Since the playoff picture has been finalized, I’ll post my picks here today. Sorry I didn’t post much last week - I had training for Wednesday and Thursday, then met Erin and William for lunch on Friday.
(1) vs. 
(8)
In some ways, this is a tough series to call. Edmonton has been on fire the last month or so, but Dallas has had a great second half of the season. Turco posted the best GAA in the modern NHL era this year, and he’s been playing hot too (3-0 0.67 GAA in his last three.) I’m going with the Oilers this year, since I think they’ll manage to pull one out against Dallas finally.
(2) vs. 
(7)
Anahiem might surprise some people, but not the Red Wings. Detroit should win this series
(3) vs. 
(6)
The Wild made the playoffs quite handily this year, and they’ve got a good playoff style team, however with the way the Avs have been playing lately, I have to pick Colorado
(4) vs. 
(5)
The blues finally have a playoff goaltender. I’m not the world’s biggest Osgood fan, but he has proven that he can win in the playoffs, which is what the Blues have needed all along. The Canucks are a good team, and they should win this one, but I’m picking St. Louis, because I think it’s their year finally.
(1) vs. 
(8)
The Islanders limped into the playoffs this year, and Ottawa loaded up for the playoffs after losing to Toronto for the last seventy years straight (ok, it maybe just seems that way to Ottawa fans) I’m picking Ottawa in what promises to be the most boring series of the first round. This is my (insert picture of large shoe) Shoe in of the round.
(2) vs. 
(7)
New Jersey should be able to handle the Bruins this year. Martin Brodeur will be the difference-maker. This is the pick I’d be least surprised to go the other way though, since Boston has a pretty good balance to their lineup. I’m still picking New Jersey
(3) vs. 
(6)
Playoffs is often about goaltending, so this series looks a lot like Khabibulin vs. Kolzig. I’m putting my money on Khabibulin. I haven’t seen a lot of either of these teams, so I don’t really have any basis to go one way or the other. Tampa Bay should win their first ever playoff series this year.
(4) vs. 
(5)
I think the leafs made the best deadline deals of anyone in the entire league. They’ve got some injury problems right now, but I still think they have the horses to beat Philly. As much as it pains me to pick the Leafs, even the hot streak that Cechmanek has been on won’t be enough to overcome the media scrutiny of Toronto. I’m picking Toronto, and also calling this my “soon to be over-analyzed by everyone in Toronto with a press pass” lock of the first round.
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