It's time for the NHL's second season.
If the intensity of the playoffs comes even close to matching that of the end of the regular season, hockey fans are in for a real treat. Saturday's craziness and Sunday's fireworks finalized what promise to be amazing first-round match-ups. Here are some predictions for the first go-around.
Buffalo Sabres vs. New York Islanders: The Isles gained entry into the postseason in dramatic fashion on Sunday with a shootout win over the Devils. But without starting goalie Rick DiPietro, their hopes against the NHL-leading Sabres are slim. Past years have proven that anything can happen in the playoffs, but New York pulling this one off would be a stretch. The Isles might grab one at home, but Buffalo wins it in five.
New Jersey Devils vs. Tampa Bay Lightning: It's hard to bet against Devils' goaltender Martin Brodeur, but this time we may have to do it. Tampa's streaky play has confused observers and its goaltending has been shaky at best. But New Jersey can't score with Tampa, and there's only so much Brodeur can do. Tampa stars Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis will lead the Bolts past New Jersey in six.
Atlanta Thrashers vs. New York Rangers: New York's run to the sixth seed in the playoffs was impressive; Atlanta's run to the Southeast Division title and the third seed was less so. The Thrashers are inexperienced in net, but they have plenty of experience everywhere else. In the end, their firepower will be too much even for gold-medal-winning goalie Henrik Lundqvist. Atlanta in six.
Ottawa Senators vs. Pittsburgh Penguins: Any hockey fan would be hard-pressed to find a playoff series that features more offensive talent than this match-up. Scoring champ Sidney Crosby and crew face an experienced and hungry Ottawa squad. As usual, the key to this series may lie in the nets. No matter what the result, missing any of these games would be a mistake. Ottawa's experience wins this one in six.
Detroit Red Wings vs. Calgary Flames: The Wings and Flames split their season series this year, and that's not a surprise. The Western Conference is as tight as it gets. There are many who think that Calgary has the perfectly formed team to take down the top-seeded Wings. That may have been true if Dominik Hasek weren't posted between the pipes for Detroit, but with Hasek in net and a deeper and tougher team this year, the Wings will take this one in seven.
Anaheim Ducks vs. Minnesota Wild: The Ducks have been up-and-down this year, but their level of talent is undeniable. They have a clear advantage on the blue line but may have trouble dealing with Minnesota's speed. The Wild will need to be disciplined in their defensive style of hockey and goalie Manny Fernandez will have to be a solid as he's ever been. Many picked the Ducks to win the Cup when the season started, but their run stops with an upset here. Wild in seven.
Vancouver Canucks vs. Dallas Stars: Dallas goalie Marty Turco has been tortured by his inability to win in the playoffs. Unfortunately for him, it looks like this season won't be any different. The Canucks have been strong in the second half and goalie Roberto Luongo has been phenomenal. Turco will have to match Luongo, and even then it might not be enough. The Canucks take this one in five.
Nashville Predators vs. San Jose Sharks: After the series between Pittsburgh and Ottawa, this one may provide the most fireworks. The Nashville fans are hoping that Peter Forsberg is the playoff master he was in Colorado, and San Jose fans are hoping that their young defense is good enough to stop the powerful Predator offense. Either way, this series will be well-played and will go down to the wire. In the end, it's Nashville in seven.
