FIRST ROUND (and only)
Detroit v. Edmonton
The Wings are too strong and balanced. The Oilers would have been better off with Dallas - and that is saying something.
Wings in 5.
Dallas v. Colorado
Colorado will make it interesting. The Stars are too deep and fast for the understaffed Avs. Sakic will have a strong series though.
Stars in 6.
Calgary v. Anaheim
Flip a coin. The Flames are built for the playoffs and so they have a slight edge, but this series could easily go the other way and fast. It wouldn't surprise me to see the Ducks win in a short series.
Flames in 7.
Nashville v. San Jose
The loss of one of the best goalies is not easy to overcome, especially for a young team. The Sharks are fast, big and talented. The Preds are fast, small and talented. Big wins in the playoffs.
San Jose in 6.
Ottawa v. Tampa
The Sens remind me of the early 1980 Oilers always knocking on the door and eventually going to break it down. This is their year. They are way too deep and talented to lose here. Plus, Tampa doesn't have the horses or goaltending.
Sens in 5.
Carolina v. Montreal
The Hurricanes are one of the biggest surprises in the "new" NHL. They are young and hungry. They are talented, gritty and balanced. Bob Gainey's squad will battle, but in the end they just don't matchup. If Eric Cole was going, this could have been a sweep.
Canes in 6.
New Jersey v. New York
The Devils amaze. They play possum for 3/4's of the year and then turn it on and win the division. Lou has the team firing on all cylinders. They are fast and have loads of experience. Plus, who bets against Martin Brodeur. The Rangers are happy to be here and no team with Michael Nylander goes deep in the playoffs.
Devils in 6.
Buffalo v. Phialdelphia
The Sabres are pesky and deserve to here, no question. They have a new French Connection with Briere and Dumount. Their balance is impressive and have a goaltending edge. Peter Forsberg should help keep this thing close and Philly could win if Esche gets the hook early. He is not a money goalie.
Sabres in 6.
Detroit v. Edmonton
The Wings are too strong and balanced. The Oilers would have been better off with Dallas - and that is saying something.
Wings in 5.
Dallas v. Colorado
Colorado will make it interesting. The Stars are too deep and fast for the understaffed Avs. Sakic will have a strong series though.
Stars in 6.
Calgary v. Anaheim
Flip a coin. The Flames are built for the playoffs and so they have a slight edge, but this series could easily go the other way and fast. It wouldn't surprise me to see the Ducks win in a short series.
Flames in 7.
Nashville v. San Jose
The loss of one of the best goalies is not easy to overcome, especially for a young team. The Sharks are fast, big and talented. The Preds are fast, small and talented. Big wins in the playoffs.
San Jose in 6.
Ottawa v. Tampa
The Sens remind me of the early 1980 Oilers always knocking on the door and eventually going to break it down. This is their year. They are way too deep and talented to lose here. Plus, Tampa doesn't have the horses or goaltending.
Sens in 5.
Carolina v. Montreal
The Hurricanes are one of the biggest surprises in the "new" NHL. They are young and hungry. They are talented, gritty and balanced. Bob Gainey's squad will battle, but in the end they just don't matchup. If Eric Cole was going, this could have been a sweep.
Canes in 6.
New Jersey v. New York
The Devils amaze. They play possum for 3/4's of the year and then turn it on and win the division. Lou has the team firing on all cylinders. They are fast and have loads of experience. Plus, who bets against Martin Brodeur. The Rangers are happy to be here and no team with Michael Nylander goes deep in the playoffs.
Devils in 6.
Buffalo v. Phialdelphia
The Sabres are pesky and deserve to here, no question. They have a new French Connection with Briere and Dumount. Their balance is impressive and have a goaltending edge. Peter Forsberg should help keep this thing close and Philly could win if Esche gets the hook early. He is not a money goalie.
Sabres in 6.
Cross posted at Moldy Peaches.
