West:
Anaheim vs Dallas:
(Season series: Stars 2-1)
The Ducks wrapped up the top spot in the West a few days
before the end of the season. Their opponent was still up in the air until
Dallas was able to overtake the final wildcard spot from the Mike Smithless
Phoenix Coyotes.
Anaheim has been among the trio of California teams batting
for the top spot in the Pacific Division all season. The Ducks have been one of
the league’s best home teams this season, their 29 home wins are good for
second best. They do not struggle to score, however they do not have the
scoring depth of some of the teams in this year’s playoffs. They will need to
get good goaltending from Jonas Hiller if they are to make a deep run this
year.
The stars quietly made their way back into the playoffs for
the first time since the 07-08 season despite a loss to the Coyotes in the
final game of the season. A balanced scoring attack led by Tyler Seguin and
Jamie Benn is what helped the Stars back to the playoffs. Steady goaltending provided by Kari Lehtonen
didn't hurt their chances either. They will need the same performance that they
got in his 33 wins to get past the Ducks in the first round.
While I like to think that the Stars have the ability to
grind it out with Anaheim’s top two lines, I think that in the end the Ducks
will be able to overpower the Stars.
I’ll take the Ducks in 6.
Colorado vs Minnesota
(Season Series: Avs 4-0-1)
Last season, the Colorado Avalanche were near the bottom of
the league in virtually every category. Their only major win was the draft
lottery, which provided them with the first overall pick. This season has been
a complete change in fortune. The Avs were competing for the top seed in the
west up until the last game of the season. While that bid came up short, they
were able to pass both the Blues and Blackhawks to claim the Central Division
title, landing them a date with the Minnesota Wild in the first round. They
keys to success for the Avs were outstanding goaltending from Semyon
Varlamov (a team record 41 wins in 63
games played) and unbelievable play from the young stars. They Avs are a threat
to score at any point of the game while not sacrificing defense to do so. They
speed that the Avs possess doesn't compare to any team I have watched this
season.
The Wild put together a nice push at the end of the season
to walk away with the top wild card spot. After a quick scare that they might
falter like they did to close out the 2012-13 campaign, not counting a lopsided
loss to the Predators on the final day of the season, the Wild won their last 4
meaningful games. In that stretch, the wins came against Pittsburgh, Boston, St
Louis, and Winnipeg. Healthy goaltenders have been an issue for the Wild this season.
4 goalies have made 10 or more starts, all 4 of them registering at least 5
wins. It appears Ilya Bryzgalov will be the starter for the Wild, though
youngster Darcy Kuemper will be ready to go if called upon.
Although I will be rooting for the Wild to win, I have a
feeling they have one more year to go before making a playoff run. Qualifying
for a second straight year is definitely something to build upon. Overall it’s
the speed and goaltending that will allow the Avs to win this series in 5.
San Jose vs Los
Angeles (Season Series: Kings 3-1-1)
This battle of California is the series that I am looking
forward to watching the most. They Sharks have been sharp all season while
battling for the Pacific division title. However, they have struggled this decade
(and some of the last) to get their wins when it matters. On paper their team
game should be successful, they have a great combination of leadership and
youth. They have consistent goaltending which is all that they need when
everyone buys in to the system.
The Kings are one of those teams that don’t play their best
hockey in the regular season. As long as they are in position to make the
playoffs they re content. Their grind it out style game is exactly what is
needed for the second season. A healthy Jonathan Quick may be the difference in
this series, unless trade deadline Marian Gaborik can shake of his playoff
struggles and provide some offensive firepower. If the Kings can start scoring
some goals to go along with their team defense, they may become the team to
beat in 2014.
Seeing San Jose win this series at home wouldn't surprise me
in the least. However, since they have been there before and have proved that
they can win, I’ll take the Kings in 6.
St Louis vs Chicago
(Season Series: Blues 3-2)
Just two weeks ago, the Blues were looking to knock off the
Pacific powerhouses and claim the top spot in the west. Six games, and six
losses later, not only did they not get the top spot in the west, they didn't
even finish with the top spot in the Central. Ryan Miler has looked average at
best, possibly the result of few to many pucks in Buffalo. They Blues haven’t
been able to score lately either. They will need both to get back on track to
make a run at the Blackhawks, even though the Blues are the higher ranked team.
Chicago might have gotten an odd form of benefit from the
injuries to Jonathan Towes and Patrick Kane. Both players are keys to the
success of the Blackhawks and were important to their Olympic teams as well.
