NHL Playoffs 2011: First-Round Picks and Previews

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are officially here! Here is a closer look and my predictions for the first round in the Western Conference:

No. 1 Vancouver Canucks vs. No. 8 Chicago Blackhawks

Vancouver is the most well-rounded team in the Western Conference, if not the whole league. A questionable suspension from Raffi Torres could be the only thing that troubles this team, but I don’t see it happening. The defending champs got into the playoffs on the last day of the regular season, thanks to a Minnesota Wild win over Dallas.

Vancouver would have loved to play anyone else, as Chicago has a home away from home in Vancouver. It’s going to be a very tough battle over seven games, and you can never count the champs out. But the Blackhawks are a much weaker team and won’t be able to keep up.

The Pick: Vancouver in six games.

No. 2 San Jose Sharks vs. No. 7 Los Angeles Kings

San Jose is a team that has struggled to meet expectations in the playoffs. Early exits from the last few years question everyone’s choice whether to go with them, even in the first round. Here though, the Sharks are just too strong; they overpower the Kings in almost every category.

The Pick: San Jose in five games.

No. 3 Detroit Red Wings vs. No. 6 Phoenix Coyotes

Detroit is the battle-tested, experienced group going up against the young gun team of the Phoenix Coyotes. Last year, the Red Wings struggled with the Coyotes, but I don’t see this happening this season. The Coyotes youth is just so overmatched when compared to the heavy experience of the Red Wings.

The Pick: Detroit in five games.

No. 4 Anaheim Ducks vs. No. 5 Nashville Predators

The Anaheim Ducks have been the hottest team down the stretch of the season. Ray Emery surprised everyone when he took over the goal-tending position after All-Star Goalie Jonas Hiller went down in February. The Ducks ended 15-5-0 not only to get into the playoffs but to vault themselves all the way to the four seed. The Ducks are too hot, and the Predators will not be able to slow them down.

The Pick: Anaheim in five games.