Lord Stanley --- Day 1

NHL Playoffs

East – Atlantic Bracket

Montreal Canadiens   -vs-   New York Rangers

Game 1 Wednesday 12 April at Montreal

My Gut tells me that the Canadiens have the advantage in this series, not only because they have home ice.  I have the Canadiens winning in 5 games.

Boston Bruins   -vs-   Ottawa Senators

Game 1 Wednesday 12 April at Ottawa

This should be a tough series.  I see seven games.  I don’t feel comfortable with picking either.  But that being said, I am going with Ottawa to win a nail biter series.

East – Metropolitan Bracket

Toronto Maple Leafs   -vs-   Washington Capitals

Game 1 Thursday 13 April at Washington

Congrats, Toronto!  You made the playoffs.  Your prize is you have the opportunity to be smacked down by the Capitals.  I foresee a sweep!

Columbus Blue Jackets   -vs-   Pittsburgh Penguins

Game 1 Wednesday 12 April at Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh ultimately finds a way to win the series.  But Columbus makes this a difficult task.  I see this going 6 games.

West – Central Bracket

Chicago Blackhawks   -vs-   Nashville Predators

Game 1 Wednesday 12 April at Chicago

Chicago turns it on in the playoffs.  Nashville will push them hard.  Look for this to go 7 games, with Chicago finding a way to pull it out.  This might just be the best series of the first round.

Minnesota Wild   -vs-   St. Louis Blues

Game 1 Wednesday 12 April at Minnesota

The Blues have a revenge factor.  They’ll push this to 6.  But in the end the Wild pull off the series and send St. Louis into another frustrating summer.

West – Pacific Bracket

Anaheim Ducks   -vs-   Calgary Flames

Game 1 Thursday 13 April at Anaheim

The Ducks pull this off in 6.  Calgary will push them, but their time is not yet upon us.  But it is coming!

Edmonton Oilers   -vs-   San Jose Sharks

Game 1 Wednesday 12 April at Edmonton

Edmonton makes a good showing in this series.  Nevertheless, the Sharks find a way to win in 5.

NHL Playoffs