NHL Playoff Predictions

Well, it's that time of year again: the time when I fail miserably at predicting the outcome of sporting events. Today, the NHL playoffs.

Eastern Conference:

N.Y. Islanders v Buffalo: The Islanders snuck into the postseason this year (what else do you call a shootout win combined with double digit overtime/shootout losses?) and they lost their top 2 goaltenders in the process. But this is the playoffs, and everyone's 0-0 now. Unfortunately, they're playing the Sabres, so they won't be playing for long. Sabres in 5.

Tampa Bay v New Jersey: In the postseason, it is nearly impossible to win without good to superb goaltending. Tampa Bay has Johan Holmqvist, New Jersey has Martin Brodeur. Nuff said. Devils in 5.

N.Y. Rangers v Atlanta: This is the first Thrashers' appearance in the playoffs, and they tried to boost their chances at the trade deadline by acquiring Keith Tkachuk and Alexei Zhitnik. But the Rangers have better goaltending and Stanley Cup winners in Brendan Shananan and Jaromir Jagr. Rangers in 6.

Pittsburgh v Ottawa: The best matchup in the East features two teams with little to no playoff experience (or, I should say in Ottawa's case, success) and two teams without proven goaltending or decent size in a tournament that traditionally requires both. However, this series will go down in history as Sidney Crosby's first playoff series. I think he'll win it. Pens in 7.

Western Conference:

Calgary v Detroit: Normally, I'd take the Flames here, what with the playoff success of Calgary and the recent struggles of Detroit, but with the Flames horrid road record this year, I think the Red Wings will succeed this year. At least in the first round. Red Wings in 6.

Minnesota v Anaheim: I confess, I know little about the Minnesota Wild. They traditionally have strong defence and goaltending, and it seems they continued that this year. But Anaheim is built for the playoffs, and they'll likely prove that in the first round. Ducks in 6.

Dallas v Vancouver: The "First Goal Wins" series. It'll be Vancouver. I don't have a solid reason for this expect to say that Roberto Luongo is one of the best goalies in the league, and it's time for him to be in, and succeed, in the playoffs. Canucks in 7.

San Jose v Nashville: If you know me at all, you'll know this pick already. But the Sharks do have the stronger offence, defence, goaltending, speed, size, blah blah blah (or if you prefer Bob Loblaw) Sharks in 6.

There you have it. Games start Wednesday. Go Sharks.