2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Round One Predictions

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Well, it’s playoff time again, so I suppose I will be growing the beard out again. Yes indeed, this is one of my favorite times of year, even though my beloved Toronto Maple Leafs have finished their season already, finishing out of the playoffs for the 4th consecutive year. Oh well, it could be worse. At least the Leafs are taking the steps to be better next year.

But I am not writing this article to talk about the Leafs, this is a playoff article, and I will purely talk about those teams involved. To start, my pick to win the cup this year will be the Detroit Red Wings. They are just too good, they will not be stopped this post-season, much in the same way as last year.

Saying that, I do not want the Wings to repeat as Stanley Cup Champs, I would like to see the Calgary Flames or the Anaheim Ducks win it all this year, however I don’t think the Ducks are getting out of the first round, so LETS GO FLAMES. 

Anyway, lets get to the predictions shall we?

Western Conference

#1 San Jose Sharks vs. #8 Anaheim Ducks

Any other year, this would be one series that I would really be looking forward, but seeing as the San Jose Sharks were absolutely amazing this year, I don’t really see the Ducks having much of a chance in this series, therefore making it hockey that won’t necessarily be fun to watch. However, stranger things have happened, and if J.S. Giguere really heats things up, the Ducks could give the Sharks a run for their money.

Prediction: Sharks in 6

#2 Detroit Red Wings vs. #7 Columbus Blue Jackets

This is one series where I have seen certain people predicting an upset. Let me just say, you people are WRONG. Detroit is going to win this series, but Columbus will put up a bit of a fight. Steve Mason is an incredible goalie, but it won’t be enough to carry them past the power house Red Wings. The Blue Jackets will manage to steal a couple of games due to goaltending, but like I just said, it won’t be enough.

Prediction: Red Wings in 6

#3 Vancouver Canucks vs. #6 St. Louis Blues

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