Lord Stanley's Cup awaits this years Hockey Champion. (Courtesy NHL.com)It's that time of year again! March Madness is over, Baseball has started its season but Hockey is just kicking into gear. All eyes will be on the NHL for the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs! Here are the updated playoff predictions.
(1) Washington Capitals Vs. (8) Montreal Canadiens
With the Capitals clinching not only their division and the Eastern Conference but the President's Trophy for Best Record in the Regular Season (and also home-ice in the playoffs), they really look like the team to beat. After tripping up in Game 1 and righting the ship in Game 2, the Caps look to be in control of this series. I see them winning and moving on to play Boston, Pittsburgh or the Flyers.
(2) New Jersey Devils Vs. (7) Philadelphia Flyers
The Devils were manhandled during the season by the Flyers, only managing one win. This series will be determined if the Devils can tie it. If not, I see the Flyers on their way to a matchup with the Caps.
(4) Pittsburgh Penguins Vs. (5) Ottawa Senators
The Pens tripped up in game one but have turned on the jets beating the Senators 4-2 in their last two games. I don't see Ottawa returning in this series.
Prediction: Pens in 5.
Lookout for: The Washington Capitals. A team on a mission and thirsts for the Stanley Cup.
Team on the decline: Buffalo Sabres. True they won their division but now are down 2-1 in their series with a pesky Boston team. Hit the Panic Button now Buffalo!
WESTERN CONFERENCE
(1) San Jose Sharks Vs. (8) Colorado Avalanche
The Sharks missed out on their second straight President's Trophy but still won the top seed in the West. But now down two games to one thanks in large part to team error, the Sharks are in trouble of getting ousted yet again in round one. If this happens, the Sharks need to fire the GM. Someone needs to be held accountable and they've already fired coaches more than 4 times.
Prediction: Avalanche in 6.
(2) Chicago Blackhawks Vs. (7) Nashville Predators
The Blackhawks look to take control of this series as the 1-1 tie gets broken tonight. I think Chicago has suspect goaltending but won't lose to the Predators.
(3) Vancouver Canucks Vs. (6) Los Angeles Kings
The Canucks wrapped up their division over Colorado and now are down two games to one with Roberto Luongo getting chased out of net in game 3. Very troubling and with Luongo in doubt, I see the Kings victorious.
(4) Phoenix Coyotes Vs. (5) Detroit Red Wings
The Coyotes, owned by the NHL, have surprised everyone with their play this season. At one point, they gave away free tickets to everyone in the crowd to their next game if they won. What helped them win over and build a fanbase, the Coyotes take it to the playoffs in hopes of keeping their dream season alive. The Red Wings have once again caught fire at the right time. However, Howard is showing his rust and now is not a good time for that. If Phoenix wins game 4, the series is over.
Lookout for: Phoenix Coyotes and L.A. Kings. Both young, these teams are catching fire at the right time and are playing out of their minds.
Team on the decline: Detroit Red Wings. Suspect goaltending and aging players are putting them in an early hole. A loss in Game 4 and they are good as gone.
NHL Semi-Final Predictions:
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