Here we go again, the second season is upon us and it's time for my picks for round one of the NHL Playoffs.

Eastern Conference

(1) Buffalo Sabres vs (8) New York Islanders

    The Islanders have been playing playoff hockey for a while now and normally that is bad news for the higher seed. While the Islanders could win a game, I just think Buffalo is too deep, Sabres in 5.

(2) New Jersey Devils vs (7) Tampa Bay Lightning

    Martin Brodeur and the  disciplined defensive play of the Devils will not allow Tampa's offense to operate at their normal pace. Goaltending is also a question for the lightning. Devils will sweep.

(3) Atlanta Thrashers vs (6) New York Rangers

  I like the Rangers in this one. Atlanta got the third seed by winning their division, and only finished 3 points ahead of the Rangers in the regular season and 8 points behind the fourth and fifth seeds, I think the Rangers will take home ice away in game one and win in 6.

(4) Ottawa Senators vs (5) Pittsburgh Penguins

   To me this is going to be the best playoff series of the entire playoffs. Two teams the epitomize the new NHL. I think home ice as well as experience will win this series. Senators in 7 but a great experience for Crosby, Malkin, Stall, Fleury etc...

Western Conference

(1) Detroit Red Wings vs (8) Calgary Flames

    The Wings have not fared well latley in early round series. If the Flames can steal home ice they always have the advantage at the Saddle Dome, overall though I think Detroit takes it in 6.

(2) Anaheim Ducks vs (7) Minnesota Wild

   If this was youth hockey I'd take Minnesota in a sweep. But this is the NHL and while the location of the teams creates a hockey paradox, I like the Ducks to win in 5. Brian Burke has done an amazing job in Anaheim and going into the season as a Stanley Cup favorite and finishing in second in the west shows that the Ducks have what it takes to play under pressure.

(3) Vancouver Canucks vs (6) Dallas Stars

    A perfect example of the NHL playoff system is flawed. If the playoffs went by strictly points the Canucks would be the 7th seed in the west, instead they have home ice against a team that finished with more points then them. I like Dallas to win this in 6. If it gets to a 7th game in Vancouver though, the Stars are in trouble.

(4) Nashville Predators vs (5) San Jose Sharks

      I like Nashville in 7, imagine that a game 7 in Nashville, TN. Joe Thornton needs to prove that he can carry a team to a playoff series win. Last year, I thought his departure from Boston would be enough to light that fire under him but now I have little faith in him. Until he proves he is not the NHL's A-Rod I won't pick his team in the playoffs.