NHL 2010 Conference Quarterfinal Picks

CrAzAnEsSApr 14, 2010

Washington Capitals vs. Montreal Canadiens
Is there even a point to picking this one? I don’t think there’s any doubt that the Capitals will move on to the next round. Washington’s offense scored the most goals this year so Montreal better keep the puck out of their own net. Luckily for them, Jaroslov Halak has been playing great. If the Canadiens can score often and stay ahead, they might have a shot, but a very slim shot. However, crazier things have happened.
Capitals in 5

New Jersey Devils vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Without any reliable goaltending, the Flyers won’t go long in the playoffs. At least they have Jeff Carter back to add some more scoring to their offense, especially since they’re going up against one of the best goaltenders of all-time. I do think Phili will give the Devils some problems but they should be able to make it through this round.
Devils in 6

Buffalo Sabres vs. Boston Bruins
The Sabres are anchored by the great goaltending of Ryan Miller and they will depend on him to lead them to victory. But the Bruins have not only one, but two great goalies that can shut the door on the opposition’s offense. The only problem with that is deciding which goalie should start in the playoffs. The key to this series is Boston’s 2.39 goals per game (ranked last in the league) against Buffalo’s 2.45 goals against per game (ranked fourth in the league). If Boston can find a way to beat Miller often, they have a chance to win. Friendly advice to betters: stats say this series will be low scoring, so any total at or above five would probably be a good time to go under.
Sabres in 6

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Ottawa Senators
The Penguins are playing as the fourth seed in the playoffs, but only because they lost their division to the Devils. One would assume that Marc-Andre Fleury has better stats than Brian Elliot. Well, you would be wrong. Elliot has more shootouts along with a better save percentage and goals against average. He’ll need to keep up the good work and try to stop two of the best forwards and one of the best offenses in the league. The odds are that the defending champs are going to win this series but you never know.
Penguins in 5

Western Conference Quarterfinals

San Jose Sharks vs. Colorado Avalanche
This should be a pretty interesting matchup. A team that has struggled trying to get past the first round in previous years versus a team that many believed at the start of the year that they wouldn’t make the playoffs. But I think this year is the year the Sharks get past the first round. The Avalanche had a great run this year and we’ll be set for the future but I don’t think they have the experience to handle the playoffs yet. San Jose has been here before and has tasted defeat way too often.
Sharks in 5

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Nashville Predators
The Blackhawks got a lot of talent on their team and are expected to go far in these playoffs. Nashville, well, doesn’t really. Sure, they have guys like Shea Weber but not the depth that Chicago has. But I will say that the Predators have better goaltending. Pekka Rinne is, in my opinion, the most underrated goaltender in hockey. This should be a good challenge for him and Nashville. But in the end, I don’t think they stand a chance.
Blackhawks in 6

Vancouver Canucks vs. LA Kings
Vancouver has a really good team with the wonder twins and one of the best goaltenders in the league. LA has a really good team with a bunch of young stars and one of the best, young goaltenders in the league. This should be a very close series. A series I believe the Kings can win. I see them wanting it more and just something, maybe my gut, is telling me…
Kings in 7

Phoenix Coyotes vs. Detroit Red Wings
It’s kind of weird talking about the Coyotes and the playoffs in the same sentence. I thought I would have seen the name Hamilton Coyotes before seeing the Phoenix Coyotes in the playoffs. But here they are and they got a tough fight against the Red Wings. I not only think that Detroit is the better team but I think they’re experience will get them past the Coyotes. It’s been a good run Phoenix, but I think your time is up.
Wings in 6