1st Round Playoff Predictions

THE PLAYOFFS ARE HERE!
It's the best time of the year. Time for me to flip some coins and predict the first round.
By the way, I'm still sticking to my preseason Stanley Cup Finals pick of Sharks/Canadiens

1 Detroit vs 8 Nashville
As I recently mentioned, I have massive concerns about the Wings' ability to make a run despite their record, but not so much that I don't think they can handle the Predators. The predators have inexperienced goaltending in the playoffs, and that will be a big difference. As long as the Wings play good defense, this series shouldn't be a problem. It won't be easy, but they'll win.
Prediction: Red Wings in 6

2 San Jose vs 7 Calgary
Don't count the Flames out in this series just because the Sharks have been playing outstanding down the stretch. If Kipper gets hot in goal you never know what could happen. Plus, Calgary has played well against San Jose this year. The Flames have the ability to make this series long, but the Sharks have the talent to get it done.
Prediction: Sharks in 5

3 Minnesota vs 6 Colorado
The Wild had a good year, and the Avalanche almost had a disaster. Then Colorado turned things around for themselves and are playing well offensively in front of Jose Theodore, who has had a rebound year. I like Colorado in this one because their 3rd and 4th line players always seem to get a big goal when needed.
Prediction: Avalanche in 6

4 Anaheim vs 5 Dallas
This is Turco's last chance to prove he can perform in the playoffs. Seems like Anaheim is such a heavy favorite in this series. And we all know that favorites always win in the NHL, right? Wrong.
Prediction: Dallas in 7



1 Montreal vs 8 Boston
Alright! An original 6 matchup. The Canadians are 8 and 0 against the Bruins this year.
Prediction: Canadians in 6

2 Pittsburgh vs 7 Ottawa
They meet in the first round for the second year in a row. The Pens have to be the heavy favorites because of their offense; and the Senators also have done nothing but drop down the stretch, and they are banged up going into the playoffs.
Prediction: Penguins in 5

3 Washington vs 6 Philadelphia
Can the Caps keep it going? This is the hottest, and most fun team in the NHL. They are playing a Flyers team that has gotten absolutely no publicity at all this season. Well, they have this guy named Mike Richards who has had a good year, and are in a market that is pressuring them to perform. They'll crumble.
Prediction: Capitals in 7 to set up the dream series of Pitt/Washington

4 New Jersey vs 5 NY Rangers
How sweet it is that these two rivals meet in the first round. The Rangers owned the Devils in the regular season until today's game, winning 7 of 8 versus New Jersey. Both teams don't score often and play good defense. It'll come down to goaltending. I'll take Brodeur
Prediction: Devils in 6