[Laura Cartwright]

- Rangers vs. Senators --> Rangers in 5
- Penguins vs. Flyers --> this will be a great series, Flyers in 7

I'm okay with these. Ottawa will get one win at home. Penns - Flyers will be epic and Flyers will win them in 6-7.

- Bruins vs. Capitals --> Bruins in 6

Could be, although I expect even a tighter series. Bruins in 7. Or even Caps in 7?

- Panthers vs. Devils --> Devils in 5

Five games isn't going to be enough to decide the winner of this series. I'm going to say Panthers in 7, just for the heck of it. I hope they can get it done. This is more like rooting for an underdog than anything else, though. My real guess would be NJ in 6-7.

- Canucks vs. Kings --> all bias aside, Kings in 7 (yeah I'm serious )

Kings will still have trouble with consistant scoring. 'Nucks will find a new drive. Nucks in 5-6.

- Blues vs. Sharks --> Blues in 4

More like Blues in 6. The Shark offence will slice through St. Louis like butter when it works. St. Louis don't have guys like Thornton, Marleau, Pavelski, Couture or Clowe. If the Sharks play even decent hockey, they'll win at least two games. They'll win the whole series if they play well! St. Louis' material will prove too short, even if they played a magical regular season (and only under Hitchcock on that one).

- Coyotes vs. Blackhawks --> I would've picked Chicago here, but Phoenix looked really good against St. Louis on Friday, and Smith is hot right now so Coyotes in 6

I'd love to agree here, but the playoff experience and better offense will make Chicago victorious here in 5-6, unfortunately.

- Predators vs. Red Wings --> Preds in 7

I say Wings in 7. I remember they've had a habit for that when it comes to first rounds.

[Dan Endacott]

Five games isn't going to be enough to decide the winner of this series. I'm going to say Panthers in 7, just for the heck of it. I hope they can get it done. This is more like rooting for an underdog than anything else, though. My real guess would be NJ in 6-7.

Florida stumbled in to their first playoff appearance in a decade or so. NJ was the better team during the season, but due to the divisional system, Florida finished well ahead of them. Goaltending is a problem for both and I think the Devils better offense will win in a series with poor goalies on either end.


Kings will still have trouble with consistant scoring. 'Nucks will find a new drive. Nucks in 5-6.

Luongo falters game 1, Schneider can't pick up the slack due to lack of playoff experience, and Richards and Carter come alive right when we need them. Set Brown on the Sedins for 1 or 2 shifts and watch them wilt like the little wussies they are


More like Blues in 6. The Shark offence will slice through St. Louis like butter when it works. St. Louis don't have guys like Thornton, Marleau, Pavelski, Couture or Clowe. If the Sharks play even decent hockey, they'll win at least two games. They'll win the whole series if they play well! St. Louis' material will prove too short, even if they played a magical regular season (and only under Hitchcock on that one).

Sharks stars will fall apart like always and their lack of scoring depth and the Blues stellar defense will be their downfall.

I say Wings in 7. I remember they've had a habit for that when it comes to first rounds.

Normally I'd never go against the Wings, but the last two games I saw them play (Chicago and Nashville) they looked bad.

Well discussed!

[barbara belmonte]

*snip*

Well discussed right back at ya!

You may have some good points if you've watched the league closely the last few games. Thus you know how the teams are playing right now. The thing is, I don't. Haven't gotten a chance since I'm spending my Easter in my birthtown with a computer that doesn't like to roll videos, so I'm currently a few games behind the schedule... Some things I still have to say.

Wings might've looked bad, but it's all the same really. They are a playoff team if there ever was one! They will gather themselves. They may have hard time on the first round as they sometimes have had... Also, Rinne is about as insecure as he's ever been in his career right now, and apparently Nashville isn't winning enough games with other than a demi-god in the net (Lindb?ck is 5-8-0 this season). So Wings. It will be one of the most interesting and even series, though.

Okay, you know about Kings. I just look at Vancouver and LA's regular seasons and how the teams look on paper. Those speak for Vancouver. Then again, if you think the Kings can overmatch them, it might be so. And Quick is very good right now. Yes, there might be a chance for the Kings, I give ye that.

Yeah, NJ is better than Florida. I only said I pretty much would like to see the Panthers (underdog in my opinion as well) go to the second round. Tallon's done miracles in getting all those great players there from the scrap, and they've had a relatively good season so far. I hope it lasts! Although I think the Panthers haven't been that good as of late, whereas Brodeur's getting better. Still, the truth might be that, if NJ played Hedberg, NJ might win the series in 5 or something. He's been good.

