It’s time to check in and see how my first round predictions for the Stanley Cup playoffs are doing. For starters, in the Western Conference I picked the Phoenix Coyotes to win their series with Detroit, and the Red Wings have already swept the disappointing Coyotes out of the playoffs. I picked Vancouver to oust defending champion Chicago, and the Canucks have a 3-2 edge in that series. Like I said in picking Vancouver, the Black Hawks are nowhere near the same team that won the Cup last year, but after falling behind 3-0 in the series have staved off elimination with 2 resounding wins. I still feel Vancouver will eventually win. I had San Jose defeating the Los Angeles Kings and the Sharks have a 3-1 lead in that series, so it’s so far so good there. I picked Anaheim to knock out Nashville based on the Ducks’ experience, but the Predators have proven to be a tough out, as that series is tied at 2-2.
In the East, I chose Washington to cleanse the bad taste of last year’s playoff collapse against Montreal, and they are well on their way to doing that, holding a 3-1 edge over the New York Rangers. Of course, the Caps had a 3-1 lead on Montreal last year and blew it, so it’s not over until they secure that fourth win. However, when the Caps overcame a 3-0 deficit to beat New York 4-3 in double overtime the other night, it probably deflated the Rangers to the point where they won’t come back. As predicted, Pittsburgh appears to be making quick work of Tampa Bay, holding a 3-1 edge after beating the Lightning, also in double OT, in game four. Boston and Montreal always play memorable playoff series, and this year is no exception. The Habs shocked the hockey world by winning the first 2 games in Boston, then Boston came back and returned the favor by winning games 3 and 4 in Montreal. The emotions are running high in this series, as shown below by Bruins’ defenseman Andrew Ference’s one-finger salute to the Montreal fans after he scored a goal in the fourth game. I picked Philadelphia to eliminate Buffalo based on the Flyers being a more mentally tough team, and on the fact that Ryan Miller still hasn’t shown me that he’s truly an elite goalie. However, the series is tied at 2-2 and both Sabres’ wins have been 1-0 shutouts backstopped by Miller. He was terrific in winning the opening game in Philly, but his performance in game four may have been a series, and career changer. His save on former teammate Daniel Briere in that game was a highlight reel one, and Miller may be writing himself a new playoff story this year.
Andrew Ference salutes Montreal fans after scoring.