Playoff Predictions

Time for some NHL playoff predictions.

The Kings are going to shock everyone. Their goaltending situation has gone from stable to solid, and they have one of the best teams of young players with Frolov, Kopitar and Doughty. Their veteran leadership is tough and has been through a grueling first-round matchup before. Rewind to 99-00, when the Penguins were on their way to the Eastern Semifinals on a road that took them through Washington. Super Mario Lemieux was held scoreless in that series by one Jeff Halpern, a late season pickup by the boys in black. Yeah, it was a decade ago, and Halpern isn’t a top six forward, but he’s the guy you want in the top twelve in a game six when a series is on the line. Kings in six.

The only number the Flyers have is the goaltender call-up hotline. Put the season series in perspective – the Devils were entirely healthy, as a team, for two of six games. Fully healed Elias and Martin, Kovulchuk needing a strong showing to determine his own market value on July 1st, a rested Martin Brodeur and the season series is as useful as a 10-day weather forecast in New England. Skoula remembers what it’s like to win a Cup (he helped the Avs beat the Devils in 2001). Pronger looked his age in the last two Rangers games. One can only smirk. Devils in six or less.

If the Habs can score goals, they’ll Cap Ovi and his {blue, white, red} tovarichch. They won the season series against Washington, and I think they can outlast them again. I’m least convinced about this one; either Washington comes out guns blazing, scores early and often and sweeps, or this one is going seven and touching on a record for goals scored in a single series.

Averaging two weeks per round, the NHL’s second season lasts another solid two months, and I’m going to adore every day of it. Devils-Flyers, Wednesday night at the Rock. The Bubba and I will be there in (slightly belated) Elias & Bubba birthday celebration mode. Here’s hoping we sing a lot of Gary Glitter.

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