(1) Detroit Red Wings vs. (8) Calgary Flames
Detroit will win the series, but this isn't going to be a sweep or so. Calgary will take them right to the wire. Seven games for Detroit.
(4) Nashville Predators vs. (5) San Jose Sharks
Probably the most exciting series in the West. Will Joe Thorton show up this year? I hope so, because the Preds will win in six.
(3) Vancouver Canucks vs. (6) Dallas Stars -
Vancouver goaltending could be in question (can Luongo play well in playoffs). The answer is yes, and Dallas will be out in six.
(2) Ducks vs. (7) Minnesota Wild
My upset. While Anaheim is a strong team, they have to realize that there is no shootouts anymore come playoff hockey. Wild will burn them in five games.
(1) Buffalo Sabres vs. (8) New York Islanders
Sabres in five. Any more games, then Buffalo isn't going far.
(4) Ottawa Senators vs. (5) Pittsburgh Penguins
Exciting series so far, and it has to be in the first round. Ottawa will win in seven games, but hockey fans win out on this series.
(3) Atlanta Thrashers vs. (6) New York Rangers
I can see the Rangers upsetting Atlanta. I don't see the Thrashers as a major threat. Rangers in six.
(2) New Jersey Devils vs. (7) Tampa Bay Lightning
Devils in six. Tampa will win their two home games, but it'll be low scoring.
Coming out of the western conference: Vancouver
Eastern: New Jersey
Winner: New Jeresy (one more for the meadowlands)
Conn Smythe: Zack Parise