The NHL playoffs are outstanding. There are a lot of interesting first round match ups. I think the Sharks are finally going to take advantage of their seeding and make it out of the first round. The Avs kind of stumbled down the stretch and the Sharks have more than enough motivation after the last few years of playoff futility. I think Detroit will get by Phoenix; although it should be close b/c Phoenix has such a good defense/goaltender. I expect Vancouver to beat the Kings, due in large part to experience and the Sedin twins. The Kings also had some problems down the stretch in net. And the Blackhawks should beat the Predators. So I like all the higher seeds in the West to advance, with the exception of Detroit over Phoenix.

In the East, things could get interesting. Ottawa is dangerous, but the Pens have too much experience/talent. I think they'll win in 6, possibly 5. Boston/Buffalo may come down to a game 7 because both offenses can have power outages and the respective goalies are outstanding. Miller has the obvious big game experience edge, but Rask posted a better GAA and save % this year. I think Buffalo will pull it out, but Boston winning would not be a surprise. The Devils should be able to handle the Flyers in spite of their regular season struggles. NJ has too much talent overall, and the Flyers have serious questions in net. Finally, I like the Caps to take out the Habs, probably in 5.

I obviously would like to have the benefit of watching the teams perform in a few playoff games before making further predictions, but that's not how it works so here it goes. I like Detroit over SJ (5 or 6 games) and Vancouver over Chicago (6 or 7). In the East, Devils over Sabres (6 or 7 games), Pens over Caps (7 games). Pens and Wings advance to meet for 3rd straight year: Pens repeat. Full disclosure: I'm a Pens fan, but I also wouldn't have picked them if I didn't think it'd happen. Also, I hope I'm wrong about Chicago losing in the 2nd.