2008-09 Free NHL Playoffs Picks

NHL 2008-09 FREE PLAYOFFS PICKS

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Bruins Too Much For Habs, This Time

With a heavy heart, I believe the Boston Bruins are ready to exact revenge on the team I have cheered on since 1986. One of the things that differentiates this series from the last three times the Canadiens ousted the Bruins in the first round is the absence of Andrei Markov. The second highest point getting defenceman is out indefinitely with a shoulder injury. The only way the blue, blanc and rougue will stand a chance of beating the team with the best plus minus goals differential is to get number 79 back in the lineup soon. The Bruins just have too much depth and size for the Habs. Boston was the only team this year to finish with seven 20+ goal scorers.

Bruins win series 4 games to 1

Caps Offense Will Mesmerize The Offensively Anemic Rangers

I’m familiar with the trite expression that a good defense will beat a good offense any day. Unfortunately for the New York Rangers, that will not be the case against the potent offense of the Washington Capitals. Although the Rangers had the leagues best penalty kill during the regular season, and Henrik Lundquist earned another 30plus wins, the Capitals become the first team since 1996 to boast four players who finished the regular season recording at least a point per game. If Jose Theodore can be even just average in this series, the league’s top goal scorer and the Capitals should have its way with New York. The only chance the Rangers have of winning this series is if Lundquist shines beyond belief.

Washington wins series 4 games to 0.

Eric Stall and Cam Ward Are Shining At The Right Time

I’m not making my first upset based on the Hurricanes winning the season series against New Jersey 3-1. I’m picking Carolina because its gone 13-5 since March. As well, Eric Stall and Cam Ward are playing the kind of inspired hockey that won the franchise its first ever Stanley Cup in 2004. Martin Brodeur has not been marginal since returning from an injury that kept him out of most of this past season. And although this Devils team boasts a potent offence, which the franchise is not known for, including the fourth leading scorer in Zack Parise, I don’t think the Jersey can get enough offense from its defense, whereas Anton Babchuck and Joe Corvo have been playing quite well for the Canes as of late.

Carolina wins series 4 games to 2

Philadelphia’s offense won’t be enough to topple the Penguins

Ever since making a coaching change, the Penguins have really turned this season around. Getting the veteran leadership of Bill Guerin and Chris Kunitz near the trading deadline didn’t hurt, either. I think this series will come down to goaltending. And although Philadelphia netminder, Martin Biron, got a monkey off his back last season, advancing to the third round of the playoffs, Fleury was the difference maker then, and he will be the same this series. Both teams have loads of offensive talent, but the Flyers can’t get it done defensively. I know Philadelphia allowed one fewer goal than the Penguins this year, but the Pens have been a different team since removing former coach Michelle Therien. Getting back one of the leagues’ best defenseman in Sergei Gonchan didn’t hurt much, either.

Pittsburgh wins series 4 games to 3



WESTERN CONFERENCE

Could This Be The Year The Sharks Finally Makes Some Waves?

Corny pun aside, San Jose is poised to make it deep in the playoffs this year. Many a Presidents’ Trophy winner has disappointed, San Jose looks to me like they can at least get past the first round. No disrespect to the Ducks who have a load of experience and talent, Anaheim just can’t seem to find its’ stride this year. Joe Thornton is another year older and experienced, Patrick Marleau has had a huge turnaround year and San Jose has an incredibly deep team. Additionally, the Sharks is solid on defence and can play a physical game, too.

San Jose wins series 4 games to 3

Detroit Squeaks By The Pesky Blue Jackets

I don’t think it will be easy for Detroit, but a load of depth and experience should advance the defending Stanley Cup champs into the second round. Rookie goaltender Steve Mason has had an outstanding year for Columbus and Rick Nash keeps growing into a top NHL star. However, Detroit had the most goals of any team this year and has 2 of the top centres in Pavel Datsyuk. Additionally, the defending champs has 169 points between its’ top 3 defencemen. I don’t know why Chris Osgood keeps getting mentioned as a key to Detroit repeating. Hasn’t he proven himself already?

The Blues’ Run Stops Here

Congratulations to St. Louis for making its’ first post season appearance since 2004. I’m not saying they don’t deserve to be here; quite the opposite. The Blues surprised everybody by playing well enough down the stretch to secure a playoff spot. But, the Vancouver Canucks has played exceptionally well having won 23 of its’ last 32 games after losing 8 straight in January. I think like in many series, this one will come down to goaltending with the Vancouver captain getting my nod.

Vancouver wins series 4 games to 1

Experience And Grit Too Much For Chicago To Handle

Although the Blackhawks swept the season series 4-0, have home ice and the leagues’ 4th most potent offence, I think the Flames, who have been inconsistent all season, will show up. On top of leadership, grit and offence, Flames captain Jerome Iginla has a supporting cast that includes a breakout year from Mike Cammalleri, I think the one key factor to the Flames success will be Ollie Jokinen. Jokinen is making his first post season appearance after playing 799 regular season games. I think his desire and enthusiasm in knowing that he finally made it to the playoffs will be contagious. It doesn’t hurt that he can score a goal or two. Chicago is loaded with talent and is fun to watch, but it’s not their time yet.

Calgary wins series 4 games to 2

My Early Stanley Cup Prediction:

Detroit over Boston 4 games to 2