2009 NHL Playoff Predictions

Western Conference:

(1) Sharks v. (8) Ducks Prediction – Ducks in seven

San Jose was by far the better team during the regular season, but this is the worst matchup for the Sharks, who are only consistent in letting down fans this time of year. Anaheim’s experience will pay off against a San Jose team that is all too aware of the ghosts of playoffs past.

(2) Red Wings v. (7) Blue Jackets Prediction – Red Wings in five

Congratulations Columbus fans, you’ve made the playoffs for the first time in team history! For your reward you get the defending Stanley Cup champions, with one exception, this year they also have Marian Hossa… Sorry, Columbus but you’ll have to wait another year to see the second round.

(3) Canucks v. (6) Blues Prediction – Canucks in five

The St. Louis Blues have been the story of the year, not just in the NHL, but in all of sports. Written off at the halfway mark, the Blues overcame injuries and negativity to clinch a playoff spot. Unfortunately Roberto Luongo is at the other end of the ice, and he will put an end to a great season for the Blues.

(4) Blackhawks v. (5) Flames Prediction – Blackhawks in six

A healthy Calgary team would make this series the most evenly matched of the playoffs. Offensively Patrick Sharp and Patrick Kane can compete against Jerome Iginla and Olli Jokinen—it’s a push. Defensively Brent Seabrook and Brian Campbell against Dion Phaneuf and Robyn Regir, that’s a push too. Comparing goaltending, Nickolai Khabibulin against Mikka Kipprusoff—another push. Depth will make the difference for Chicago.

Eastern Conference:

(1) Bruins v. (8) Canadiens Prediction – Bruins sweep

How sweet this is for Bruins fans. The team that you can pencil in every year to force Boston from the playoffs is on the ropes in their extravagant centennial season. This is the biggest mismatch of the first round as Montreal is not better than the Bruins in any aspect of the game. Drink it in Bean-town this is a perfect storm of humiliation for your archrivals, their 100th season culminating in defeat in front of thousands of loud, disappointed fans.

(2) Capitals v. (7) Rangers Prediction – Capitals in six

Another sizable mismatch for the eastern conference, as the Capitals have looked unbeatable whenever they play inspired hockey and the Rangers have appeared to be on the ropes all year long. Being so desperate as to scoop up Dallas’ sloppy seconds in troubled forward Sean Avery.

(3) Devils v. (6) Hurricanes Prediction – Devils in seven

A rested and healthy Martin Brodeur is the NHL’s equivalent of Jason Vorhees on steroids (to anyone except the Devils). The Hurricanes have a decent counter-punch however, in Erik Cole and Jordan Staal on the same line (for the purpose of this article, we’ll refer to them as Freddy Kreuger). Much like in the movie, Jason will sleigh Freddy in a long, and drawn out series that is far more entertaining than the movie.

(4) Penguins v. (5) Flyers Prediction – Penguins in six

The 2009 playoff Penguins are not the same as the 2008 playoff Penguins. They are a year older, a year wiser, and minus one Marian Hossa. The Flyers are nearly the same. A feisty, gritty bunch that will make you pay for every inch of ice. What didn’t work in 2008, will also not work in 2009. The superiorly skilled Penguins will sweep Philly at home, and steal game six to win the battle of Pennsylvania.