I still say the Sharks will get at least two games from the Blues! Their offense works from time to time, and those times the 1-2 goals that St. Louis are able to score per game aren't going to be enough. Even Halak and Elliott will falter if the Sharks can breach the STL blueline. Those two have played superb seasons mainly because of the blueline (much like why Brodeur was about the best goalie in the league for 15 years -- during that time NJ had pretty much the best D in the game).

Hmmh, I still say the Rangers will win the Cup. Pretty much flawless team. Everything's good or excellent there. I actually think Derek Stepan's been their number one maestro with the puck, and his eye for the game is a huge reason why their offense works so well. He's been better and he's had more presence than his points make it look like.

[TWITTER.COM]

Pit is overrated. They will get out-physical'd by the Flyers, Bruins, and Rangers, if need be. They'll get beat up, worn down, and tossed out.

[Anna Watts]

I want to see Toronto with a new NHL team, a second Tdot team.

A cherry on top would be Crosby as the captain for this new team

If anyone is interested, Im not a hockey fan, but this would make me one.

[Darrell Fawcett]

Ehhh, barring a major contract dispute, I don't see Pittsburgh letting Crosby go any time soon. I'd also rather see other cities get an NHL team before seeing Toronto get another one.

[Britney Lopez]

Nordiques man. My favorite Canadian team outside Calgary!

[Pixie]

Had a great easter weekend in Montreal.. made sure to sport my Red Wings [censored] too.

The only thing that makes teams like Pittsburgh and San Jose dangerous is their experience.

I won't rate St. Louis as much a factor until they actually go far in the playoffs. I don't believe in rating a team highly merely because they do well in the regular season.

The Wings team is once again a coin toss depending on which Wings want to show up in the playoffs. They can easily tear apart any team in the league, but they're riddled with slow starts and complacency due to most of the team having cups already. It's not gonna work in the playoffs doing this play from behind method that was so prominent during the regular season. Gotta play 60 minutes in the playoffs, not 20.

The Canucks look like they're ready for a return to the SCF depending on the health of certain players, Boston looks different with a core experience guy like Recchi but they should do okay.

The team with the most to prove in the playoffs are the Rangers. Until they prove otherwise, first place or not in the East, I fully expect a first or second round exit. It's hard to win me over.

[Bambi]

New York vs. Ottawa - New York
Boston vs. Washington - Boston
Florida vs. New Jersey - New Jersey
Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia - Pittsburgh

Vancouver vs. Los Angeles - Vancouver
St. Louis vs. San Jose - St. Louis
Phoenix vs. Chicago - Phoenix
Nashville vs. Detroit - Detroit

[LijLuva]

Wonder if I should post the link of Don Cherry getting on Crosby's case again this past Saturday on Coach's Corner when I was in Montreal..

The theme is ringing around the league though, especially when talking about a poster boy for concussions and understanding that some bring it upon themselves.

[Mariaa EM.]

New York vs. Ottawa - New York (5)
Boston vs. Washington - Boston (6)
Florida vs. New Jersey - Florida (7)
Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia - Philadelphia (7)

Vancouver vs. Los Angeles - Vancouver (6)
St. Louis vs. San Jose - St. Louis (5)
Phoenix vs. Chicago - Phoenix (6)
Nashville vs. Detroit - Detroit (7)

Several good first round matchups. Can't wait!

[Verity Hurding]

New York vs. Ottawa - NY Rangers (7)
Boston vs. Washington - Boston (4)
Florida vs. New Jersey - New Jersey (5)
Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia - Philadelphia (7)

Vancouver vs. Los Angeles - Vancouver (4)
St. Louis vs. San Jose - St. Louis (7)
Phoenix vs. Chicago - Chicago (5)
Nashville vs. Detroit - Detroit (7)

[My blood]

Seems like I'm the only one who respects what Florida did during the middle of the year. I could be totally wrong though.

[Carlitos Avila]

NHL.com staff predictions: http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=626836..

Interesting. Nearly everyone thinks Nashville is beating the Wings. There are other oddities, like only one thinking Florida can beat NJ, but many thinking that the Sharks can surprise St. Louis. Many also think that Pittsburgh will win the Cup!

That Cubeta guy from the International Staff has the exact same predictions as I do. Let's just wait and see if we're right or not! It's not easy, though, since in my opinion the only sure thing is that the Rangers will beat the Senators. Chicago and Canucks are relatively safe bets in my book too, but not entirely sure. In pretty much everything else whichever team can triumph.

Unlinked the period following the URL.

[Donatus Uwasomba]

The Wings are good. So are the Preds, but damn- its gonna be hard to overcome that solid Wings lineup. I would really enjoy if the Preds won though.

