NHL playoff predictions

[cherrytwist]

EAST

Ottawa over NYI in 6 - Too much talent in Ottawa. 'Nuff said.
New Jersey over Boston in 7 - This in my mind is the most likely upset, but I don't see how Boston gets past Brodeur.
Toronto over Philly in 7 - Belfour is the glue and Vezina winner in my mind.
Tampa Bay over Washington in 6 - Khabibulin has his chance to shine.

WEST

Dallas over Edmonton in 5 - Still scratching my head about the deadline deals Edmonton made. They didn't expect to be here, how can they expect to win?
Detroit over Anaheim in 6 - It is generous to give Anaheim 2 games.
Colorado over Minnesota in 6 - Expect Minnesota to grind away and score ugly goals, but won't be enough.
St. Louis over Vancouver in 7 - Blues finally are close to a full roster. Will stumble at first, but will come out ahead at the end.

 

[Hoinch]

Dallas STARS all the way

 

[KokomoGST]

It is sad seeing what's happened to the Pens (with all the money problems and with Mario looking so helpless). This year like last year... it's all about the 'tenders stepping up.

Ottawa over NYI in 5. Agreed that Sens won't choke... Yashin sucks. Snow won't stop Hossa.

New Jersey over Boston in 6. Boston has some good firepower with Thornton/Murray but the Devils defense & Brodeur are just too strong.

Tampa over Washington in 7. I call them the Crapitals for a reason... Bulin is playing better, if he steps it up... only 6.

Toronto over Philly in 6. Which team do I hate more... Belfour's undoubtably the better goalie and Toronto's got more firepower with injury returns.

Dallas over Edmonton in 5. Dallas might accidentally fall asleep for a game.

Detroit over Anaheim in 6. I love Kariya but Detroit is just too much over a 7-game series...

Colorado over Minnesota in 5. Tough games despite quite exit for Minnesota. The Forsberg/Hejduk/Tanguay line is just too much

St. Louis over Vancouver in 7. Blues did the right thing with Osgood... he'll be a pleasant surprise and Cloutier will choke... AGAIN.

Now to get my tix for the NJ playoff games... GOOO DEVILS!

 

[Garet Jax]

First Round
East
(1)Ottawa over (8) NYI in 6 (Ottawa needs a couple of games to be warmed up)
(2)New Jersey over (7) Boston in 5 (Boston just doesn't have the goaltending or defense to get it done)
(6)Washington over (3)Tampa Bay in 6 (Tampa is riding a hot goaltender whose streak has come to an end)
(4)Toronto over (5)Philadephia in 7 (Physically the toughest series, will take a lot out of Toronto)

West
(1)Dallas over (8)Edmonton in 5 (Dallas has a tenacious defense with great back-checking forwards and Turco)
(2)Detroit over (7)Anaheim in 5 (Detroit has a great defense, great offense but streaky goalie - Anaheim has very little to compare)
(3)Colorado over (6)Minnesora in 6 (Minnesota has some great younsters, but Colorado it too good and they have Roy)
(5)St Louis over (4)Vancouver in 6 (Vancouver is a great team, but they are not tough enough defensively to play playoff hockey)

Second Round
East
(1)Ottawa over (6)Washington in 6 (Washington has not stepped up to the plate in big games all year)
(4)Toronto over (2)New Jersey in 7 (None of New Jersey's goto guys have had goto years + Sundin, Mogilny and Nolan will be too much to handle)

West
(1)Dallas over (5)St. Louis in 6 (Dallas is too strong and a number of St Louis' key players are still rusty from long layoffs)
(3)Colorado over (2)Detroit (Forsberg and Roy will be the difference - Cujo is just not good enough)

Semi-Finals
East
(1)Ottawa over (4)Toronto in 6 (Toronto will have sustained too much punishment in the first two rounds)

West
(3)Colorado over (1)Dallas in 7 (Roy is just too good and Turco is just too green)

Finals
(3)Colorado over (1)Ottawa in 6 (Sakic and Roy are the difference - Ottawa's turn is next year)

 

[alareau]

(1)Ottawa over (8) NYI in 5 (Yashin sucks hard thus the islanders suck!)
(2)New Jersey over (7) Boston in 6
(6)Washington over (3)Tampa Bay in 6
(4)Philadephia over (5)Toronto in 6 (i hope tucker gets nailed everytime he has the puck)

West
(1)Dallas over (8)Edmonton in 7
(2)Detroit over (7)Anaheim in 5
(3)Colorado over (6)Minnesora in 6
(5)Vancouver over (4)St-Louis in 6

Stanley cup : Go sens go!

