Postseason Predictions: The Fickle Art of Prognostication
Entry posted by CanuckInUS
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My inaugural blog has to deal with hockey, right?
I'm not a Canucks fan by trade...my real fandom lies with Atlanta. I adopted this team when my girlfriend adopted me. She's seen the two Cup runs, as well as living and dying on every movement of the puck this decade. She loves the team through and through. She's seen the ups, and she's seen the downs. In our time together, we've seen the Canucks beat Dallas and St. Louis, and fallen to the Blackhawks and Ducks in memorable fashion. But you've got to be in it to win it.
The Kings haven't been in the playoffs since before the lockout. But they've always been known for being a pesky opponent for anyone, especially in Los Angeles. The Canucks found out the hard way a couple weeks ago, when the Kings hung a snowman on Luongo. Lest we forget, Luongo's last playoff game featured him giving up 7 goals to the Blackhawks. The Kings have as decent an offensive attack as the Blackhawks did last season, and the Canucks defense is a big question mark right now.
This series won't be easy. As the Blackhawks showed last year, the young players can be immune to playoff pressure and the spotlighting that goes with it. Expect a high-scoring, tightly-played series. The Canucks take this series in six.
Sharks vs. Avalanche: It was thought that the Sharks were doing their annual choke job a month early. Luckily, they're playing a team that's not playing so great in the last couple months, either. The Avs are running on fumes. The Sharks, to their credit, like to switch up the rounds where they choke. Sharks in five.
Blackhawks vs. Predators: The Blackhawks are loaded in young offensive and defensive talent. The Predators bore you into submission. Actual factual: These teams haven't played each other since late December. This will be a lot closer than folks think. Blackhawks in seven.
Coyotes vs. Red Wings: The NHL sure knows how to ensure playoff revenue. Buy the team from bankruptcy, artificially enhance their value by having them become winners, and make sure they play a team known for having fans travel. I'm sure Wall Street will have a job waiting for Gary Bettman. Red Wings in five.
Maple Leafs vs. the Back Nine: Just kidding.
Capitals vs. Canadiens: Washington has been fine-tuning their game since they clinched their playoff spot on Boxing Day. They get the Habs, only because no one else in the East wanted to play more than 82 games. Merci. Capitals in five.
Devils vs. Flyers: The Devils have Brodeur, who has the all-time record for goalie wins, shutouts, and sister-in-law's nailed. The Flyers have Brian Boucher. Advantage Satan. Devils in five.
Sabres vs. Bruins: If you like high-scoring action, this isn't the series for you. Defense wins championships but loses TV ratings. First team to score in each game wins. Sabres in six.
Penguins vs. Senators: Aren't the 4-5 series supposed to be the better matchups in the first round? The Pens underachieved this season, while the Sens overachieved. Ottawa will steal a game, but the Pens should have a little fun before the real East playoffs begin. Penguins in five.
Lock of the Round: Deadbolt.
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