[SHAWNNA-KAY]

Hold on, I haven't been following the NHL as closely as I would have liked this season, the Predators are good?

[Adam]

It's not easy, though, since in my opinion the only sure thing is that the Rangers will beat the Senators. Chicago and Canucks are relatively safe bets in my book too, but not entirely sure. In pretty much everything else whichever team can triumph.

Even then, if Spezza and Anderson go on a hot streak early on, Sens could very well beat the Rangers. No one expected Montreal to beat Washington and Pittsburgh a few years ago, when they went to the Conference Finals. Anything can happen! S'why I loves me them playoffs.

Hold on, I haven't been following the NHL as closely as I would have liked this season, the Predators are good?

Nashville's been pretty good for a few years now. Haven't had less than 40 wins in a season since before the lockout.

[Anna Krzyzanowska]

Nashville's been pretty good for a few years now. Haven't had less than 40 wins in a season since before the lockout.

That's true, I do recall they were a fifth seed last year. But this good where people actually expect them to win?

[Ludivine Poussineau]

What the Preds have is a declining Wings team to be playing against, and the fact that they are gaining momentum. If you notice the Wings have been getting slowly but steadily poorer performances in both the regular season and postseason.

But make no mistake if you remember the Sharks' solid reg season performances throughout most of last decade, how many cups did they win? Much like the Sharks, the Predators have a lot to prove in the playoffs, which is a different season entirely to the regular season. They have improved a lot but regular season performance alone isn't a reason to rate a team so highly come postseason. If you want a current case example that's been ongoing since last decade look at the Rangers. The Predators will have to beat the Wings in order to make me think next postseason if this matchup happens again that they really can sink them. While the Preds don't have the kind of pressure the Rangers do to show their regular season improvements can translate to the playoffs, out in the West, I'd say they certainly have less pressure than the Wings do.

[Kelly Osbourne Kelly]

Well, I really like the rangers. They're deep, balanced physical, and most importantly, have great goaltending. I'd have to argue the same for the Preds. Or maybe that's just my man-crush on Pekka Rinne speaking.

[Gwen]

Even then, if Spezza and Anderson go on a hot streak early on, Sens could very well beat the Rangers. No one expected Montreal to beat Washington and Pittsburgh a few years ago, when they went to the Conference Finals. Anything can happen! S'why I loves me them playoffs.

Yup, I know and same here. Still, I don't think even the first line's and goalie's hot streak are getting them past the Rangers.

Well, I really like the rangers. They're deep, balanced physical, and most importantly, have great goaltending. I'd have to argue the same for the Preds. Or maybe that's just my man-crush on Pekka Rinne speaking.

Probably man-crush. They're not that deep in scoring all the necessary goals. They're inconsistant in that department.

[Laura]

Don`t underestimate the Preds. They could very well upset the Wings. In fact, I hope it happens.

This playoffs is going to be exciting as hell. Can`t wait for tomorrow.

Oh, and speaking of hockey man crushes, you can`t deny that Beautiful Swedish king, Henrik Lundqvist.

[Gavin Roberts]

Don`t underestimate the Preds. They could very well upset the Wings. In fact, I hope it happens.

This playoffs is going to be exciting as hell. Can`t wait for tomorrow.

Oh, and speaking of hockey man crushes, you can`t deny that Beautiful Swedish king, Henrik Lundqvist.

Why wouldn't you want a Wings/Canucks matchup?

[Monika Krzyzak]

Probably man-crush. They're not that deep in scoring all the necessary goals. They're inconsistant in that department.

Radulov is gonna tear it up here, and it's gonna anger the Wings even more about his free return

Why wouldn't you want a Wings/Canucks matchup?

I like the Wings, but honestly, they've gotten to the point of the Yankees in baseball for me. They are always in it, and despite me liking them, I'd like to see a new team for once. Thus, I'm cheering for the Preds. Also because Barry Trotz is an awesome coach and from my province!

[Amanda Furtado]

I try not to underestimate the Preds. I see their series against the Wings being a 7-game series anyway. Pretty much whichever team can win. I just trust Detroit's capability in scoring goals more, despite Radulov. But who knows how far the Preds' goaltending (providing Rinne is on top of his game) and pretty much the best defensive game system in the league can take them. That is, if they survive the Wings who always seem to deliver in the playoffs. Someone spoke of the Wings' steady yearly downfall... I can't help but think this has something to do with what's left of their old core getting too old, and that they don't have good enough young players to take the roles of the retired stars. We'll see. I say Wings win 4-3, but that series can go either way, that's for sure. Many series can this year. (And those that "can't" can anyway. That's called playoff hockey. )