NHL Playoffs: Semifinal Matchups, Part One

"

"

Western Conference

"

"

 1. Detroit Red Wings vs.  6. Colorado Avalanche

 2. San Jose Sharks vs. 5.Dallas Stars

"

"

Eastern Conference

"

"

 1. Montreal Canadians vs.  6. Philadelphia Flyers 

 2. Pittsburgh Penguins vs. 5. New York Rangers

Detroit Red Wings vs.  Colorado Avalanche

At this point the Red Wings have to be longing for some new faces. First they start the playoffs with a divisional rival and now they face their age-old rival. Sure the rivalry isn’t as fierce as it used to be, but I’m sure both teams will be more than willing to dust of the old gloves and fight it out. This is a perfect match up of two veteran teams with plenty of playoff experience that will be a fun series to watch.

Jose Theodore has been solid as of late and would warrant me giving the Av’s the edge in net, but since replacing Hasek, Chris Osgood has been playing lights out. So who has the better situation? I have to give it to Detroit because Theodore could begin playing as he did in the regular season and that would spell the end of Colorado, whereas Osgood has been solid all season (and every year in the playoffs).

Peter Forsberg is one awkward hit away from falling out of this series and it is only a matter of time before that happens. Detroit has beaten Colorado in the playoffs in the past and I have no reason to believe it won’t happen again.

Bottom Line: Detroit in 6 

Montreal was pushed to the edge by Boston and the Flyers upset the Capitals. Needless to say both clubs are going to have to prove that the first round wasn’t what it looked like.

The Canadians will be trying to prove that the close call with the Bruins was a fluke by playing like they did in game 7. Look for them to play with a lot of energy and their goalie Carey Price to play like he did late in the series. He looks like he finally is starting to settle down and that is nothing but good news for Montreal.

Philadelphia on the other hand, will be trying to prove that the first round was anything but a fluke. Daniel Briere has been playing red hot and if it continues he could lead his Flyers to pushing the Canadians as far as Boston did. However, I don’t think it will continue. The Flyers’ upset was a product of the right people getting hot at the right time and given time they will cool off. My guess is that they will run out of steam before they have a chance to finish off Montreal.

It’s about time Montreal played up to their number one seed. 

Bottom Line: Montreal in 6