Picking the First Round of the NHL Playoffs: Steve Mason Will Be a Hero

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Here are my picks for the opening round of the NHL playoffs.

Eastern Conference

1 Boston Bruins vs. 8 Montreal Canadiens
The Bruins are my pick to win the East. They look amazing. They are fast on the trigger, super-smooth in transition, and they have a sharp netminder. Montreal looks defeated, sloppy, and smelly.
Bruins in Five

2 Washington Capitals vs. 7 New York Rangers
This isn't 2008. The Caps play everyone hard, and the Rangers only play well when it doesn't matter. Washington won't allow that fool Avery to get into their heads like he did with NJ last year.
Caps in Six

3 New Jersey Devils vs. 6 Carolina Hurricanes
I would pick the Devils against every team except for the Bruins, and this one. Before you cry foul, remember that NJ has lost two of the last three series against Carolina. Still, this one won't be over quickly.
'Canes in Six

4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. 5 Philadelphia Flyers
This is a joke of a matchup. While Pittsburgh isn't as good as they were last year, neither is Philly! The Flyers are still looking for a netminder, and it spells their doom once again. the Flyers find enough in their sack to eke out a sole win. I don't believe that, truly, I'm just being generous. That, and four-game sweeps are still too rare to bet on.
Pens in Five

Western Conference

1 San Jose Sharks vs. 8 Anaheim Ducks
This is San Jose's year to shine. They are awesome, top to bottom. The Ducks, while often problematic, only got into the Second Season because of math-based attrition. A brewing goaltender controversy is also in the works over in Arrowhead, and that won't help.
Sharks in Five

2 Detroit Red Wings vs. No. 7 Columbus Blue Jackets
There is always one huge upset during the year, and this is it: Osgood looks like he should be playing shuffleboard in Miami, and Mason looks like a freaking Vezina winner.
Jackets in Six

3 Vancouver Canucks vs. 6 St. Louis Blues
This is another series that might end up with another lower seed making the big boys sweat. The Blues want to prove something to the world, but I gotta take the Canucks this year.
Vancouver in Five

4 Chicago Blackhawks vs. 5 Calgary Flames
Proof positive that good ownership makes all of the difference in the world. While I admire Calgary and many of their players, They don't have enough to withstand a 'Hawks team that looks like they are going to make it into the WCF. Kiprusoff will keep them honest, but in the end...
Birds in Seven

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?