(1)Detroit Red Wings VS (8) Nashville Predators
Why the Red Wings Will Win:
Simply put… they are the better team. Detroit has been one of the best teams in the NHL this season. They are 26 games over .500 (by far the best of any team). They are deeper at almost every position (besides goaltending), and they have a tough coach who knows how to win. Having the best defenseman in the NHL doesn’t hurt either.
Why the Red Wings will Lose:
They are relying on a tandem of a 40+ year old goaltender in Hasek, and a has-been, over-rated goalie in Osgood. Both goalies have been very good in the regular season, but the playoffs are a different animal. Detroit has also been bounced out of the playoffs early in the last few years despite being the overwhelming favorites to win (Calgary anyone?)
Why the Predators will win:
I’m giving Nashville the edge in goal, despite Hasek and Osgood having a Stanley Cup Ring. There is not much debate that it’s harder to be a goalie in Nashville than it is in Detroit. Nashville has also had a playoff mentality since March, and had to go on a bit of a run to make the playoffs, so that could help them to upset a suddenly playoff-fragile Red Wing team.
Why the Predators will lose:
They weren’t even supposed to make the playoffs with the garage sale of players last summer. So to say they are overachieving would be an understatement. They don’t have the depth or experience that Detroit has.
The bottom line:
This match-up is all about will VS skill. If Nashville can shock Detroit and take a few early games, they may be able to upset them. Unfortunately, I don’t see this happening. Detroit in 5
(2) San Jose Sharks VS (7) Calgary Flames
Why the Sharks will win:
This team has been so hot lately. How hot? By the end of February, they were in third place in the Pacific Division, they went on a run, and overtook the Ducks and the Stars to be the division champions. Over their past 22 games, they have only lost twice in regulation. This team is clicking at a scary time. Thornton and Cheechoo have been outstanding since the All-Star break, and Vezina candidate Evgeni Nabokov has been nothing short of sensational despite playing nearly every game this season.
Why the Sharks will lose:
The Stanley Cup is not awarded in March or April, so once the playoffs start, it doesn’t matter how many games they won in the latter part of the season. As good as Nabokov has been, it will be interesting to see if fatigue sets in. He started in 77 of the 82 games in the season. That’s a lot of rubber! This is also a tough match-up for the Sharks, as these two teams play similar styles.
Why the Flames will win:
They have two of the best players in the league in Iginla and Kipurssoff, and recently went to the Stanley Cup finals. They are a solid defensive team with players like Regehr, Aucoin and Warrener, despite being in the middle of the pack in goals against. Calgary also has one of the best playoff atmosphere’s with their “Sea of Red.”
Why the Flames will lose:
Calgary has been disappointing since their trip to the Cup finals in 2004. They underachieved in the past, and it’s uncertain whether fiery Mike Keenan can spark his team to make a long run.
The bottom line:
San Jose is really good. The trade for Cambell was easily the best move at the deadline, as it has payed dividends for the Sharks since then. Calgary has played poorly at home, and mediocre on the road, so finding a win will be hard. This series could come down to special teams, and if that’s the case it could be a problem for Calgary, they rank in the bottom 3rd of both their power-play and penalty kill, while San Jose has the best penalty kill, and a top ten power-play. However, you can never count out the Flames while they have Iginla and Kippursoff. That being said, Sharks win in 6.
(3) Minnesota Wild VS (6) Colorado Avalanche
Why the Wild will win:
They managed to win the most competitive division in hockey, which is an achievement in itself. They did it on the backs of Marian Gaborik (who has over 40 goals), Brian Rolston (over 30 goals), and their new back-stopper Niklas Backstrom (top 10 in GAA, SV % and wins), who has been sensational as his first full season as the number one goalie. Add to that, that they play in front of rowdy fans at Xcel Energy Center, and have a shrewd, Stanley Cup Champion coach who knows what it takes to win.
Why the Wild will lose:
The seasonal fatigue of competing in the Northwest division could take its toll. Demitra has underachieved, and has been injury prone, so Gaborik is going to have to carry this team. Backstrom has played in five games in the playoffs, and only came away with one win last season, despite posting good numbers.
Why the Avalanche will win:
Can you ever really bet against Sakic and Forseberg? These players know how to raise their level of play when it really matters. Jose Theodore’s resurgence as an elite goaltender is GREAT sign for Colorado. They have the 3rd most home wins, so they have to take all 3 home games at Pepsi Center to stand a chance.
Why the Avalanche will lose:
This team is getting old, despite rising stars like Wolski and Svatos. Theodore has played well recently, butI’m still skeptical about his abilities come playoff time.
The bottom line:
This series could come down to what most series come down to. Special teams and goaltending. If this is the case then Minnesota will win the series. Colorado has the 3rd worst power-play, and are 20th on the penalty kill. Minnesota ranks top ten in both categories. If Colorado can find a way to score first in every game, they have a shot. They have the second best record, only bested by Detroit. In the end though, Minnesota is the better, more balanced team. Verdict: Minnesota in 6
(4) Anaheim Ducks VS (5) Dallas Stars
Why the Ducks will win:
Until someone takes it away from them, they are the defending Stanley Cup Champions. The return of Niedermayer and Selanne has fueled this team to an 8-2-2 run in their final 10 games of the season.They are deep, experienced, and well coached. They are top 10 in nearly every statistical category and have a Conn-Smythe trophy winning goalie in Giguere.
Why the Ducks will lose:
They are arrogant, and play that way. If the Stars find a way to capitalize on their arrogance, it could spell trouble for the Ducks. Anaheim also has to hope that they can flip the “playoff switch” to get to the level they were at last post-season. If they can’t do that, this series could go to seven games in favor of Dallas.
Why the Stars will win:
The players have bought into the, “score by committee” mentality, and most are having career seasons. The ability to roll four lines that can score is definitely an edge that Dallas has over ANY opponent. Consequently, they have significantly improved their offense this season, and have one of the best squads to get into a special teams battle.
Why the Stars will lose:
Dallas has played poorly down the stretch are limped into the playoffs. They managed to win two games in March, after peaking in February. Turco has played poorly this month, and Richards has not contributed like he was expected to. The Stars will be without their best player, Sergei Zubov, for atleast the first round of the playoffs, which means Dallas will be dressing 3 rookie defenseman, against one of the best blue lines in NHL history.
The bottom line:
Whoever wins game one will win the series. If Dallas has any designs on beating the defending Stanley Cup Champs, they have to win game one and get their confidence back. Steve Ott (who I think is the Stars MVP) has to be an x-factor in the series and get the Ducks off their game. Richards, Modano, Lehtinen, Morrow, and Turco will have to stand out and play their best. The young defensemen have to step up and play like veterans. If Dallas does all this… they will win the series in 7 games. However, previous history suggests the Stars won’t do this, hopefully I am proven wrong. Verdict: Ducks in 5
Re-cap:
Detroit in 5
San Jose in 6
Minnesota in 6
Anaheim in 5
Eastern Conference preview will come tomorrow.
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