 

[redheadednurse]

Dallas Stars over Oilers in 4 easy baby! And THEY WILL take it all the way! Go Mike Modano!!

 

[dquan97]

I'd go with Detroit or Devils

 

[wyvrn]

I said in the previous NHL thread here that if the Stars got Turco back in time for the playoffs, they would win it all. Not only did Turco come back, with last night's shutout became the all time leader in goals against average for a season at 1.78 per game. Turco's career NHL goals against average is better than Dallas' last good goalie Eddie Belfor. I would not underestimate Turco's ability to perform in the playoffs because he is "green". Turco lead Michigan to two college titles and was a wonderful minor league goalie. There is no reason to doubt Turco at this level because all he has done is prove his critics wrong. Turco is the best goalie in the playoffs, PERIOD.

The reasons Dallas may not win are missing Turgeon and Bill Guerin, both solid offensive players. The talk around Dallas is that both will miss the series with the Oilers and hopefully be back in time for either the next series, or the conference finals. The Stars are going to need both of them if they end up facing either Colorado or Detroit, which are two tough teams. And of course let's not underestimate Vancouver, a wonderful offensive team, which could give Dallas a serious run for it's money in the second round of the playoffs.

 

[Garet Jax]

Originally posted by: wyvrn
I said in the previous NHL thread here that if the Stars got Turco back in time for the playoffs, they would win it all. Not only did Turco come back, with last night's shutout became the all time leader in goals against average for a season at 1.78 per game. Turco's career NHL goals against average is better than Dallas' last good goalie Eddie Belfor. I would not underestimate Turco's ability to perform in the playoffs because he is "green". Turco lead Michigan to two college titles and was a wonderful minor league goalie. There is no reason to doubt Turco at this level because all he has done is prove his critics wrong. Turco is the best goalie in the playoffs, PERIOD.

The reasons Dallas may not win are missing Turgeon and Bill Guerin, both solid offensive players. The talk around Dallas is that both will miss the series with the Oilers and hopefully be back in time for either the next series, or the conference finals. The Stars are going to need both of them if they end up facing either Colorado or Detroit, which are two tough teams. And of course let's not underestimate Vancouver, a wonderful offensive team, which could give Dallas a serious run for it's money in the second round of the playoffs.

All of what you said is true but....

Playoffs are very different than regular season. Turco is a great goalie, but it takes time and experience to learn the difference in the game. Against weaker teams, like Edmonton, Dallas and particularily Turco will shine. However against hardened playoff veterans like the ones Detroit and Colorado bring to the table, Turco will have a huge test. He can still do it but he will have to be at his absolute best. I still like Colorado over Dallas because they have an already learned playoff scholar in Roy.

A lot of people are writing off St Louis. They have two of the best defenseman in the game today in Pronger and MacInnis as well as a couple of really potent scoring lines. The only reason Tkachuk wasn't among the scoring leaders was because of injury and suspension. On top of that, every one of the St Louis scorers are well suited to playoff hockey and have had some experience with it.

Looking at Naslund is like looking at Alfredsson or Hossa from Ottawa a couple of years ago. Prolific scorer but unproven in playoff style hockey. I think Bertuzzi is going to have more influence than Naslund because of his toughness and his ability to deal with the tighter checking style of game.

When looking at the goalies, Cloutier has had a great year, but is not 100%. He is also very similar to Lalime from years past. He will really be tested by playoff style hockey and by what St Louis can throw at him.

Osgood is not a slam dunk by any means, but he has done it before and still can do it again.

It will be the second best series of the first round (behind Toronto and Philly), but I have St Louis winning in 6.

 

[cherrytwist]

Hey Garet...

Congrats on the AT Yahoo Fantasy Championship.

It's a shame we didn't meet in the playoffs.

I'd have kicked your tail

(I ended up 3rd btw...)

 

[Garet Jax]

Originally posted by: cherrytwist
Hey Garet...

Congrats on the AT Yahoo Fantasy Championship.

It's a shame we didn't meet in the playoffs.

