How the Columbus Blue Jackets Will Shock the Hockey World and Win It All

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3.  The need for one or more signings given their room under the salary cap was a no-brainer. Although they did grab Chris Gratton and Antoine Vermette, I will only take partial credit, as I had anticipated bigger names to be brought onboard. Maybe I get half a point for this one.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/43815-columbus-blue-jackets-playoff-bound-in-2008-09/page/3

I also flagged the point that one of the biggest losses (mistakes, whatever) that was made was letting Zherdev get away. Not only was I bang on with this, the numbers that Zherdev put on the board for the Rangers put him second on the team (he would have been first but for Toronto sending over Nik Antropov at the trade deadline for a draft pick).

I don’t mean to “toot my own horn,” but I am trying to give myself an ounce of credibility given some of the predictions that are about to follow. Assuming the standings are as I expect them to be, here is how I see the Stanley Cup finals breaking down. I’ll tell you why each series will end up with the winner I have chosen and I will also highlight some of the keys to the outcome of the series.

And I will attempt to blow your mind.

ROUND ONE

West

1.  (a) SJ (1) vs ANA (8) – SJ (1) in 5

Joe Thornton plays the “invisible man” again to a tee; however, upstarts like

Setagouchi, Pavelski, and Clowe all chip in and take out the Ducks. The goaltending

duel will be interesting, although I anticipate desperation will have pundits wondering

who they will start in net by Game Three.

2. (b) Det (2) vs CBJ (7)  – CBJ (7) in 7

The usual suspects stand out (Zetterberg, Lidstrom, etc.) while Osgood shows the

chinks in his armor, which are to be the team's downfall. The start of an outstanding

run to the Cup final begins here. The season series is 3-3 and it’s no accident. Nash will

put the team on his back and the possibility of Brassard’s return will give them the will

to overcome the Big Red Machine.

3. (c) Van (3) vs St. L (6) – Van (3) in 7

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