Flyers v. Sabres: I think this could be the big 1st round upset, especially if Pronger isn’t back in time. Buffalo.

Bruins v. Canadiens: The Bruins are the favourites. We are really suffering from injuries this year, most notably our top D pairing but no less Max Pac. I think a lot of guys are also playing hurt already and Boston will definitely try to capitalize on that. I still have to believe Les Boys are capable of pulling it out though! If nothing else, there’s always the chance that the Bruins will choke like choking chokers again. Either way, I think I’ll be avoiding this blog for awhile starting Thursday evening. 😉

Penguins v. Lightning: Guy Boucher is scary as hell but I think the Pens have the edge with the way they’ve picked up the slack in the absence of their superstars this season. Also I demand maximum screen time for James Neal and his ginger beard. I love the ginger beard.

WEST:
Canucks v. Blackhawks: Canucks, if they can win one of the first two and stay relatively healthy. I was pretty cool with Chicago winning it last year, but I want to punch PKane in his dopey little face and I don’t know how much more Chelsea Dagger I can stand.

Sharks v. Kings: Jumbo Joe! He’s gotta show up in the playoffs one of these years, why not this one? Also, the Kings are overrated.

Wings v. Coyotes: I’ve gotta go with the Red Wings, because “Yotes” is easily the most annoying team nickname in the NHL. Also, hurrah for old dudes. But I think Phoenix could really push them down to the wire in this one.

Ducks v. Predators: Ducks. Corey Perry is too awesome. Grandpa Teemu is still feisty. Saku Koivu will always be captain to me. And I friggin’ loved those movies when I was a kid. Nah, actually I think this one could go either way, but as a neutral observer I think the Ducks are more fun.

1. Caps OBVIOUSLY. But I won’t rule out a choke. I am keeping my fingers crossed. Heres to hoping georgeous Arnott and the rehabed Green can get it done since it doesn’t look like Wideman will be in. And of course Herr Sturm, Sasha Fierce, Brooksy, I-Carly and Capt. I-don’t-lie-to-wear-clothes! 😉

2. Sabres – I will be burried alive like Ryan Reynolds if I cheer against Mr. Cherrie’s favorite team. And oviously Ryan Miller is AWESOME and we all know ho much I heart goalies and I hate Chris Pronger.

3. Habs – Hate Chara after the Max hit and all the other hits. Sorry Chuck. He’s a repeat offender who never gets called.

4.Pens – just this once ONLY because of Kris Letang and Kris Letang ONLY.

5. Canucks – because the Blackhawks didn’t deserve the spot. They played like Britteny Spears ‘comeback’ – a zombie poll dancing hooker on xanax. Toews should be sending Minnesota flowers. Sorry Pants.

6. LA Kings out of sheer loyalty and my love for DDTBG. But let the slaughter begin. Although my favoite fan quote as, “If they gave Drew a cheeseburger for every goal, LA’s season would be 82-0.”

7. Detriot. no contest. Complete and utter bloodbath.

8. Anaheim. Same as above. Caligula. Vini, vidi, vichi.
But love me some Teemu Forty. Until he must be stopped.

I can only really discuss the East. Sorry. My dirty secret is that I’m a relatively new hockey fan. It’s taking a while to learn about everyone. But I know the east pretty well. So…

1. Caps/Rangers – eek. You guys are going to hate me forever… but I wouldn’t be shocked by a Rangers upset. Lunqvist, man. He scares the shit out of me.

2. Flyers/Sabres – I’d love to see the Sabres, but I’m betting on the Flyers. They’ve had a bit of a slump at the end of the season but they’ve been playing like a real team. I hardly recognize them. I don’t expect them to go all of the way, though, with their goalie situation.

3. Gotta go with the Bs here. Montreal has “meltdown” written all over them. And the Bs have Tim Thomas. I put a lot of weight on goaltending, apparently.

4. No question. Pens. Duh. I’m not just saying that because the Pens are my favorite team (obviously) and Kris Letang is the most beautiful man alive (also obvious). Sure Tampa has a lot of great scoring out there, but our defense will brick wall them right out of the playoffs. Expect Pens goals from unexpected places. I’m looking at you, Mike Rupp.

The West – well – I will be cheering for the HAWKS…

I’d love to see a HAWKS / PENS Cup game – but I apparently have delusions as well…(at least I can admit the Rangers don’t deserve it…where WERE they all season?)

BTW – Hockey games aren’t the same without ya Pants 🙂

As for teh rest…well..I have to agree with most…and those I don’t…we’ll just wait and see 🙂

Hmmm Eastern Conference: Caps (never thought I’d say that…), Sabres (Cause I just CAN’T support the other team, Do you have to ask me about the B’s-Habs mash-up? and… GO PENS! Natch.

I’m afraid I think it’ll be the Canucks (unless they’re tired out from their full-on season), but if the Pacific power grid goes down, I know to look at Dawn and Pants for responsibility, Sharks (obviously; Holy Joe Thornton!) and I’m gonna go all out there and say it might just be the Ducks (after their trades) and I’ll throw in a wildcard here and say I’m rooting for BizNasty2point0 and the rest of the Yotes!

2) I’m going Sabres because Ryan Miller is a beast and could probably play every position at once and STILL stand on his head between the pipes.

3) I’m going Habs on this one because of Carey Price. That and the fact that Max Pacioretty is still out from that Chara hit and the syrup-lovers are pissed. BLIND CANADIAN FURY!

4) Pens. Duh. WINNING! But honestly, I think they’re the better team between the two. Both have had a little bit of consistency issues this season, but I really think the pens are starting to get into a rhythm without Sid and Geno and leaning more on Stall, Neal and Kovy and all the lovely blue liners. But can you imagine if Captain Sidney and his shiny shield of truth comes out, guns blazing in game 6. HO-BOY! Life made.

5) Canucks, if for nothing else but Kesler’s abs. I think it’ll be hard fought though. The hawks have something to prove now and the canucks could get a little sloppy since they had such a huge buffer between them and San Jose.

6) Sharks, but only because I admittedly don’t know much about either team. Higher seed takes it.

7) Ugh…Detroit. It pains me to say that. Bertuzzi makes me so angry I could kick a puppy. I’d love for the yotes to take it, if for nothing else but to keep Biznasty tweeting, but its a long shot.

8) Preds. nuff said.

Oh, and I concur (esp. with the first matchup). 😉