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

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7.  (g) NJ (3) vs Car (6) – NJ (3) in 7

The Devils have Brodeur, Hurricanes Ward. Tip the hat to NJ. Offensively, the Canes

have balance, while New Jersey has depth. This will be one of the less interesting

first-round series. You'll have plenty of time to run to the fridge for a refill of your

favourite beverage. Not a lot of pucks in the net, and great goaltending for sure. It will

come down to defense and net minding, and Brodeur is the difference.

8.  (h) PIT (4) vs Phi (5)  – PIT (4) in 4

The Battle of Pennsylvania was once a great rivalry. It is still exciting, but looking at the lineups, the tide has clearly shifted in Pittsburgh’s favor again. With Malkin and Crosbyup front, and Fleury playing like a real No. 1 goalie, I think Philly and their perennial netminding dilemma goes quietly. This may provide the most fisticuffs, but don’t get comfortable to watch this, 'cause if you blink, it will be over before you knew it started.

ROUND TWO

West

9. (i) SJ (1) vs CBJ (7) – CBJ (7) in 7

San Jose bows out as the Joe Thornton shows why he has earned the reputation of

being nonexistent in the playoffs. Jackets will get a balanced attack and, while not

pretty, will muck and grind away rendering skilled guys like Setoguchi and Pavelski

harmless. The second dragon is slain.

10. (j) Van (3) vs CHI (4)  – CHI (4) in 7

More changing of the guard in that Chicago will keep rolling along over a team they might have struggled against before. Age catches up to the Canucks as Sundin runs out of gas. He is the heart of the team, make no mistake. My Spidey sense says an injury or two will play a factor maybe on the back end. Hawks keep getting scoring from the kids and guys like Keith and Barker are solid on the back end. The Bulin wall stands tall.

East

11. (k) Bos (1) vs NYR (7) – Bos (1) in 6

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