Countdown to the NHL Playoffs
I was going to do some research today and make analytical picks for each of the four NHL Playoff series that begin tonight, and for each of the four that begin tomorrow. Then I was going to analyze the possible matchups in the second and third rounds. Then I was going to deconstruct the Finals, being objective all the way.
The fact is, I just don't follow hockey closely enough to be objective and analytical. In the West, I like Detroit, because they are always a powerhouse, and I won't count out the Wild, because Jacques Lemaire (a veritable God Of Hockey) took another young, relatively inexperienced team to the glory of the Cup not long ago. In the end, though, I really don't know. The West is a mystery to me.
The East, on the other hand, I am slightly more qualified to analyze. I'm not going to, though, because I'm going to play the part of the rabid, blind-to-logic, die-hard fan these Playoffs. It's been too long since I've entered the Playoffs with unbridled optimism and complete faith in my team to bring home the Silver Chalice.
This is the year the Devils win their third Cup in eight years.
We're the Devils! You can't stop us! We're the Devils!
April 09, 2003 - 03:43 PM
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Maybe we should ask Amanda. GO DEVILS
Sorry, girls, but I’m fairly confident that it’s going to come down to Detroit and Ottawa. But I’ll be thrilled if the Devils wedge themselves in there, because then I can watch the playoffs and alternately call you and my brother every five minutes to laugh at you while the Red Wings kick your ass. Maybe they don’t have Scotty Bowman anymore (sob!), but they do have Yzerman, Robitaille, Federov, and the love of my life, Brendan Shanahan. So EAT THAT! EAT IT!! GO DETROIT!
But did you see how Ottawa started out? Ouch. Jeff, I have no idea about the West because it seems the only games I get to see involve A) Colorado B) St. Louis C) Dallas D) Detroit. I have no idea about the Wild, etc. And as for the East…well, I’ve been deemed a Devils fan. I even have a shirt. So of course I’ll root for them.
Seeing as hockey is my entire life, I’ll throw in my picks for the first round.
Islanders and Ottawa going to game 7.. Ottawa is likely to pull off the win though I’d prefer the Isles. Lets go Isles!
Players to watch: Yashin (Islanders W) and Patrick Lalime (Ottawa G)
Devils/Bruins: Devils in 5 - Devils are still an Eastern power, and Boston has really cooled off since the All-Star break.
Bruins Thornton and Devils Brodeur
Caps/Tampa Bay: Caps in 5. Tampa is young and quick, but inexperienced. Caps have lots of skill and veterans. This series is a battle of two conference rivals, and the Caps aren’t pleased they missed being SE Champions by 1 point to the Lightning. Tampa is going to play very well, but I see the Caps coming out on top. Did I mention the lighning haven’t won in Washington since ‘98?
Washington: Jagr/Kolzing Tampa:Lecavalier/Khabibulin
Philly/Toronto: quite possibly the hardest and closest series in the east.. I’ll say Toronto in 6.
Toronto: Owen Nolan / Philly: Amonte/Roenick
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West:
Detroit/Anaheim: Wings might have lost the first game, and are another year older, but they’ll take the series.
Wings: Shannahan, Ducks: Kariya
Dallas/Edmonton: It seems these two teams are destined to meet EVERY year in the playoffs. I believe this is something like the 8th in 9 years. Dallas in 6.
Dallas: Modano / Edmonton: Isbister
Minnesota/Colorado: Before I say anything, let me say good for the Wild! The team with one of the, if not THE, lowest payroll in the NHL makes playoffs while the HIGHEST payed bunch of bums, the NY Rangers sit at home once again. Great group of young kids who play b/c they want it, not for the money. Wild took game 1, but Colorado will rebound and take the series. Perhaps in game 7. I’d love to see the Wild do something this year though.
Minnesota: Gaborik / Avs: Forsberg
St.Louis/Vancouver:
Game 1 was about as shocking an outcome as was the Islanders win over Ottawa. Everyone expected Vancouver’s high scoring offense w/ Bertuzzi and friends to rip right through the Blues. St. Louis is going to put up a fight, but I see Vancouver in 6 IF they play anything like they did in the regular season (which they didn’t in game 1)
St. Louis: Weight / Vancouver: Bertuzzi