Many analysts have incorrectly stated that the NHL Playoffs are split into divisional play, which is untrue per se. However, all four conferences are guaranteed to have at least one series (between its second- and third-seeded teams).
NHL EASTERN CONFERENCE
BOSTON BRUINS* vs. DETROIT RED WINGS
Assessment: For years, Detroit Red Wings have been the most difficult team to eliminate from the post-season, but I think that distinction has belonged to Boston Bruins ever since their embarrassing 2010 series loss after dropping a 3-0 lead. It would seem as though Detroit Red Wings are vulnerable to a loss, but they have been playing for their post-season livelihood for the past month, so they are in Stanley Cup mode already. That edge alone is often enough to earn my favor, but add in what Boston Bruins have done since March, and they have saw more losses than wins in April. Not to mention the President Trophy curse.
Prediction: Detroit Red Wings in 6-7 games.
TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING vs. MONTREAL CANADIENS
Assessment: If Montreal Canadiens have taught us anything this season is that they can win or lose any game. Often they came through in tight spots against better teams, and, almost as often, they fumbled when a sure win was predictable. Unfortunately, Tampa Bay Lightning will have to overcome the embarrassment of Ryan Malone, and I expect the team will be out of favor on questionable calls. Ryan Callahan will shine, but personally I doubt he will outshine Max Pacioretty. Meanwhile, Carey Price will be the toughest to beat between the creases.
Prediction: Montreal Canadiens in 6-7 games.
Assessment: I am more emotionally linked to the Atlantic division than the Metropolitan division, so this series means less to me than the others. Regardless, it is an interesting series between the odds-on favorite Pittsburgh Penguins and perennial underdog Columbus Blue Jackets. In case you have missed it, Columbus has a good franchise right now. They have a lot to prove, and I do not see them bowing out without making a point. This year will get them into the dance. Next year will be bigger.
Prediction: Pittsburgh Penguins in 5-6 games.
NEW YORK RANGERS vs. PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
Assessment: I have had a soft spot for New York Rangers since 1994. I was eagerly anticipating a NY/LA finals in the 2012 Stanley Cup. Unfortunately, that series did not come to pass and the team has had a lot of restructuring since then, but they are still a good team at their core. Meanwhile, Philadelphia Flyers zigged when they should have zagged by hiring Ilya Bryzgalov, and I do not think they have been a playoff-ready team since then.
Prediction: New York Rangers in 5-6 games.
NHL WESTERN CONFERENCE
COLORADO AVALANCHE vs. MINNESOTA WILD
Assessment: In his rookie year as a player, Patrick Roy won the 1986 Stanley Cup. In his rookie year as a head coach, Patrick Roy could win the 2014 Stanley Cup. Unfortunately, the odds are stacked against him to the Nth degree. Personally, I would be thrilled to see him accomplish that aforementioned feat. Realistically, I do not see it happening. However, I have felt for a while that Minnesota Wild are a dangerous team laying in wait. This year, I expect them to go the distance.
Prediction: Minnesota Wild in 6-7 games.
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS** vs. ST. LOUIS BLUES
Assessment: It has been rare to see a team repeat as Stanley Cup champions. In 2008 and again in 2009, Detroit Red Wings faced Pittsburgh Penguins in the finals, but each team won one. In 2013, the final four teams were the most recent four Cup winners. Therefore, Chicago Blackhawks will remember the 2011 Playoffs, where they were eliminated in the first round, and they will know better than to fall into that same pitfall. That said, conjuring up the will to push through the following rounds is questionable. But I will leave that for later. St. Louis Blues have not gelled with Ryan Miller yet, and they will likely come back stronger next year.
Prediction: Chicago Blackhawks in 4-5 games.
ANAHEIM DUCKS vs. DALLAS STARS
Assessment: Dallas Stars were the last team to clinch their post-season spot. The biggest downfall of Anaheim Ducks is their age. The biggest downfall of Dallas Stars is their inexperience. In this round, I am expecting experience to prevail over youth. However, I have to admit that Dallas Stars have a winning team. If everything gels sooner than expected, then they could have that deep playoff run that I am expecting out of Minnesota.
Prediction: Anaheim Ducks in 4-5 games.
SAN JOSE SHARKS vs. LOS ANGELES KINGS
Assessment: These two teams are increasingly bitter rivals because they are so well matched. If this series does not go to Game 7, then hockey fans should feel cheated. For most of the past five years, analysts have expected big things from San Jose Sharks. While they never lived up to those expectations, their core has not changed enough to discredit them entirely. Unfortunately, I still think LA Kings are the stronger team altogether, and that edge should make the difference when it matters most.
Prediction: Los Angeles Kings in 6-7 games.
* - President's Trophy winners.
** - Defending champions.
