EASTERN CONFERENCE
Capitals (1) vs. Flyers (7)
My prediction: Flyers in 7
RESULT: CAPITALS IN 6
Post-Series Thoughts: Have to give the Capitals credit. This series primarily came down to special teams. The Flyers outplayed Washington for much of this series 5 on 5...the exceptions being game 5, which Washington dominated but lost, and game 3, which Washington dominated and won (big time). But with the penalty differential and Washington's red hot power play ended up being the difference. The Flyers power play was anemic (1 for 24?!?) and between their mediocre penalty killing and the Capitals' excellent power play, special teams made the difference. The upside is, both teams' goalies played out of their minds (as did Mason, for the most part). The future looks bright for both clubs.
Pre-Series Thoughts: On paper, this is a clear Capitals victory. But I think the Flyers will make it difficult. They've proven to be extremely resilient this year and they'll be playing for team owner Ed Snider who just passed away. Plus, Washington has a history of choking in the playoffs and, accordingly, I think this one could go either way. Washington does have more depth and a far more experienced playoffs coach, but I think it will be a long, physical series and that favors the Flyers. Given their solid fundamental play down the stretch, I think they'll take it (though I might be the only one in the world who thinks so) in 7.
Penguins (2) vs. Rangers (4)
My prediction: Penguins in 7
RESULT: PENGUINS IN 5
Post-Series Thoughts: I expected the Rangers to show up more in this series, but the ultimate difference was Lundquist. I've said for years that the "King" is overrated, but he really dropped the ball in this series. Without solid goaltending, no chance for the Rangers.
Pre-Series Thoughts: I've gone back and forth on this one. On the one hand, I think the Penguins are the superior team. Better defensively and offensively, and better in special teams. They've also played some of their best hockey down the stretch. But they also have their primary AND backup goalies injured. And the Rangers closed out the season strong as well. In the end, though, gut instinct says the Pens will take this in a long series.
Florida (3) vs Islanders (5)
My prediction: Florida in 5
RESULT: ISLANDERS IN 6
Post-Series Thoughts: I'm really surprised by this, probably more than any other series. Give the Isles credit; they earned these wins with grit and determination. Nice job in their first playoff series win since 1993.
Pre-Series Thoughts: I think Florida is a bit overrated, but I just don't think the Islanders are on their level. They might steal a game, but Florida is a much stronger team here. Their special teams are a challenge, but their 5-on-5 is fantastic. Panthers in 5.
Lightning (6) vs. Red Wings (8)
My prediction: Lightning in 7
RESULT: LIGHTNING IN 5
Post-Series Thoughts: The Lightning had no trouble closing this one out. The Red Wings just seemed like they were out of gas for much of this series and seemed overwhelmed by the Lightning's energy and speed, and Bishop was phenomenal.
Pre-Series Thoughts: I almost want to pick the Wings for this one. The Lightning have overachieved, I believe, and the Wings have underachieved. Also the Lightning seem to have trouble the last few years in closing out series, while the Wings are perennial playoff contenders. Also, Stamkos is out and Hedman is day-to-day, which could spell trouble for Tampa. But Detroit has stumbled down the stretch and their goal differential is troubling. I think Tampa's speed strikes down the Wings in 7.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Stars (1) vs. Wild (8)
My prediction: Stars in 4
RESULT: STARS IN 6
Post-Series Thoughts: The Wild stole a couple of games here, which really surprised me. Still, the Stars were just too strong.
Pre-Series Thoughts: I just don't see any way the Wild can beat the Stars. The Wild have been very inconsistent and the Stars have a highly potent offense. I can't see the Wild taking a game here.
Blues (2) vs. Blackhawks (3)
My prediction: Blackhawks in 6
RESULT: BLUES IN 7
Post-Series Thoughts: Color me surprised here. The Blues' depth just won out, and they found ways to beat Crawford. Still, it took 7 games and was decided, in the end, by 1 goal. But good job to the Blues who got it done. The tide is turning in St. Louis and there's a lot for Blues fans to be excited about.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Blackhawks are a proven playoff team, with core leaders who know how to win when it counts. The Blues have lots of depth at every position, but Crawford has been playing bananas. I think the Blues might steal a game or two but give it to the Hawks in 6.
Ducks (4) vs. Predators (7)
My prediction: Ducks in 5
RESULT: PREDATORS IN 7
Post-Series Thoughts: If you had asked me before the playoffs began who would win it all, the Ducks would have been one of the teams on my list. You have to give the Predators credit, though: they duked this out. This was a hard-fought series and the Preds just seemed to want it more. Kudos to them. On to round 2!
Pre-Series Thoughts: I don't think there's any way the Predators can win this series. And that's not a knock on the Predators; the Ducks are just that strong (in comparison).
Kings (5) vs. Sharks (6)
My prediction: Kings in 6
RESULT: SHARKS IN 5
Post-Series Thoughts: Color me surprised here. Not only did the Sharks take the series, but they did it in fairly easy fashion, their only loss coming in overtime. The Kings just looked outclassed most of this series, as if they were out of energy or playing through energy. Give the Sharks credit; they showed up to play and made it happen.
Pre-Series Thoughts: I think the Kings are just a stronger team overall and the Sharks have overachieved a bit. The Kings' puck possession is sick and I just don't see a way that the sharks can win this.
