I batted 1.000 in the second round of the NHL though with some reservation. In retrospect, I should have been more bold in my predictions, because anyone could suggest a series go to seven games if one is less confident as to the differences of each team. I won't make that mistake again.
Anaheim v. Colorado:
My pick: Ducks in 7
Winner: Ducks in 4
I thought the Ducks were good but I didn't think they were that good. Bryzgalov was brilliant between the pipes and Anaheim's star players turned up to score at key moments. However, it was the timely contribution of the youngsters which impressed more than the others, in particular, the incredible 4-goal-game by Joffrey Lupul. The main difference, however, was the coaching. The Avs didn't play bad per se, but it was as if they felt they were playing above their heads. Ducks coach Randy Carlyle had his team believing that they were exactly where they should be. That was the difference.
San Jose v. Edmonton:
My pick: Oil in 6
Winner: Oil in 6
During the Stanley Cup playoffs, it is a well-known axiom that your top players must be your best players, and that was the case here. Pronger is clearly in MVP form. It was his composure during the grease monkeys' first two losses which allowed them to regroup and steal the next few games, even though they had to come from behind in three of them.
Joe Thornton, on the other hand, turned out to be a huge waste of space. Yes, there was a stifling shadow on him at all times and, yes, he drew coverage away from Marleau's line, opening up the ice for his teammates. However, that didn't stop Lemieux, Gretzky, Iginla, Richards, Lafleur, Trottier and a whole host of others take their team right to the very end. Hell, even Eric Lindros led his team to the final once. That should say it all.
Carolina v. New Jersey:
My pick: Canes in 7
Winner: Canes in 5
The best time to go on a 15-game winning streak is during the third game of round one, not 11 games left in the regular season. The Devils, who hit their stride by playing dominant hockey against slumping teams, met their match at the hands of an overwhelming Hurricanes roster. Cam Ward outplayed the great Marty Brodeur in goal, though the latter should not be blamed for the near-sweep. The dust demons themselves were completely outplayed in every important aspect and it was evident that once they were blown out in game one by the Hurricane juggernaut, they lost their swagger.
Ottawa v. Buffalo:
My pick: Sabres in 6
Winner: Sabres in 5
As I figured, the Sens were out-desired by the fast and ferocious fellas from 'falo. Ray Emery between the pipes was shit and Ryan Miller responded with MVP-like goaltending. Lindy Ruff, having beaten both Bryan Murray and Ken Hitchcock, is finally earning the paycheques he received over the past few years of futility and has shown his place amongst the best in the game.
If Ottawa fans can take any solace, it's that GM John Muckler doesn't have to think twice about signing Zdeno Chara for $7 million. See ya later, freak.
Predictions:
As usually happens during the playoffs, coaching and goaltending were the primary differences between the winners and losers. I'm predicting that for the conference finals, this will not change.
Carolina v.Buffalo:
This will be the best series in the 2006 playoffs, hands down. We have two fast, cocky clubs riding on the backs of confident rookie 'tenders and being propelled by nifty playmakers -- specifically, Briere and Staal -- and a hard-hitting forecheck. Both teams have a no-nonsense no-name defense corps who are good enough to give their scorers a chance to win the game. Peter Laviolette is a terrific coach but I can't see him outcoaching Lindy Ruff. However, the intangible will be, once-again, Rod Brind'Amour. He is the heart and soul of the Hurricanes and has proved he can elevate his game when his team has needed it most.
Gaddamn, this will be freakin' awesome.
Canes in 7
Anaheim v. Edmonton:
The Oilers have beaten tremendous odds against them so far by knocking off supposedly far more talented rosters with apparent ease. However, if one looks at either San Jose or Detroit closely, one could see the lack of heart and determination by their star players as the series wound down, a trait which was not emulated in the dressing rooms of their opponents.
A lack of killer instinct is one luxury which will not be provided by the Ducks. Their long layoff might appear to hinder this organization which has re-written the Calgary Flames textbook on stifling defensive play. This is a team which is having fun while being miserly, and especially enjoys ripping the hearts out of their opponents if given the opportunity.
If the Shiv City Lube Jobs can topple the Mickey Mouse Quackers, then all the credit to them. But just as I don't think E-town could have beaten Calgary in a seven-game series, there is even less of a chance of them upsetting Anaheim.
Ducks in 5
