After a prolonged absence from this space, Power Play is back and ready to tackle the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, as well as look ahead to the two teams still standing come late May and early June.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
Vancouver over Chicago in 5. Simple, teams in the NHL do not repeat these days as Cup champions and the Blackhawks bow out sooner rather than later.
San Jose over Los Angeles in 5. Usually the Sharks are bounced in the first round as favorites, but getting the Kospitar-less Kings was the ideal draw.
Detroit over Phoenix in 5. The Coyotes were able to catch teams off-guard last spring but this year they will be a relatively out for the grizzled Red Wings squad.
Anaheim over Nashville in 7. Toss-up, but the winner of this series will beat the Canucks in the second round. The Ducks are a wide bodied team peaking at the right time and should outlast a game Predators squad.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
Washington over New York in 5. The Rangers goaltending is not enough to counterbalance their lack of offensive firepower, now minus Ryan Callahan courtesy of blocking a Zdeno Chara shot.
Buffalo over Philadelphia in 7. The Sabres have Ryan Miller. The Flyers still haven’t replaced Ron Hextall.
Boston over Montreal in 6. Power (with talent) over speed in the playoffs. Unless the Habs are somehow up 2-1 going into a frenzied Bell Centre for Game 4, they don’t stand a chance.
Pittsburgh over Tampa Bay in 6. The smoke signals indicate that Crosby will be suiting up. He’ll probably have some obvious rust at the beginning of the series but will be hitting his stride come the elimination games.
SECOND ROUND:
Anaheim over Vancouver in 6
San Jose over Detroit in 7
Washington over Buffalo in 6
Boston over Pittsburgh in 6
CONFERENCE FINALS:
San Jose over Anaheim in 6
Boston over Washington in 7
CUP FINALS:
San Jose over Boston in 6
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