April Is The Cruelest Month

The NHL playoffs are 48 hours away (approximately), and it's time to fail miserably at my predictions for the outcomes of the series. As always, any monetary loss that comes from following these picks will not be recouped by me.

EAST

Montreal v Boston: The Habs have a long history of riding rookie goaltenders to playoff glory (Patrick Roy, Ken Dryden), and they have dominated the Bruins this year. Even without Saku Koivu, it's hard to imagine Montreal losing this series. Canadiens in 4.

Pittsburgh v Ottawa: The Sens are in free fall; after starting out 16-3 this year, Ottawa has crumbled, finishing 7th in the East. Dysfunctional locker room, below average goaltending, injured captain against a team that is looking for revenge after losing to the Sens in 5 last year. Pens in 5.

Washington v Philadelphia: The hottest team in the Eastern Conference are the Capitals, and with the presumed Hart Trophy winner leading the way, things are looking up for Washington. Philly struggled in February and March, but picked it up late in the season to clinch a playoff birth. This one could go either way, and in those cases, I always go with the better goalie. Capitals in 6.

New Jersey v New York: The best series of the 4. The Rangers dominated Jersey this year, only losing one game. But, that game was Sunday's finale, where a Rangers win would have given them home ice. This one will go 7, and I have a hunch the Rangers will find a way to pull it out against Brodeur and the Devils. Rangers in 7.

WEST


Detroit v Nashville: It's hard to imagine, but the President's Trophy winners are forgotten in the world of Sharks, Ducks, and Penguins. But if the Wings lose to Nashville, heads will roll. Red Wings in 5.

San Jose v Calgary: Do you even have to ask? Sharks in 6.

Minnesota v Colorado: The Wild quietly won the the Northwest division this year, but with the addition of Foote and Forsberg, not to mention the cavalcade of talent that was there before, I can't see Minnesota taking this series. Avalanche in 6.

Ducks v Stars: The defending Cup champs are poised for another deep run this year, but the Stars should give them enough of a run to make things difficult for Anaheim in the second round. Ducks in 6.