I'd have kicked your tail

(I ended up 3rd btw...)

Thanks man. You probably would have .
We never got to meet in the playoffs. I had a lot of fun in the pool. It was a total blast.

I got lucky in the last couple of weeks with Turco getting two shutouts and Osgood getting 1. I knew I would do well in skating categories but the goalie categories were the ones I needed to win to beat Em. I tried to choose the matchups that were favourable and ended up doing well.

I can't wait to next year already.

 

[wyvrn]

I'll be back here when Turco shines in the playoffs. I hear that perspective on the radio talk shows all the time, talented young guys just can't compete in the playoffs vs. the experienced vets. But as we learned with Carmello Anthony and the Orangemen, that stereotype doesn't always hold true

 

[Aquaman]

woot

Cheers,
Aquaman

 

[Garet Jax]

There is a big difference between college hoops and the nhl. Even more so, I don't know any sport where the style of play is so radically different between regular season and playoff as it is in hockey.

The average goals per game goes down and the margin of victory goes down as well.

I am not saying that Turco isn't a great goalie. I am sure he will win Stanley Cups in his career. I just don't see it being this year...

 

[wyvrn]

Ok I respect your opinion, but I disagree with it. The analogy was a good one because each playoff represents a higher level of play than the regular season. The conclusion I made was younger, or inexperienced as you say, guys can rise above and shine in playoff type situations.

As far as playoffs being different from regular season, the NBA is a prime example. While you can run and gun your way to a division title (as my beloved Mavs are probably going to do this season), playoffs are more of a grind-it-out, halfcourt game in the NBA. These two different types of play are the reason a lot of people say the Mavs have no chance of winning a title as presently constructed, even though they have a good team that's fun to watch.

It's a nice try for you to try to discredit my post by attemtping to prove that hockey is so different a sport that the "casual" sports fan cannot grasp it's intricacies. That's funny though, because I see pundits in all sports make the same assertion about their sport.

Originally posted by: Garet Jax
There is a big difference between college hoops and the nhl. Even more so, I don't know any sport where the style of play is so radically different between regular season and playoff as it is in hockey.

The average goals per game goes down and the margin of victory goes down as well.

I am not saying that Turco isn't a great goalie. I am sure he will win Stanley Cups in his career. I just don't see it being this year...

Which is one reason why I think Dallas has an advantage. Can you imagine anyone beating Dallas when their goalie has LESS than a 1.78 goals against average?

The average goals per game goes down and the margin of victory goes down as well.

 

[Garet Jax]

I think we should sit down have a few :beer: and talk some hockey. Looks like it would be a fun conversation.

 

[Aquaman]

Originally posted by: Garet Jax
I think we should sit down have a few :beer: and talk some hockey. Looks like it would be a fun conversation.

I think we should all make a trip to the hockey hall of fame in Toronto and have an ATOT meeting once that SARS thing is done with though

Cheers,
Aquaman

 

[Garet Jax]

I have provided information for a playoff hockey pool here for anyone who wants to join.

 

[Garet Jax]

Originally posted by: Aquaman

Originally posted by: Garet Jax
I think we should sit down have a few :beer: and talk some hockey. Looks like it would be a fun conversation.

I think we should all make a trip to the hockey hall of fame in Toronto and have an ATOT meeting once that SARS thing is done with though

Cheers,
Aquaman

I would definately be in. Toronto is my home town and I will be back there a few times this years for weddings.

 

[SSP]

Originally posted by: jaeger66
Sadly my Penguins will be playing the lottery for the #1 pick rather than playing for the Cup, but at least I can die in peace having seen my team win 2 of them. As for the rest:

Ottawa over NYI in 4. Sens don't choke until round 2 or 3. Yashin is playoff cancer.

New Jersey over Boston in 5. Boston still has a few years of bad karma from last year to work out.

Tampa over Washington in 6. I won't pick the Caps to win a round until they actually do.

Toronto over Philly in 6. Ugh, the 2 teams I hate the most. Cechmanek is a playoff choker along with the rest of the Flyer stiffs.

Dallas over Edmonton in 7. Just a hunch.

Detroit over Anaheim in 6. No Hasek no Cup, but Anaheim is weak.

Colorado over Minnesota in 7. Avs will look past this series.

Vancouver over St. Louis in 5. Osgood won't finish the series.

