Ok Folks, here's where it gets serious--here's my first round Stanley Cup Predictions and some things to watch for:
Ottawa vs. Tampa--This is a mismatch, but Tampa can win a couple of fames against a team that always seems to have a head of steam just before the Playoffs but fizzle quite a bit in the First Round and never get past the second one! Tampa was the last Stanley Cup champion after all, and they do have enough offense to keep it interesting. The lack of playoff experience (Emery) should keep it interesting, butr in the end Ottawa just has too many weapons and their goaltending is superior to both Tampa goaltenders
Ottawa in 6
Carolina vs. Montreal. Here we have the classic case of an awesome team (Carolina) vs. a team that couldn't hold a two goal lead in their final game against the Devils (Devils scored 3 goals in the last 8 minutes of regulation). This is likely to be a sweep by Carolina, because the Habs lack of goaltending dooms them despite some good sharpshooters that will put up a few goals. Yes, Carolina's goalie has no layoff experience, but his Olympic showing tells us that he's strong in the first games and rounds and his teammates are deep in experience and desire at every position.
Carolina in 4
Rangers vs. Devils--So much to tell. Both teams have come back from the dead. The Rangers, predicted last by the swimwear-loving Sports Illustrated editors, had their best showing since 1994m and the Devils won 11 straight under the leadership of the great Martin Brodeur, a classic future Hall of Famer. Momentum here is all Devils, and their comeback win late in the season is disturbing to this Ranger fan on several levels. This series comes down to conditioning, as both teams have EXCELLENT goaltending and above average special teams (PP and PK). There's no shoot outs in the playoffs so figure that a couple of these games go one or two overtimes at least. Gomez and 'gionta are firing on all ctlinders, but no one else is offensively.
The Rangers other players (other than Jagr) will have to step up their shots on goal and forechecking for the Rangers to have a chance here. I am saying its a longshot, but:
Rangers in 6
Philadelphia vs. Buffalo--I've always said that Philadelphia's weak link is goaltending, and that's still the case. Both Nittimaki and Esche and perpetual hot and cold players and in a long series, this favors the Sabres, whose goaltending and offense will be good enough to score some overtime wins when really needed. Forsberg is a sight to see, but he can't beat the Sabres alone. Look for high penalty minutes and special teams being crucial here.
Sabres in 7
Detroit vs. Edmonton--Who are we kidding herre-Detroit was President's Cup winner for a reason, and though I respect Edmonton and think they can have some impact, Detroit will glide through these pretenders in short order. Simply too many weapons, and the Cup is really Detroit's to lose based on strength at all positions.
Wings in 5
Other winners: Dallas in 6, Calgary in 6, Nashville in 7
