Here we go...
A brief review of my predictions from Round 1 of the playoffs:
The West
1) I picked Detroit to prevail in six games...and earned a lovely product TBD from Teflon Billy in the process. I'm happy with this selection to say the very least
!
2) I had San Jose in five, and so it came to pass.
3) I picked the Blues to win in six, although I indicated they were capable of winning in five. I shouldn't have given Chicago credit for being able to win two games
.
4) I said the Avs would win in five, but it took them seven to finish off L.A.
The East
1) I said the Devils would beat Carolina in six. BZZZZTT -- wrong answer! The 'Canes surprised me, and I tip my hat to them for a strong first round showing.
2) I thought it would take the Sens six games to beat Philly...what was I thinking?!? It only took five, and could have ended in four. The Flyers looked poopy.
3) I picked the Habs to win in six, and they did!
4) And my pick of the playoffs -- Toronto in seven. Not only did I select the Leafs to win a tight game seven on home ice, but I had the score right (3-2) until Mogilny scored an empty netter.
Overall I'm pretty happy with going 7 for 8 thus far. Now on to Round 2.
The West
Detroit/St. Louis: Hasek will set out to prove that Brent Johnson is no match for the Dominator, and I think he'll succeed. Federov will continue to be a two-way demon on both ends of the ice, while Hull and Lidstrom will keep lighting the lamp on power plays. Wings in six. (Happy stat: the last two times these teams met in the playoffs, the Wings prevailed on their way to winning the Stanley Cup)
Colorado/San Jose: Nabokov will outplay Patrick Roy in net; the Sharks' fierce bodychecking will take its toll on Colorado's walking wounded; and San Jose's scorers shall find the Avs defense more porous than in years past. I predict the Sharks to move on in six games.
The East
Toronto/Ottawa: Will Mats Sundin 's absence spell doom for the Leafs? I say no. Lalime will cool down in goal for Ottawa, and their up & down attack is very similar to the Islanders' feast or famine style of play. CuJo will earn his second straight game seven victory.
Montreal/Ottawa: I think the Habs can prevail in five, but I'll say they leave the knockout punch for a home ice celebration. Irbe/Weekes will not be able to shut down Montreal's attack like they did the trapping Devils. Zednik may return before this series is over, and even if he doesn't, Montreal has enough fire power to beat the 'Canes who are just happy to be here.
)
It's a happy day 
