Re: What, No Hockey Thread!!!
Prior to the start of the playoffs I was saying San Jose and Washington. I'll stick with Washington out of the East but with the way SJ played that first game I don't know.
My west analysis in no particular order. Don't think my boys (Red Wings) have the defensive grit to go all the way but they could surprise me. If Howard can get on a roll and they get some production out of the 4th line. Chicago, LA, Phoenix, Anaheim don't scare me one bit just not enough depth to make the long run. Nashville is the type of team that plays such sound d that they could do some serious damage. Vancouver is extremely well balanced but also the type of team that gets hit with the post season "hot goalie" although with Loungo in net they might be the team with the hot goalie. San Jose is another well balanced team with a good mix of youth and veteran experience that I can see them weathering the storms they'll soon see.
As for the east again in no particular order. Tamba bay is just too reliant on their powerplay for my likings, Stevie Y did work some magic this year though. Washington just plays such a great team game in all 3 zones not sure anyone in the east has that depth. Pittsburgh without Malkin and Crosby and what seems to be a hurting staal just seems to be to beat up to maintain their edge through 4 series I do think they'll make it past TB though. Buffalo I think will use their run at the end of the season to fuel them in an upset of the worn out Flyers. The Rangers although getting better, I just don't see the depth to knock out the Caps. Boston and Montreal is the real deal series of all the first round matchups, Price v. Thomas is great to watch. I like MTL to top the Bruins though, just a gut feeling on that one since both teams are pretty evenly matched, especially with an ailing Chara.