So, given that both return above 90% healthy, the rest could rejuvenate the
defending champions. Cory Crawford has been reliable again this season,
registering 32 wins.
I don’t know if the Blues can snap out of their slump in
time to beat a very talented and experienced Blackhawks team. Chicago in 6 is
my pick.
East:
Boston vs Detroit
(Season Series: Wings 3-1)
Boston is the most balanced team in the East by a long shot. They
can score goals, they have great defense, and their goalie is in the running
for the Vezina trophy. The Bruins have been able to take it easy down the
stretch, resting a few key players without the threat of being caught by anyone
else in the East. The idea that it might have been a bad thing that most of
season was played without much competition is concerning for those outside of
the Boston locker room. Whether or not they are able to flip the switch to
playoff competition will be interested, especially against an opponent like the
Wings
The Red Wings simply don’t know how to miss the playoffs.
Only a few weeks ago, the possibility of a Detroitless playoffs seemed to be
real. As the weeks wound down, the young players took over and the Wings
started to get healthy. Datsyuk and Zetterberg returned to the lineup,
providing the leadership and experience that was needed to make the playoff
push that always seems to happen. They Wings have to like their chances against
the Bruins as well given their regular season success against them. They play
of Jimmy Howard will be the key to this series. If he can steal a game early,
especially on the road, it may swing the momentum enough to change the series.
Of all the wild card teams, I think Detroit has the best
chance to move on. However, I think that Boston might just be too good to lose
this one. I’ll take the Bruins in 7,
Pittsburgh vs
Columbus (Season Series: Penguins 5-0)
Baring another collapse by Marc-Andre Fleury, I believe that
this series will be the most lopsided for the first round. The Pens can score
with anyone in the league, as long as they are able to stay healthy. While that
wasn't the case for most of the year, they are getting most of their key guys
back as the playoffs start.
Columbus cannot match the offensive output of the Pens so
they will be relying heavily on the services of the Bob. Sergei Bobrovski led
the Jacket to 32 wins this year, 5 by shutout, while posting a .923 save
percentage. He will need to keep up
those numbers just to keep the Blue Jackets in the series.
I think Bobrovski steals one at home but it will be just
that. The Jackets get overpowered and the Pens take the series in 5.
Tampa Bay vs Montreal
(Season Series: Lightning 3-0-1)
This match-up pairs 2 of the hottest teams in the league
headed into the playoffs. Both have registered 7 wins in their last 10. While
the season series looks like the Lightning dominated, 3 of the 4 games were
decided in a shootout.
Tampa Bay has continued to succeed despite the departure of
Marty St Louis. The team play of Ryan Callahan has allowed Steven Stamkos to
excel as one as the league’s best players upon his return from injury. Ben
Bishop, another potential Vezina candidate, has been important too. An X factor
to start the year, his 37 wins kept the Lightning near the top of the division
all season.
Montreal has quietly had a good season as well. Olympic goal
medalist Carey Price led the Habs to second place in the division. Trade
deadline acquisition Thomas Vanek helped solidify a solid offensive group.
I think Carey Price’s career year continues and he leads the
Canadians on to the second round in 6 games.
New York vs
Philadelphia (Season Series: Tied 2-2)
This match up is arguably the biggest rivalry of the first
round on the eastern side, though Detroit and Boston might not be too far
behind for long.
The Rangers battled most of this year with the transition
between the old and new style that comes with the hiring of a new coach. Now
that they have settled in and added experience in Marty St. Louis, the Rangers
have become a formidable opponent for anyone in the East. Brad Richards
returned to being a 20 goal scorer, along with Rick Nash, while 5 other players
got within 3 of the 20 goal mark. If Henrik Lundqvist can find playoff
consistency to match his 2.36 regular season goals against average, this team
looks mighty dangerous.
Philadelphia is surprise team in these playoffs given their
terrible start to the season. A quick pull of the plug and changing of the
coach allowed the Flyers to turn their season around and climb back into the
playoff hunt. Another surprise this season for the Flyers is the play of Steve
Mason. Written off by many, he returned this season and posted 33 wins. Seven,
twenty goal scorers is the key for the Flyers. The Rangers might be able to
shut down a line or two but if they can get secondary scoring, the Flyers have
a chance to make a run.
I feel that the Rangers are going to have a good post season
this year. They have the weapons to score goals and Lundqvist is due for a big
playoff performance. In what should be a very intense series, I’ll take the
Rangers in 6.
