Here's Stanley: Fearless Predictions for the NHL Playoffs

Playoff season.  The longest two months of a hockey player's and a hockey fan's life. Hockey players will be battered, bruised, and left for dead.  Hockey fans will be hoarse, heated, and ripped to shreds.

It's also a long two months for those of us who make predictions.  Will we be right, wrong, or completely out in left field?  But we bravely put ourselves out there for the abuse that comes with wrong predictions or the praise for brilliant foresight.  It's my turn.

Montreal and Anaheim are my picks for the Finals.

Montreal has the right mixture of youth, talent, drive, and a yearning that hasn't been filled since 1993.  They might run into issues early in the playoffs with their hopes riding on Carey Price.  But if he keeps his legs and can move his regular season success into the post-season, then Montreal will fare well, and, I believe, will win the Cup.

Not to mention, Price will be the front-runner for the Conn Smythe Trophy.  If Montreal wins the Cup, it will be because Price kept his cool.

Now, if Anaheim pulls it off two years in a row, not only will we see some modern-day history being made, but we will see what I believe would be an upset.  While Anaheim is talented and has some good veteran experience, I think they'll tire themselves out playing some tough Western teams like Calgary and Colorado.

If they win, or even go for seven games in the Finals, Scott Niedermayer or Chris Pronger will try to pry the Conn Smythe away from Price.

Each team, however, has a player who could win the Conn Smythe if they reach the Finals. 

Colorado has several: Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, and Ryan Smyth, if he can pull out of his minor slump to make a huge difference in the post-season. 

You can count on Sidney Crosby to get it if Pittsburgh makes a good run.  Ottawa, while a long shot for a final round appearance, has Wade Redden and Dany Heatley. Another possibility is Martin Gerber, who would have to play exceptionally well to get Ottawa to the final.  

Calgary could count on Miikka Kiprusoff or Jarome Iginla, while Detroit - another long shot - has Nicklas Lidstrom and Henrik Zetterberg.

Of course, if New Jersey could pull together for another Cup, Martin Brodeur would be a shoo-in.

So, will I eat my words?  I have a dark horse pick just to cover my bases.  Colorado could be an incredible surprise and upset.  I think of all the teams, they might want it the most after Montreal.

In the East, the New York Rangers might be able to pull off a final-round victory.  With rumors that Jaromir Jagr is close to the end of his career, you can bet that he would like to go out on a high note.

So, let's commence with the battering, the screaming, and the abuse.  The Cup will be awarded, but who will take it home?