ARMCHAIR ASSASSIN -- NHL PREDICTIONS

Nothing beats the opening round of the NHL playoffs. Time for some predictions courtesy of THE ARMCHAIR ASSASSIN. 

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

Winnipeg vs. Anaheim: JETS IN SEVEN
The Jets are built for the playoffs. Four lines deep with plenty of big, rugged forwards who enjoy playing in the dirty areas. #wpgwhiteout

Minnesota vs. St. Louis: BLUES IN SEVEN
With the L.A. Kings out of the picture, I feel like this could be the Blues year. They have to make a run one of these years, don’t they?

Chicago vs. Nashville: HAWKS IN SIX
Death, taxes and the Blackhawks being a contender.  #certainties

Calgary vs. Vancouver: CANUCKS IN SEVEN
“Never bet against the Sedins.” ~Said no one ever.  All jokes aside, I think Vancouver’s scoring depth gets them into the second round.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

Pittsburgh vs. New York Rangers: RANGERS IN FOUR
No upset here. I believe the Rangers are going back to the Cup Final. And if things get dicey I’m confident Chris Kreider will “lose his balance” into Marc-Andre Fleury. #bitterhabsfan

Ottawa vs. Montreal: HABS IN SIX
Given my extreme bias towards the Habs, I’m really not qualified to make a rational prediction on this series, but I’ll make one anyway.  I can’t imagine a scenario where Carey Price doesn’t at least make the second round. #PriceForMVP

Detroit vs. Tampa Bay: LIGHTNING IN FIVE
Tampa Bay is big, strong and deep. They seem primed for a long playoff run.

New York Islanders vs. Washington: ISLANDERS IN SEVEN
Classic old Patrick Division rivals. The only thing missing is Scott Stevens and Pat LaFontaine.  This one is a coin toss. These teams are very evenly matched.