Here are my first round NHL playoff predictions

I've found predicting winners in the NHL playoffs has become a matter of plain luck. Parity has hit the NHL and six teams could be within three points of each other.  There is no clear cut favourite.  At least 4-6 teams could win it all.  There really aren't upsets anymore though if the Montreal Canadiens who squeaked into the playoffs knock off the Washington Capitals that would likely qualify.  All you can do is see how the two teams match up, look at injuries, goaltending match ups and see who was hot in the last month of the season.  However, here are my bold first round predictions. 

San Jose (1) vs. Colorado (8)
I'm so sure San Jose could beat the Hershey Bears in a playoff series.  I'm quite confident that San Jose will not be winning the Stanley Cup this season.  There top line of Thorton, Marleau and Heatley may be the best in the league but they are also the softest line too.  However, Colorado faded in the stretch and may not have enough gas in the tank to beat the Sharks.

Reluctantly picking San Jose

Chicago (2) vs. Nashvillie (7)
Every team has flaws, even the teams at the top of the standings.  Chicago is no exception with their very ordinary goaltending. But Chicago has a potent offense and Nashville can't score so I don't see goaltending tipping the scales one way or another.  Chicago had a lot of players participate in the Olympics which may create fatigue down the line but not in this round.

Confident that Chicago will win

Vancouver (3) vs. Los Angeles (6)
If you were to go by the goaltending match up, I wouldn't know what to tell you.  Luongo has been awful as late despite so competent work during the Olympics.  You hope he comes around for the playoffs but how can you be sure.  However, Jonathan Quick has also faded so who knows.  Both teams have had good offense but you would have to give the Canucks the edge with Sedin twins.

Picking Vancouver

Phoenix (4) vs. Detroit (5)
The Coyotes shouldn't even be in Phoenix let alone finishing with over 100 points and their first playoff appearance in years.  They will go as far as their goalie Ilya Bryzgalov can carry them on his back. Unfortunately they drew Detroit who seem to have finally recovered from a rash of injuries.  They are now healthy and the have one the best records since the all star break.

I'm taking Detroit.

Washington (1) vs. Montreal (8)
Washington has an incredibly potent offense but soft goaltending. However, this shouldn't be a factor against Montreal who just slipped into the playoffs by losing to the Leafs but earning a critical single point in the last game of the season. Washington's problems pale in comparison to Montreal 's. Ovechkin didn't dominate this season but there are so many other good players in that lineup that it doesn't really matter.

Going with Washington.

New Jersey (2) vs. Philadelphia (7)
If you over look all the accolades, Brodeur has been fading for several years now.  But Philadelphia has had so many goalies hurt this season that I keep expecting to see Gerry McNamara in net one game. Philadelphia has underperformed all year though I suspect this has to do more with the big gapping hole in net.  Picking up Ilya Kovalchuk hasn't exactly hurt New Jersey either.

New Jersey by a nose.

Buffalo (3) vs. Boston (6)
This series may go down as the most boring in the history of the Stanley Cup.  Avoid it at all cost. Boston cannot score and Buffalo isn't much better. Throw in some decent goaltending and you have the fornula to keep me asleep until round 2.  Miller is the league MVP which is all you need against the toothless Bruins.

Buffalo all the way.


Pittsburgh (4) vs. Ottawa (5)
Ottawa has had a strong finish to the season once their goaltending situation was cleared up. The Stanley Cup champions have looked flat all year but you can't count out a Sidney Crosby team this early in the playoffs.

Pittsburgh should win