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So.Mn.Fan -> 2009 Playoffs ... First RD (4/16/2009 12:21:12 AM)
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1) (1) Boston vs. (8) Montreal: Who wins?
I've got Boston in 5 or less.
Bruins are rolling and have been rolling all year.
Kessel a better pro than I ever dreamed he'd be.
Chara is a beast.
Montreal reminds me of the Wild, too light in the breezers, and very fragile mentally.
2) (2) Washington vs. (7) New York Rangers: Who wins?
Still think the Caps will win this one.
It will take seven tho.
Hoping Ovie puts them on his back and shows the nation what he's all about.
Rangers are a good story, but they tend to fall down and take a long time to get back up
Caps weakness may be goaltending, they have to win shoot-out type games, the 6-5 or 7-6 variety, and they can.
Rangers are gritty enough tho, and an upset here won't surprise me.
3) (3) New Jersey vs. (6) Carolina: Who wins?
I have a rule of never betting against the Devils.
Sticking to it.
Solid franchise who expects to win every game and expects to compete for the Cup every season.
The Pats of the NHL.
Carolina has been red-hot, but that won't make up for lack of a lot of things.
NJ is deep and tough and has a great goaltender, not just a good one.
This one should be over in 5 or 6.
4) (4) Pittsburgh vs. (5) Philadelphia: Who wins?
I don't really see this being the big grudge match all the experts do.
Pens in 5 or 6.
Since the coaching change and the return of Gonchar, the Pens have been almost unbeatable.
Crosby and Malkin are poster-children in this league, you always have to remember that.
Every call will go their way, and they know how to capitalize on that advantage.
Flyers only hope is to steal one in Pittsburgh and pound, pound, pound them.
But these aren't the broad-street bullies, they lack enough guys to win that way, either.
5) (1) San Jose vs. (8) Anaheim: Who wins?
THIS is the one I think will be the war.
Sharks in 7 (I hope).
Bad, bad matchup for SJ.
The worst they could have gotten.
Ducks are just cocky and talented and conceited enough to think they will win it all, not just this series.
Series hinges on Thornton, its time for that great player to stand up and make a statement in the playoffs.
Can't wait to see this one play out.
6) (2) Detroit vs. (7) Columbus: Who wins?
Would love to see the jackets make this a series, but I'll be shocked if they do.
This has sweep written all over it.
I'll take Detroit in 5 or less. (Boo)
Too deep, too talented, too much everything that counts.
Goaltending could cost Detroit, but they'll just simply give up less shots.
The best player in the league at several positions, it's almost unfair.
Great coaches, and great tradition. Don't like them at all.
But respect the hell out of them.
7) (3) Vancouver vs. (6) St. Louis: Who wins?
I simply cannot stand the Canucks.
I would give anything for the Blues to win this thing.
I think they have a chance, but my head says Vancouver in 6 or 7.
The Blues play everyone, and that will help if the series goes awhile.
They are not afraid and Murray will have them prepared.
The Blues need to get and stay physical from start to finish.
They will hate Vancouver by the time this one is over. (We all know why)
8) (4) Chicago vs. (5) Calgary: Who wins?
This will be a fun one.
Chicago may be young and dumb enough to win this thing.
I'm taking the Flames in 6 or 7 tho.
Just too much experience and star power to overcome.
Iginla doesn't wilt in April and May.
BlackHawks are a great story, it is awesome to have real hockey back in Chicago. (for them)
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