The 2007-2008 NHL playoffs are read-to-go - and it took the last games of the regular season today in the Eastern Conference to begin the seeding. And a good thing for the NHL this time around - we get to see some serious rivalries. I can't wait for a few games of "Old-Time Hockey"!Here's a quick break-down, of my predictions, for the first round.
(1) Montreal Canadiens vs. (8) Boston Bruins
And the domination continues for the Habs. 8-0 against my home-town team this season, and I don't expect it to be any different in the playoffs. The Canadiens have outscored the Bruins 36-19 this season, and have won 11 straight against the B's, dating back to last season.
The Bruins have absolutely no momentum going into the playoffs, posting a 4-2-4 record in their last 10 games.
Montreal: 8-1-1. And as long as rookie net-minder Carey Price can continue his stellar play in net, expect this series to be a short-one.
The Bruins may have something to look forward to: Patrice Bergeron. We won't know until tomorrow to see whether or not the Doctors give Patrice the "OK" to play - but I don't see him being a difference maker having been side-lined for almost six-months. But, his presence could snap the winless streak, and the B's may manage to sneak in a win. Maybe
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Montreal in 5
(2) Pittsburg Penguins vs. (7) Ottawa Senators
Ottawa (3-6-1, in their last 10 games) has the 3-1 season series advantage, against the penguins this year. So what. I have no confidence whatsoever in the Sens this year. Their goaltending has been suspect, and key-player injuries (Daniel Alfredsson and Mike Fisher) are going to get them swept in the playoffs.
Pittsburg (6-3-1) has legitimate goaltending, in the one-two-punch of Marc-Andre Fleury and Ty Conklin. A healthy Sidney Crosby and MVP-contender Evgeni Malkin should pick-apart the Sens, in a fairly-easy sweep.
Pittsburg in 4
(3) Washington Capitals vs. (6) Philadelphia Flyers
I got one number for ya. #8. Alexander Ovechkin. Enough said. If he's not a lock for the MVP now....
The Caps, did-what-they-had-to-do, by the trade deadline. Acquiring Cristobal Huet and veteran Sergei Fedorov has obviously paid Washington dividends. 15-4-1 in their last 20-games, and 9-1-0 in their last 10, Washington is on an absolute tear, and I don't expect them to start slowing-down now.
The Flyers have been plagued with injuries. They have been playing some decent hockey (7-2-1), especially with the win today over the Pittsburg Penguins, 2-0. The win catapulted them past Boston and Ottawa for the sixth-seed. The season series with the Caps is tied at 2-2, but this is where their season end.
Washington in 6
(4) New Jersey Devils vs. (5) New York Rangers
The shootout win today, 3-2, clinched home-ice advantage for the Devils. The bitter rivals played their hearts-out today at The Rock, and the Devils certainly earned the two-points and the home-ice nod for the playoffs.
New Jersey (4-5-1) has one major advantage in this series. Martin Brodeur. He will single-handedly win this series for the Devils, and advance to the second-round.
The Rangers (5-1-4) have been playing some good hockey - I just think it's going to come down to goaltending in this one. And, expect a lot of rough-and-tough physical play.
New Jersey in 7
I really want Boston to win, but, I'm just being honest. Let's see how my first-round predictions turn out. I hope I'm wrong in that one - and the Hub of Hockey shock the world by finally taking down the almighty Habs.
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5 months ago
Ok you need to wake up and smell the puck. Boston is going down like a cowpie from a tall cow. A wise man once said "You can wish in one hand and crap in the other. See which one fills up faster." That applies to your dreams for Boston. Watch my Habs win the cup.
from 5 months ago
well, there's a big difference between wanting the Bruins to win - and predicting them to lose.
of course I'm rooting for the B's. But, Like i said...
"And the domination continues for the Habs. 8-0 against my home-town team this season, and I don't expect it to be any different in the playoffs."
5 months ago
Caps/Flyers goes 7, Ottawa wins 1, and Montreal sweeps. Hope I am extremely wrong with that last one.
5 months ago
Yeah, Caps will get pushed at least 6 or 7, Ottawa will probably grab 1 if not 2, and the Habs have the opportunity to sweep. Jersey-NY, it'll be tough, it'll be go 6 or 7.
4 months ago
I think Boston is looking really good. They got screwed over in game 2 with some blown calls and game three looked real good. I think the Bruins are gonna win it in 6 games.
4 months ago
I think Boston is looking really good. They got screwed over in game 2 with some blown calls and game three looked real good. I think the Bruins are gonna win it in 6 games.
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