Do You Know Your Enemy?

Who wouldn't want to be the Stanley Cup getting licked by the gorgeous Hayden Panettiere? (Courtesy Photo)

Do You Know Your Enemy? The newest song from Green Day is the perfect phrase to describe the opening of the 2009 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. Wednesday is just around the corner so here are my predictions for round 1:

Eastern Conference

(1) Boston Bruins Vs. (8) Montreal Canadiens

The best team in the East (record wise) meets a team celebrating 100 years of hockey and limping into the playoffs. Boston's Tim Thomas is too good for Montreal's Cary Price to even have a chance in this one. The bigger, stronger Bruins should walk away easily in this one. Bruins in 5.

(2) Washington Capitals Vs. (7) New York Rangers

We all know the Caps problems with first round series. They haven't won a first round series since 1998-99 (the Stanley Cup year) but this also isn't your grandmothers Capitals. With players like Alex Ovechkin, Niklas Backstrom, Alexander Semin and Sergei Federov, this team will be one to watch. The only question is which Jose Theodore will show up? The brilliant 39 game winner of the regular season or the one that lets up easy goals? Time will tell. The Caps home record speaks for itself. The Rangers can ride Lundquist into the playoffs but there's only so much he can do. Also, Brashear needs to establish his prescence and keep Sean Avery from shenanigans on the ice. Capitals in 7.

(3) New Jersey Devils Vs. (6) Carolina Hurricanes

Finally Devil fans! You don't have to play the Rangers first! But you now have to play one of the hottest teams as of late. Cam Ward has been insane with his goaltending, but with 30 straight starts going into the playoffs without rest, this could pose a problem. Martin Brodeur is a master when it comes to the playoffs but he can not do it alone. Zach Parise and company will have to help him out to ensure a first round series win. Devils in 6.

(4) Pittsburgh Penguins Vs. (5) Philadelphia Flyers

Two forces of evil collide in this first round series that is sure to be a nasty fight to the end. The Flyers glided into the playoffs on the goaltending of Martin Biron. But losing home ice could prove costly as they go up against a resurgent Penguin team that wants to go back to the Stanley Cup finals. With Crosby and Malkin, I don't see the Pens falling to the Flyers but it will be a dogfight to the end and go all seven games. Penguins in 7.

Semi-Final Matchups: (1) Boston Bruins Vs. (4) Pittsburgh Penguins; (2) Washington Capitals Vs. (3) New Jersey Devils

Western Conference

(1) San Jose Sharks Vs. (8) Anaheim Ducks

This matchup pits the President's Cup Trophy Winner vs. a team on the rise. Don't let their eighth seed fool you, the Ducks are still mighty. With defenseman Francois Beauchemin back from injury, the Ducks look to be a scary first round opponent. The Sharks ran away with the Western Conference but seem to always find a way to avoid the Stanley Cup Finals. Could this be the year they finally make it? UPSET! Ducks in 6.

(2) Detroit Red Wings Vs. (7) Columbus Blue Jackets

Boy I would love to pick the upset in this one. Chris Osgood has been anything but good all season. With scorers like Hossa however, that made Detroit look way better than they actualyl are. Columbus is riding their "rookie of the year" goalie Steve Mason into the playoffs. Longtime player Rick Nash has been waiting a long time for this moment. Unfortunately, they are not strong enough to tame the defending champs. Red Wings in 5.

(3) Vancouver Canucks Vs. (6) St. Louis Blues

What an interesting series. The Canucks went along quietly, securing the third seed when Calgary could not get the job done. If Paul Kariya is back from injury for the Canucks, watch out. The Blues went on a tear and finished 21-7-6 to climb out of the last place hole they found themselves in at the All-Star break. Getting here is already a major step forward for this young team and anything beyond is a bonus. That kind of mindset often leads to upsets. UPSET! Blues in 7.

(4) Chicago Blackhawks Vs. (5) Calgary Flames

The Blackhawks reach the playoffs for the first time since 2002. With their dynamic duo of Nikolai Khabibulin and Cristobal Huet in net, the Blackhawks look to go deep in the playoffs. That will matter at how their young stars Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane adjust to the glitz and glamour of playoff hockey. The Calgary Flames are injury ridden with only 15 players able to dress out. This series will not last long but I will give Calgary one game. Blackhawks in 6.

Semi-Final Matchups: (6) St. Louis Blues vs. (2) Detroit Red Wings; (4) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (8) Anaheim Ducks

Enjoy Round 1 everyone. Playoff Hockey starts Wednesday on Versus and your local stations! Don't forget to sound off your opinions on who will get out of round 1!