rather have him in net right now than Brodeur. Carolina was as hot as any team in the stretch.
4. Pittsburgh 4 Philadelphia 3. Once again, the Flyers will flounder because they don't have top goaltending.
5. San Jose 4 Anaheim 2. The Ducks did finish strong, but the Sharks were strong all year long. San Jose is capable of choking, but I don't think it will happen in the first round.
6. Detroit 4 Columbus 2. Detroit is also capable of losing in the first round, as they have done plenty of times in the past, particularly when facing a hot goalie. And no one is hotter than Steve Mason. I think he'll steal a couple of games, but I don't see the Wings letting him steal four, even if they start slowly.
7. Vancouver 4 St. Louis 3. This should be very close. Both teams were very strong in the second half of the season. The Blues haven't been in the play-offs for quite awhile, and I think their inexperience will show. Vancouver has the edge in goal.
8. Calgary 4 Chicago 3. I'm going with the underdog here, but there were only 6 points separating the teams during the regular season. Chicago is a better team and won all four games against the Flames this year, but like St. Louis this is their first year in the play-offs in some time and I think that will tell. If Khabibulin outplays Kiprusoff, however, this series could easily go the other way.
So, herewith my fearless picks - with some comments.
1. Boston 4 Montreal 1. This is the Charlie Brown series. That is to say, the fucking Canadiens almost always (24-7) find a way to break my heart. Not this year, though. Boston is just way better, and Carey Price won't stand on his head this year, which is what it would take. Boston has owned Montreal during the season. I don't even give Montreal more than a game.
2. Washington 4 New York 2. Again, the Capitals are just way better than the Rangers, and handled them during the season. Here the underdog does have a goalie who can stand on his head. That's what it will take, because the Rangers just don't have enough scoring, especially on the power play.
3. Carolina 4 New Jersey 3. I'm going with the underdog here. Brodeur is not the goalie he once was. He can still play outstandingly in any given game, but he's much less consistent than he used to be, which was his hallmark. Yes, the Devils have great play-off experience, but the Hurricanes won the Cup more recently. Cam Ward won the Conn Smythe that year, and I would rather have him in net right now than Brodeur. Carolina was as hot as any team in the stretch.
4. Pittsburgh 4 Philadelphia 3. Once again, the Flyers will flounder because they don't have top goaltending.
5. San Jose 4 Anaheim 2. The Ducks did finish strong, but the Sharks were strong all year long. San Jose is capable of choking, but I don't think it will happen in the first round.
6. Detroit 4 Columbus 2. Detroit is also capable of losing in the first round, as they have done plenty of times in the past, particularly when facing a hot goalie. And no one is hotter than Steve Mason. I think he'll steal a couple of games, but I don't see the Wings letting him steal four, even if they start slowly.
7. Vancouver 4 St. Louis 3. This should be very close. Both teams were very strong in the second half of the season. The Blues haven't been in the play-offs for quite awhile, and I think their inexperience will show. Vancouver has the edge in goal.
8. Calgary 4 Chicago 3. I'm going with the underdog here, but there were only 6 points separating the teams during the regular season. Chicago is a better team and won all four games against the Flames this year, but like St. Louis this is their first year in the play-offs in some time and I think that will tell. If Khabibulin outplays Kiprusoff, however, this series could easily go the other way.
# posted by Stephen @ 4:43 p.m. 
