Hockey: First Round Predictions

The dawn of the playoffs is upon us and while I'm no hockey expert, I've still got a few opinions and a generally above average tipping record, so allow me to impart my wisdom or "wisdom" (depending on the outcomes) on you.

Eastern Conference
Ottawa vs Tampa Bay: Ottawa in five games
Tampa Bay have truly limped into the playoffs and I think they'll be steamrolled by an offensive, but recently inconsistent Senators outfit. If the Sens had Hasek, I'd call it a sweep.

Carolina vs Montreal: Carolina in seven games
Carolina have been soft down the stretch; conversely, Montreal has been red-hot, thanks to the smoking pads of Habs' goaltender Cristobal Huet. Still, Carolina's got the explosiveness of the Eric/Erik combo of Staal and Cole respectively. With the Hurricanes' addition of hardened veterans, I can't go past Carolina, this season's great surprise.

New Jersey vs New York: New Jersey in six games
The NY Rangers have been terrific most of the season, but I don't think the young Rangers and their goalie tandem of Kevin Weekes and Henrik Lundqvist will stand up against the Devils' firepower of Patrik Elias, Brian Gionta and Scott Gomez over the stretch. Props to Jaromir Jagr: he will win one of these games for the Rangers off his own stick.

Buffalo vs Philadelphia: Buffalo in seven games
Buffalo's got the 'tending and the teamwork to take it to the Flyers. I picked Philly to take out the Cup before the season, but they haven't resolved their goaltending issues dating back over 10 years. Who is their number 1 goalie? The latest answer is Esche, but that will probably only last two games.

Western Conference
Detroit vs Edmonton: Detroit in four games
Get the brooms out: this one's a sweep. Detroit will win, like they always do, and have done so all season. I don't even know how Edmonton got into the playoffs. I really don't. Even Vancouver's self destruction doesn't explain it completely.

Dallas vs Colorado: Dallas in six games
Dallas have been fantastic all year long, while the Avs have been unusually quiet in a tough division. My admiration for Dallas Stars goaltender Marty Turco continues.

Calgary vs Anaheim: Calgary in six games
I think Calgary's defensive style will prove effective in the playoffs. You never can tell for sure in "the new NHL", but they've been so solid all year. An interesting matchup between the last two Stanley Cup Final losers, each with a goalie that can really "shut the door". I'll give it to the Flames in 6 courtesy of one Miikka Kiprusoff.

Nashville vs San Jose: San Jose in seven games
San Jose has been in terrific shape since pairing Joe Thornton with Jonathan Cheechoo. Nashville's been a bit ordinary of late and has lost their starting goalie, Tomas Vokoun. I'm cheering on the Sharks in the West, so I'll tip them.

If you're still reading, I'm currently tipping New Jersey to beat Detroit in the Stanley Cup finale. This will be evaluated after the first round, of course, but you heard it here first.