re: The Stanley Cup Final(s): Tampa Bay Lightning vs Chicago Blackhawks

I see you're working the reverse jinx. Good strategy. I like it.

This is a great playoffs because this is literally the most unpredictable field I've ever seen. Only ONE first round series involves two teams separated by over 10 points in the standings (Rangers-Pens). Six teams in the East had 100 points, and only two cracked 110. Five teams in the West had 100, and no one cracked 110. This is a WIDE OPEN tournament. Literally anyone can win this thing (except the Flames, let's not get silly)

PICKS
Habs in 7. The Sens have to cool off, right? Right?!

Bolts in 5. This is the only series I feel is a mismatch, and that just involved me picking against the best coach in hockey. Make it Bolts in 6.

Rangers in 6. The Pens actually get to use a 6th defenseman, so that's nice. Rags are too deep and too good. They also don't have Fleury turning into pumpkin in net.

Caps in 7. The fastest paced team vs. the second slowest. And the Caps are the slow team. In the playoffs, take the team that's comfortable playing at a snail's pace.

Jets in 7. Speaking of which... the Jets played super slow and physical, and the Ducks want to play in space, which will not exist in the playoffs.

Flames in 6. Why the hell not? Nothing about their run makes any goddamned sense, so why not a series win?

Blues in 7. Man, thanks for nothing, right? Win the toughest division in hockey, get a date with the Wild, who are playing better than anyone. Nightmare.

Hawks in 6. Has anyone else noticed the Preds kinda played like crap in the second half, and the top line stopped scoring almost entirely?