That’s right, it’s playoff time again. As has become the tradition, a playoff prognostication contest will take place. This year, I’m going to post my picks here, so the whole world can laugh at me.

Boston (1) vs. Montreal (8) - You all know my prediction here. Montreal will win this series. Between Theodore’s fantastic goaltending, the emotional boost of having Saku Koivu back in the lineup, and having a healthy lineup for a change, I don’t think there’s any doubt…

Philadelphia (2) vs. Ottawa (7) - Ottawa faded pretty badly at the end of the season, and I think the Flyers are going to handle them easily

Carolina (3) vs. New Jersey (6) - I’m going to pick the “upset” here. New Jersey is a hot team, and so I’ve got to pick them. Not really much of an upset though, since NJ had the better record.

Toronto (4) vs. New York Islanders (5) - Yes, the Islanders finished strong, and yes, they’re a much improved team from last year. Despite the fact that they’re playing the Leafs, and I can’t stand the Leafs, I have to pick Toronto. Yashin will do his disappearing act, and the Leafs will show Osgood a lot of rubber.

Detroit (1) vs. Vancouver - Vancouver has been playing with a lot of passion for quite a while. Hasek has looked listless. The Red Wings have only won one game in the last ten. Yes, they’re well rested, but I don’t know if that’s such a great thing, with the way they’ve been playing. I’m picking the upset here, feel free to ridicule. I just think the Canucks will surprise the Wings, who are hoping to coast to the cup. Vancouver will win this series, and Hasek will not retire.

Colorado (2) vs. Los Angeles (7) - I like LA, but Colorado will be ready for them. Roy is a man on a mission this year, and Sakic is one of the best playoff performers in recent memory. Colorado will win.

San Jose (3) vs. Phoenix (6) - I’ll admit I don’t really know either of these teams really well, but I like the grit on San Jose, so I’ll pick them.

St. Louis (4) vs. Chicago (5) - Chicago will win this series, and St. Louis will be looking for a goalie in the off-season again.

Just to recap. Montreal, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Toronto, Vancouver, Colorado, San Jose, Chicago. Post your predictions in the comments. I’m keeping score based on series predictions. A seven game win is the same as a 4 game win, unless at the end of the playoffs there’s a tie, in which case win/loss record comes into play. Predictions for the second round will be forthcoming after the end of the first round, and so on. My unofficial prediction for the finals by the way is Montreal over Colorado in six games - Patrick will lose game six in Montreal, and retire.