Trevor’s First Round Predictions

First of all props to Joshua for his initial post. I mimicked his post. Why not check out his predictions.

Western Conference

Detroit is a powerhouse in the NHL, and with the exception of a few weeks this season (while several of their key players were injured), they have dominated most teams. Although the Predators have played reasonably well against the Red Wings this year, I don’t think they can match their veteran filled lineup. A healthy Lidstrom, Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Rafalski, and Holmstrom will be too much for Nashville.

Trevor’s Pick: DETROIT IN SIX

San Jose has been the NHL’s hottest team over the past month or two and the Flames, unfortunately, drew the short stick and will face-off against them in the first round. The pick up of Brian Campbell has been key in my opinion. He creates a serious offensive threat on the blue line and is the quarterback of their power play. The Flames meanwhile, skidded into the playoffs with a 5-5 record in their last 10 games. The only good news is they pulled off a (meaningless) 7-1 victory over the Canucks in their last game and will enter the series on a winning note. The Flames will need to play an extremely physical game with an aggressive fore-check if they want to be able to steal this series. Kipper will need to be stellar, and the Flames will need consistent scoring from their top 2-3 lines.

Trevor’s Pick: CALGARY IN SEVEN (I’m a homer, not a realist)

With only 3 points separating these teams in the standings, they are quite evenly matched, but I think that Colorado has the upper hand in this one. They started the season with very average play and have steadily improved down the stretch. The recent addition of Forsberg creates an ever greater offensive threat to an already talented lineup. Theodore has been spectacular for the Avalanche this year and I suspect his game-play will only improve once he’s in playoff mode.

Trevor’s pick: COLORADO IN SIX

I do not envy the Dallas Stars. Anaheim has such a deep lineup, they put most teams to shame. Dallas does not have enough offensive fire-power to break through the best defense in the league. The only way that Dallas would stand a chance is if Turco can stand on his head and perform a miracle. Even with recently acquired Brad Richards in the Dallas line, the Stars just can’t compare with the Ducks. This will be a quick series.

Trevor’s Pick: ANAHEIM SWEEPS

Eastern Conference

I had the amazing opportunity earlier this season to attend a Montreal VS. Boston game in Boston where the Canadiens were victorious in a 2-1 game. The intense rivalry between these two teams is one of the greatest in the NHL and I must say, I was a bit nervous wearing a Habs Jersey around Boston. Montreal has dominated Boston this year and I don’t see anything changing in the near future. Montreal is on a roll and this should be an easy (yet interesting) series for the Canadiens.

Trevor’s Pick: MONTREAL IN FIVE

I am going against the grain on this pick. I think the older, more experienced players will pull through for the Sens and they will eliminate the Penguins. At the beginning of the season, Ottawa was amazing and I had them pegged early as early winners of the Presidents Trophy - but over the past few months we have witnessed the team implode and narrowly make the dance. However, the playoffs are always a different story and I think that the intensity and urgency will be different for the Senators and they will be able to beat the highly-touted Penguins.

Trevor’s Pick: OTTAWA IN SIX

Alexander Ovechkin is the best pure goal scorer in the league today and his late season heroics has carried his team into the playoffs. The Caps are one of the Hottest teams in the East to finish the season and Ovechkin has this team charged up and ready to play playoff hockey. The regular season series between these two teams (2 wins and 2 losses each) is misleading and Washington should come out of this series victorious.

Trevor’s Pick: WASHINGTON IN SIX

This series is tough for me to predict and either team could end up winning. However, Martin Brodeur is a proven all-star and always shows up to play during the playoffs. He has the ability to steal the show and I think that he will eventually shut the door on the Rangers - although it won’t be an easy task. The New York Rangers always posess a threat offensively and my prediction could be wrong if Jagr, Drury, and Gomez all decide to show up.

Trevor’s Pick: NEW JERSEY IN SEVEN