Playoff Predictions

I once again apologize for the long absence from posting (to the few of you that actually read this). I've been busy studying for insurance exams. Not exciting.

Good news though: the NHL playoffs are here! Below is a quick summary of each matchup as well as my predicted outcomes. As usual, I'll probably be wrong and that's why I love this game.

Eastern Conference

New York Rangers (1) vs. Ottawa Senators (8)

Right off of the bat, I'll stick my neck out. My words may not taste so great down the line, but I think this series is going to be more competitive than most think. The New York Rangers finished atop the Eastern Conference for a reason. They have fantastic coaching, goaltending and defense. These are all crucial elements to success in the playoffs. In all fairness, the Senators also have each of these. Paul McLean is a terrific coach. Craig Anderson is no Henrik Lundqvist, but is still a reliable goaltender with playoff experience. Their defense isn't comparable to New York, but their offense is potent. It's going to be important for Ottawa to come out of the gates quickly, especially starting on the road.

Crazy prediction: there will be more than 30 goals in this series

Outcome: Senators in 7

Boston Bruins (2) vs. Washington Capitals (7)

At the end of this season, the Capitals pushed as hard as they could to squeak into the playoffs. That's all they'll do. The Boston Bruins have tasted glory and are hungry for more. Really, this series is going to come down to structure and goaltending. Although Washington's offense is dangerous, they have goaltending troubles. Tomas Vokoun and Michal Neuvirth are hurt, putting success on young Braden Holtby's shoulders. Unfortunately for the Caps, at the other end of the ice is Tim Thomas. He didn't finish the season strong, but Thomas is a world-class goaltender. At the end of the day, the Bruins are just a more well-rounded team.

Crazy prediction: Tim Thomas has two shutouts in this series.

Outcome: Bruins in 6

Florida Panthers (3) vs. New Jersey Devils (6)

Does playoff experience matter? Yes. Who has it in this matchup? New Jersey. The Panthers haven't made the playoffs since the Paleolithic Era. In contrast, the Devils are a staple in the playoffs. I love seeing new teams in the playoffs, but this matchup doesn't bode well for Florida. They had an incredible season and nothing can take that away, but this series will be dominated by the Devils. For me, the only way the Panthers can edge out this series is if their defensemen contribute offensively. Brian Campbell, Jason Garrison and Dmitry Kulikov need to return to their early-season form.

Crazy prediction: this will be the only sweep of the 2012 playoffs.

Outcome: Devils in 4

Pittsburgh Penguins (4) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (5)

This is definitely going to be the best first-round series. These two teams are highly skilled, motivated and, most importantly, absolutely loathe each other. If the Flyers can stay healthy, they have a fighting chance. They've played well in Pittsburgh as of late, but the playoffs are a different monster. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal combine for the strongest roster down the middle. This will be key to their ultimate success. The outcome of this series will depend on the play of Ilya Bryzgalov. Which of his five faces phases will we see?

Crazy prediction: Jordan Staal records eight points in this series.

Outcome: Penguins in 7

Western Conference

Vancouver Canucks (1) vs. Los Angeles Kings (8)

The Vancouver Canucks once against earned The President's Trophy as the league's most successful team during the regular season. The Los Angeles Kings battled for a playoff spot up until the last day of the regular season. In every department, the Canucks are a stronger team. Jonathan Quick is going put up a good fight, but LA's lack of offense will be their downfall. Vancouver is big, speedy and experienced. I think the Kings can maybe steal a game or two, but that will be it.

Crazy prediction: Cory Schneider will replace Roberto Luongo.

Outcome: Canucks in 5

St. Louis Blues (2) vs. San Jose Sharks (7)

The St. Louis Blues are a defensive juggernaut. Their goaltending is out of this world as well. These will be the key differences in this matchup. For San Jose, Antti Niemi is a playoff-proven goaltender who plays consistent hockey, but for how long can he carry them? The Sharks have a plethora of playoff experience and will rely heavily on those players to come through. If these players don't step up, the Blues will take advantage of their chances. They're finely structured and make few mistakes. Special teams will make or break one of these squads.

Crazy prediction: Joe Thornton fights David Backes...twice.

Outcome: Blues in 7

Phoenix Coyotes (3) vs. Chicago Blackhawks (6)

Is Jonathan Toews healthy? That's the only question worth answering. If he is, the Blackhawks are almost a shoo-in for this series. If not, the Coyotes will probably take it. I'm assuming he won't be. Like the Blues, the Coyotes are a very structured team. They rely heavily on their system, focused on defense, to win games. Both teams have playoff experience these past few years, so pressure isn't as issue. The Coyotes have home-ice advantage which will be a defining factor in this series. The ultimate difference in this matchup will be goaltending. Mike Smith has been playing superb hockey as of late and will edge out Corey Crawford.

Crazy prediction: Radim Vrbata scores six goals in this series.

Outcome: Coyotes in 6 

Nashville Predators (4) vs. Detroit Red Wings (5)

This is a total toss-up. These two teams know each other all too well. They're both skilled, playoff savvy and coached to a T. Pekka Rinne is one of the league's best goaltenders and will continue to be a huge thorn is Detroit's side. The Preds have tremendous depth. It's nearly impossible to contain every line night in and night out. Home-ice advantage may be the deciding factor in this matchup. Honestly, this series could go either way, but I'll stick with my gut.

Crazy prediction: Patric Hornqvist tallies the most points of any player in this series.

Outcome: Red Wings in 7

For the full playoff-bracket prediction, click here.

What do you think is going to happen?