For once I actually agree with you.

 

[pookguy88]

Edmonton will beat Dallas in 6 or 7
This year is our best chance to beat Dallas. All you people saying we made bad trades... look at the Oiler's record since we've gotten those players, we've only lost like 2 games. Believe me, when people get traded to Edmonton, they play a lot better and actually get to play in a real hockey town. This year, the Oilers will be holding the cup, mark my words.

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: pookguy88
Edmonton will beat Dallas in 6 or 7
This year is our best chance to beat Dallas. All you people saying we made bad trades... look at the Oiler's record since we've gotten those players, we've only lost like 2 games. Believe me, when people get traded to Edmonton, they play a lot better and actually get to play in a real hockey town. This year, the Oilers will be holding the cup, mark my words.

LOL, I don't think you'll get much of a following with a name like that. (Chinese thing, for all who don't know)...

Anyway, I'm sure you think you know your team best (like I know the Caps), but Edmonton isn't enough of a powerhouse team to beat the big boys. I live in reality, where the Caps would surprise even myself if they made it past the 2nd round. Skill players with no cohesion and a terrible defensive corps... :| I don't know how Edmonton (whoever they have as a supporting cast outside Marchant, York, and Smyth) is going to beat teams like Colorado or Detroit, let alone Dallas.

 

[skateallday]

Originally posted by: jaeger66
Sadly my Penguins will be playing the lottery for the #1 pick rather than playing for the Cup, but at least I can die in peace having seen my team win 2 of them. As for the rest:

Ottawa over NYI in 4. Sens don't choke until round 2 or 3. Yashin is playoff cancer.

New Jersey over Boston in 5. Boston still has a few years of bad karma from last year to work out.

Tampa over Washington in 6. I won't pick the Caps to win a round until they actually do.

Toronto over Philly in 6. Ugh, the 2 teams I hate the most. Cechmanek is a playoff choker along with the rest of the Flyer stiffs.

Dallas over Edmonton in 7. Just a hunch.

Detroit over Anaheim in 6. No Hasek no Cup, but Anaheim is weak.

Colorado over Minnesota in 7. Avs will look past this series.

Vancouver over St. Louis in 5. Osgood won't finish the series.

whats this no hasek no Cup stuff. we dont need him to win one he only helped us once. joseph will do it and if not him legacy will. we will take anaheim in 5 or less no prob. wings are gonna win it again

 

[mpitts]

Ottawa over NYI - 5 games - The Isles barely beat out the Rangers for a playoff spot and no longer have their #1 goalie.

New Jersey over Boston - 4 games - Boston stinks.

Washington over Tampa Bay - 7 games - Khabibulin will keep the 'Ning in this series, but Jagr/Bondra/Gonchar/etc will break through the Bulin wall.

Philly over Toronto - 7 games - Philly had some real issues with scoring in last year's playoffs, but I think they get it together. Toronto is not going to go down easy, but I think Philly wins this one.


Dallas over Edmonton - 4 games - We all know about the Oiler/Stars series of the past, but this years incarnation is very different. The Oilers lost one of their top scorers and top defensemen at the trading deadline and Salo is not CuJo. Stars roll.

Detroit over Anaheim - 4 games - Anaheim is a good team, but Detroit is just playing way too well. The Ducks goaltenders are young and the Wings feast on unexperienced goaltenders in the playoffs.

Colorado over Minnesota - 5 games - Minnesota is a good trapping D team, but Colorado's offense is too good. As long as the Avalanche don't underestimate the Wild's D, they should win this series going away.

Vancover over St. Louis - 6 games - This series is going to be closer than most Canuck fans will want to admit. St. Louis is getting healthy at the right time. Having Pronger back at the D line will make a big difference and I think Osgood will steal a game in this series. As long as the Canucks get solid play in goal, they should win this series. It will be interesting, because both teams are capable of scoring 5 or 6 goals a game.

 

[mpitts]

Originally posted by: pookguy88
Edmonton will beat Dallas in 6 or 7
This year is our best chance to beat Dallas. All you people saying we made bad trades... look at the Oiler's record since we've gotten those players, we've only lost like 2 games. Believe me, when people get traded to Edmonton, they play a lot better and actually get to play in a real hockey town. This year, the Oilers will be holding the cup, mark my words.

Just keep telling yourself that.

Good luck!