It's here, Stanley Cup playoff time.
The long NHL season is over, and now it's time for the long playoff run.
The defending champion Chicago Blackhawks squeezed in on the final day to have a chance to defend their title. But, they also draw the regular season champion Canucks, and I don't expect them to go very far. This Canucks team is very balanced, and deep. This could just be Vancouver's year.
Other first round predictions, I like San Jose over the the Los Angeles Kings, 50-goal shooter Corey Perry should power Anaheim past Nashville, and those who pick against Detroit anytime are treading water, so I expect the Red Wings to knock off Phoenix.
In the East, Washington has been great down the stretch to take the conference regular season title, and I think the Capitals just have too much for the Rangers to contend with. I think Ryan Miller could just lead Buffalo to a first-round upset over Philadelphia. Tampa with the duo of Stamkos and St. Louis, could ice the Penguins. And, the classic match-up of Boston and Montreal. If the Canadiens can get some scoring to go along with the stellar netminding of Carey Price, this could be an upset. But, the Bruins team has a lot of depth, and Tim Thomas has been oustanding.
Let the opening round begin!
