2009 Playoffs: First Round Predictions

Ah, mid-April. Spring is in the air, the Boys of Summer have started playing even though it's still springtime, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are holding their first team golf tournament of the year - which, of course, means that the NHL playoffs are starting.

This year's first round series features some doozies. A second straight Battle of Pennsylvania. The finally-back-in-the-playoffs Chicago Blackhawks against some bunch of underachieving bums. The latest instalment of the Original 6 Boston-Montreal rivalry (and this time Boston's the favourite!). The defending champion Detroit Red Wings against playoff virgins Columbus Blue Jackets. The second ever Battle of California.

* Bonus points if you knew that the first was between the LA Kings and the Oakland Seals (later the California Golden Seals) back in 1969 - 'cause that's what everyone in SoCal and the Bay Area was really caring about in 1969.

So, without further ado, here are the official 'Nucks and Pucks predictions for the First Round:

Eastern Conference

Boston Bruins (1) vs. Montreal Canadiens (8) - Bruins in 5

Boston was the class of the East this year. The only class the Habs looked like they belonged in was Kindergarten - despite their fine finger-painting skills, the Canadiens were a total gong show this year. This is the year the Bruins finally beat their bitter rivals in the playoffs.

Washington Capitals (2) vs. New York Rangers (7) - Capitals in 6

The Rangers have way better goaltending and the always intriguing wild-card that is Sean Avery. The Caps have the most talented player in the game, and a not half-bad supporting cast. If Jose Theodore can do a reasonable job of stopping pucks the Caps should take it.

New Jersey Devils (3) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (6) - Hurricanes in 6

Not as much of a mismatch as it appears. Carolina has been on fire in the past few months, and Martin Brodeur has been spotty since returning from injury. A lot of people are calling this upset, and I am jumping on that bandwagon.

Pittsburgh Penguins (4) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (5) - Penguins in 7

This rematch of last year's Eastern Conference Final should be a dandy. It's probably the closest thing to a toss-up in the East - hey, whaddya know? The teams tied for points with 99.

Western Conference

San Jose Sharks (1) vs. Anaheim Ducks (8) - Sharks in 6

You can't underestimate the Ducks, given their recent Cup win and solid blend of veteran and young stars. And, of course, the likelihood that they will break out the Flying-V or the Triple Deke. Still, the Sharks have been the best team in the NHL this season and it is difficult to imagine them folding to the amateur game plan that Randy Carlyle will inevitably steal from Emilio Estevez. Still, the Sharks will have to bring their A-game to overcome this:



Detroit Red Wings (2) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (7) - Blue Jackets in 7

Yep, that's right. Not sure why, but the Red Wings feel primed for a first round exit. They're a hell of a team, and it's hard to pick against Lidstrom, Datsyuk, Zetterberg et al. But the combination of wear and tear from playing last season into June, the excitement around CBJ because of its first playoff birth, and a plain old-fashioned gut feeling causes me to pick the upset.

Vancouver Canucks (3) vs. St. Louis Blues (6) - Canucks in 4

Duh.

Chicago Blackhawks (4) vs. Calgary Flames (5) - Blackhawks in 6

I don't have a good feeling about either of these teams, but one of them has to win. The Hawks are young and talented, but like most young and talented teams they need a good, solid first-round playoff loss to teach them how to lose (see Capitals 2008, Penguins 2007, Oilers 1979-80). However their first round opponent has spent the better part of the last two months frittering away the Northwest Division crown, and seems all set to trade their hockey sticks for golf clubs. It's okay, the Hawks can wait until their second round match-up against the Canucks to receive their requisite humiliating defeat.