NHL 1st round playoffs preview, predictions

The NHL regular season has finally ended, and its playoff time. 11 of the 16 playoff teams are returning from last year. Two of the three worst teams in the league last year are also in it (Lightning, Avalanche.) The Stars return for the first time since 2008, as do the Blue Jackets, who are making only their second appearance in their franchises 12 year history. The Jackets got swept the first time so they are still looking for their first franchise playoff win. Finally, the Flyers return after missing out last year. The Flyers have made 29 straight playoff appearances without winning a championship, a major league sports record. Lets make it 30.

This year debuts a brand new playoff format, a format that has confused even the most die hard of hockey fans. it is so confusing I will not even attempt to explain it, Im not even sure I could, so lets just look at the matchups and get my predictions.

Boston Bruins (117 points) Vs Detroit Red Wings (93 Points): The Bruins finished with the best record in the NHL for the first time in seventeen season, and their reward is to face the Red Wings, the only team that had a winning record against the Bruins this season and making a sports record 23rd consecutive playoff appearance. The Wings snuck in this year after a hot finish, as that streak was in jeopardy. This could get very hairy for the Bruins, but I think they are to good to get bounced, and the Wings have been too inconsistent this year in my opinion to pull off the upset. Pick: Bruins in 6

Tampa Bay Lightning (101 Points) Vs Montreal Canadiens (100 Points): A year after having the best record in the Eastern Conference, the Canadiens were a slight disappointment. A year after a terrible season, the Bolts came out of nowhere to contend. This will be the first time since 2004 the Bolts will have home ice advantage in a playoff series, and in what should be a low scoring, yet entertaining series, home ice will prevail. Pick: Lightning in 7

Penguins (108 Points) Vs Blue Jackets (93 Points): Making just their second postseason appearance in franchise history, the Jackets wont be swept this time around, they have the defensive talent to steal a game or two, but lack the offensive talent to win four. Pick: Penguins in 5

New York Rangers (96 Points) Vs Philadelphia Flyers (94 Points): A battle of former Bolts, Vincent Lecavaliers Flyers Vs Martin St Louis's Rangers. Both teams got off to terrible starts, then got hot and finished with impressive records. As has been the case the past three playoff outings for the Flyers, their lack of goaltending talent will hurt them. Pick: Rangers in 7

Colorado Avalanche (111 Points) Vs Minnesota Wild (98 Points): What an amazing season for the Avs, no one expected them to make the playoffs, let alone win their division. The Wild were a slight dissapointment, as many expected them to break 100 this year. Both teams have great goal tending and defense, but the Avs have superior offense. Minnesota will push this to the limit, but the offensive advantage wins out eventually. Pick: Avalanche in 7

St Louis Blues (111 Points) Vs Chicago Blackhawks (107 Points): Probably the most intriguing series. The Blues made it through February with by far the best record, and best offense in the league. Then out of nowhere, they collapsed, and the offense stopped scoring, eventually finishing the year on a six game losing streak. Meanwhile the Blackhawks, the defending champs, very quietly put together 107 points, flying under the radar the whole season. They didnt light the world on fire like last year, but 107 points is still fantastic. The defending champs is not a good team to face for a scuffling team, and the Stanley cup favorites just a month ago, will face a first round exit. Pick: Hawks in 5

Anaheim Ducks (114 Points) Vs Dallas Stars (91 Points): My big upset pick. The Ducks were dominant through December, and very good from January through April, but not nearly as dominant. The Stars needed to be hot to get in the playoffs, and heres saying they stay hot and pull off the upset. Pick: Stars in 6

San Jose Sharks (111 Points) Vs Los Angeles Kings (100 Points): A fantastic rivalry matchup, and exactly what the NHL was hoping for with their new format. The Kings were another team to put together a solid season under the radar. The big thing here is the Sharks are an offensive machine while the Kings simply arent even close. The Sharks have been upset a lot in the playoffs the past ten years, but this time wont be one of them. Pick: Sharks in 6

In case you want my Stanley Cup pick right away, Its Sharks Vs Bruins with the Sharks pulling it out in 6.