Squinting At The 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs

After too many exhibition games and 82 regular season games, the mad dash to the Cup known as the NHL playoffs finally arrives this evening.  Power Play is going to take a quick look at the first round in the Eastern Conference in two different manners, one wearing black and gold Bruins glasses and the other while wearing nerdy, analytical glasses that detect the likely outcomes. 

Washington (1) vs. Montreal (8) 

Black & Gold:  Halak is hypnotized into thinking he’s Ken Dryden and the undersized Habs win in 7 games. 

Analytical:  The Capitals just have too much firepower.  Caps in 5. 

New Jersey (2) vs. Philadelphia (7) 

Black & Gold:  The disgraceful Flyers goon-up the entire Devils roster and win the series in 7 games. 

Analytical:  The Flyers, with shaky goaltending, are gassed after eking into the playoffs.  Devils in 6. 

Buffalo (3) vs. Boston (6)

 Black & Gold:  The Bruins sweep and Steve Montador gets pummeled by Daniel Paille and Matt Hunwick. 

Analytical:  Goals are at a premium with Miller and Rask.  Long series.  Bruins in 7. 

Pittsburgh (4) vs. Ottawa (5) 

Black & Gold:  Matt Cooke receives Evander Kane-like beatings in each game and the Senators win the series. 

Analytical:  Losing Kovalev took away Ottawa’s already slim chances.  Penguins in 5.

Looking at the Western Conference with the nerd glasses only: 

San Jose (1) vs. Colorado (8) 

The Avs peaked early and Joe Thornton & Co. won’t be exiting early this year.  Sharks in 5. 

Chicago (2) vs. Nashville (7) 

The Predators don’t have the offensive arsenal to stay with Chicago.  Hawks in 5. 

Vancouver (3) vs. LA Kings (6)

 Will be the best series of the entire first round with home ice being the difference in the end.  Canucks in 7.

 Phoenix (4) vs. Detroit (5)

 The defending conference champs turned it up a notch at the end.  Clock strikes midnight in Phoenix.  Red Wings in 6. 

Stanley Cup Finals Prediction: 

Chicago over Washington