EAST
Buffalo over NY Rangers in 5 games. This could end up being a one-sided match up. The Sabres have speed, scoring, defense and goaltending. And the Sabres are relatively healthy with incredible depth. Although the Rangers had an easy time with Atlanta and are well rested, the defense will have problems with the speedy Sabres. Henrik Lundqvist has been playing extremely well so give the edge to the Rangers in this department. They also have a lethal powerplay and super pest Sean Avery.
Ottawa over New Jersey in 7 games. Ottawa has the NHL's #2 offense but the Devils have Brodeur who has had a career season and is my candidate for league MVP. He started off slow in the 1st round but came on strong in the latter games. It will be a classic struggle between the flying Senators and the defensive-minded Devils.
WEST
San Jose over Detroit in 7 games. I'm going out on a limb on this one. Detroit has size, speed, defense and goaltending. But the Sharks can match that pretty much. Their defense is pretty green but the addition of Rivet has made a significant difference. You can't be much stronger up the middle with Thornton and Marleau. Evgeni Nabokov has been dynamite since taking over the starter's role full time down the stretch and I think San Jose actually has the edge here.
Anaheim over Vancouver in 5 games. This is a series that could easily be a sweep but Luongo is bound to steal a game here. The Canucks had trouble with the Stars and their top players have disappeared in the playoffs. Meanwhile the Ducks have two of the very best in the league in Scott Niedermayer and Chris Pronger, and it's rare that either one is not on the ice at any point in the game. The team is can play it any way. They can match teams with speed and scoring and the have the banger to play a physical game. This team is built for a long playoff run.
12 years ago
