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Predictions for the 2008 Playoffsback to: hockey | playoff grid
We're starting to get the hang of this hockey playoff season, picking both winners in the conference finals and pushing our record to 8-6.
The Finals
Red Wings (W1) vs. Penguins (E2): This is the finals that league execs could only dream of: Hockeytown vs. Kid Crosby! I know I'll be watching. And I think the league deserves a break and a fairy tale ending:
Penguins in 6.
Round 2 was a typical disaster for me, going only 1-3 and now standing at sea level at 6-6. Well, on to the Conference Finals!
East
Penguins (2) vs. Flyers (6): The Flyers have had an excellent playoff run. They really have. But while the Canadiens folded under pressure, it says here that Crosby is the real deal and will deliver. Stars win NHL playoff games, and Pittsburgh has the ultimate fair haired boy.
Penguins in 6. Much easier and sweeter!
West
Red Wings (1) vs. Stars (5): I usually expect the Wings to have choked away their playoff season by now, but they've surprised me with a very strong second round. The upstart Stars aren't going to get past the favorites here.
Red Wings in 6. Exactly!
I'm pleased to say that I went 5-3 in the first round and have my head above water. Let's move on the Round 2:
East
Canadiens (1) vs. Flyers (6): Montreal had some trouble getting out of the first round against the lowly Bruins, but I expect them to pick up the pace here. The Flyers are now in the deep end of the pool.
Canadiens in 6. Oh man, now I'm Flyered up!
Penguins (2) vs. Rangers (5): Holy Hockey, the league has the matchup that they've dreamed about: Jags returns to Pittsburgh, with Boy Wonder Crosby ruling the Igloo. I expect the Rangers to be game, but unlike the Devils, the Penguins can score.
Penguins in 6. Nice win in only five!
West
Red Wings (1) vs. Avalanche (6): Another great matchup between these two teams. I remember the goalies meeting at center ice and mixing it up. This should be an all out war. Once again, Detroit heads for an early exit.
Avalanche in 6. Oops.
Sharks (2) vs. Stars (5): I think the Stars overachieved in the first round and may not have enough to get by the feisty Sharks.
Sharks in 7. Hard to figure.
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I got off to a late start this year with my hockey predictions for the playoffs, and I haven't really paid enough attention. But since the NHL playoffs are essentially a lottery, it doesn't much matter! So here we go:
My analysis of Round 1:
East
Canadiens (1) vs. Bruins (8): After years in the wilderness, the Habs are back at the top of the conference. It's nice to see this "old school" matchup, but I don't give the Bruins much chance.
Canadiens in 5. Harder than expected.
Penguins (2) vs. Senators (7): Pittsburgh is on a huge upswing with Crosby. I'm not sure what's happened to Ottawa after a trip to the finals last year, but that's hockey!
Penguins in 6. Much easier than expected!
Capitals (3) vs. Flyers (6): The Flyers have been up and down all season, and really limped into the playoffs. The surging Caps surged from the 8th seed on the bubble to overtake Carolina and win the division. I have to expect the surge to continue here.
Capitals in 6. Not quite.
Devils (4) vs. Rangers (5) New Jersey is snake bitten by New York, but when it comes to the playoffs, they have one thing that cannot be overestimated: Marty Brodeur in the nets.
Devils in 7. Brutal. Lamoriello needs to rethink things.
West
Red Wings (1) vs. Predators (8): The Red Wings disappoint every year, and they probably will again this year. But not in this round.
Red Wings in 6. Exactly!
Sharks (2) vs. Flames (7): I don't know much about these teams, so I'll take the chalk.
Sharks in 6. Okay, seven!
Wild (3) vs. Avalanche (6): The late season addition of Forsberg should propel the Lanch into the next round.
Avalanche in 6. The Lanche are back in business!
Ducks (4) vs. Stars (5): The Stanley Cup champions are an overlooked 4th seed. I'm not overlooking them here.
Ducks in 6. Another champ's early exit in the NHL "lottery".
— The Commissioner
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