We're one day delayed with our prognostications, but we stick to our guns despite the surprises of Wednesday evening. Below our fearless forecast for the first round of the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Eastern Conference
Ottawa vs Pittsburgh (Senators in six)
Philadelphia vs New Jersey (Devils in seven)
Washington vs Montreal (Capitals in five)
Boston vs Buffalo (Sabres in five)
We find that the streaky Sens may be on the upswing again taking the Pens by surprise and bringing an end to the Pens ambitions for this year, the Devils will eventually battle back the Flyers but it will be a tiring and physical series for Jersey, The Caps are in a different area code than the Canadiens and will find little to trouble them out of Montreal and the Sabres will make quick work of the confusing Bruins, leaving Boston to have much to think about in this off season.
Western Conference
Detroit vs Phoenix (Red Wings in six)
Colorado vs San Jose (San Jose in six)
Los Angeles vs Vancouver (Canucks in five)
Nasvhille vs Chicago (Chicago in six)
Phoenix is the feel good story of the year for hockey fans (well those outside of Winnipeg we guess), but every Cinderella must face the midnight hour and the bell is ready to ring for the Coyotes. The Sharks always seem to provide for anxious moments for the home town fans and that will once again prove to be the case in the opening round though we still see them moving on beyond the Avs. The Canucks are starting to feel as though this may be their year and if Roberto Luongo can find his normally reliable form they very well may be going a long way in these playoffs, the first round shouldn't provide too much in the way of trouble. And the Hawks will face a tough challenge in the Preds, but Chicago seems a team on the cusp of a bit of Stanley Cup destiny and the first round won't be the one that sets that plan aside.
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