NHL Playoffs '13

[Jonny B]

Quickie picks for the 1st round of the playoffs.

Eastern Conference

#1 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #8 New York Islanders
I hope the Isles savor their first appearance in the Playoffs since '06 because it won't last long. The Isles are Top-Heavy and have no scoring depth. It'll be a high-scoring series but it will be the Pens in 5.

#2 Montreal Canadiens vs. #7 Ottawa Senators
An upset special. Sens in 7. The Canadiens backed into the playoffs losing 6 of their last 10. And they have to go up against a resilient Sens team featuring the return of Eric Karllson, and this year's best goalie in Craig Anderson (1.69 GAA.)

#3 Washington Capitals vs. #6 New York Rangers
The Rangers couldn't have picked a better team to face in the playoffs. Ovechkin always shuts down come playoff time. Rangers to win in 6.

#4 Boston Bruins vs. #5 Toronto Maple Leafs
Very dangerous matchup. On paper, the Bruins 'should' trample a Leafs team that can't play defense, but the Bruins can't seem to close out games. I expect a 7-game series with the Leafs getting the edge.

Western Conference

#1 Chicago Blackhawks vs. #8 Minnesota Wild
I'm still skeptical that the Blackhawks' Goaltending can continue to be this good (I credit the defense more in this case,) but the Wild have had to fight through injuries just to get here, so I wouldn't be surprised if the Hawks sweep.

#2 Anaheim Ducks vs. #7 Detroit Red Wings
This one's very difficult to pick. Wings have had to play playoff hockey just to get back to the postseason. Not gonna mess around and will stick to the better record. Ducks in 6.

#3 Vancouver Canucks vs. #6 San Jose Sharks
The Canucks with Schneider in net vs. Hockey's perennial playoff underachiever? Yes, please. Canucks in 5.

#4 St. Louis Blues vs. #5 Los Angeles Kings
This should be, on paper, the lowest scoring of the playoff series. Defense and goaltending galore. I like the Kings to open the defense of the Cup by advancing in 6.

[Liam]

Replace the H with an F, and people might care.

Sorry dude...had to.