Stanley Cup Playoffs: First Round Predictions

Calgary of course needs big games from Iginla, Huselius, and Langkow.  All the while getting solid efforts from Craig Conroy, Owen Nolan, and Alex Tanguay.

These really are two great goaltenders and people who relish big puckstopping saves, will be in for a treat in this series.

Although I wouldn't be surprised if Calgary is victorious,

Prediction: San Jose In 7

(3)Minnesota Vs (6) Colorado

Like San Jose, the time is now for Minnesota, if they can't string together a great postseason run, many people will question whether or not this group can go any farther.

Colorado added Adam Foote and Peter Forsberg at the deadline, and should be remotely healthy for the post season, something they weren't much of the regular season.

Jose Theodore has rebounded and had a good regular season, but it will take a healthy playoff run to make everyone a believer again.

I like the Wild, I enjoy watching them, but I don't think they are on that elite level.  I also think the Avs aren't there anymore either.

This will be a fast series, lots of goals, the difference will be the guys in Colorado who know how to get it done.

I want Minny to go far, but I am not sure if they can beat the Avs 

Prediction: Minnesota in 6

(4)Anaheim Vs (5) Dallas

Probably one of the most anticipated series' as far as I am concerned.  

As it is with the parity of the NHL, one of the leagues best teams will be going home about two weeks into the NHL playoffs.  

Anaheim, is well, Anaheim.  They've won the cup, they're the defending champions.  They have been there before as a group, believe in each other, and they even improved their already talented blue line (hard to believe I know.)

Dallas improved their chances this season by adding Brad Richards who had an immediate impact with his new team.

This is the toughest of the tough, and believe me, all these West series are tough.  But I think we could 

Prediction: Anaheim in 7

So that is my fearless forecasting for the first round of the Stanley Cup Championship.  

I know there isn't alot of 'upsets' as far as the standings go, but I do feel that, with everything so close, particularly in the West, even if a top seed defeats a lower standing team, it could still be considered an upset, simply because that a few good teams are going to go home disappointed, simply a victim of circumstance.

So, there they are, Bryan, Danielle, Thayne, bring it on!  I'm looking forward to a little friendly competition (although I never win these pools, I still try them.) Good luck to everyone.

Below is a link to the other prediction articles, for your reference.

Bryan Thiel

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/16823-NHL-New_Jersey_Devils-New_York_Rangers-Philadelphia_Flyers-The_2008_NHL_Playoff_Picture_Police_Squad_Makes_It_a_Little_Clearer-080408

Thayne Hallyburton

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/16676-NHL-New_Jersey_Devils-New_York_Rangers-Philadelphia_Flyers-NHL_Playoff_Preview_Round_One

Danielle Marchell

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