Is there any team in the NHL right now that can claim they’re 100% proud of their first-round efforts? Even the Canadiens, who overcame a 2-game deficit, know that their biggest mistake was digging that hole in the first place. With only one of the East’s top seeds remaining, and the West’s #1 seed looking very vulnerable, things could continue to get interesting.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
- (4) Pittsburgh vs (8) Montreal - CANADIENS IN 7 » Montreal has gotten hot at the right time, and their D showed that they can handle all-world scorers. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh looked shaky at times against Ottawa, although Crosby was his usual dominant self; will he be able to turn it up even more against his boyhood favourite? If Halak keeps playing like he has the last three games, the Habs will prevail.
- (6) Boston vs (7) Philadelphia - FLYERS IN 6 » Even with Savard back in the lineup, if Boucher stays hot, Philly will take this one. Expect some rough stuff in this series, for sure.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
- (1) San Jose vs (5) Detroit - RED WINGS IN 6 » The guys that the Sharks depend upon are just not big-game players - Thornton, Marleau and Heatley combined for 1 goal over their 6-game series against Colorado. The Red Wings, however, live for the playoffs. I’m guessing six games, but if it turns out to be a sweep, few will be surprised.
- (2) Chicago vs (3) Vancouver - BLACKHAWKS IN 5 » The Blackhawks dummied the Canucks in their last playoff game, and it might just happen again. Goaltending will be the key - if Luongo or Niemi slip, their respective team will be going down with them. Vancouver’s defence is suspect, though, and Bobby Lou’s first-round stats are unimpressive; it’ll be Chicago’s series to lose.
