2011 NHL Playoff Predictions

Round one predictions for the 2011 NHL playoffs.

Eastern Conference

(1) Washington Capitals vs. (8) New York Rangers
This series is a very intriguing match up because of what happened last year. The Capital’s royal collapse against the Montréal Canadiens may scare some of their faithful. If New York is going to have any chance of doing what the Habs did they will have to shut down Alexander Ovechkin and rely on their young defense and all-world goalie Henrik Lundqvist.
Prediction: Washington wins series 4-2

(2) Philadelphia Flyers vs. (7) Buffalo Sabres
The defending Eastern Conference champs faded down the stretch, which may give Buffalo some much-needed confidence going into this series.  Philadelphia’s woes have come from their lack of offensive prowess and ability to finish. When they go up against Sabres goalie Ryan Miller who led the U.S. to within a goal of the Gold Medal in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, they may face some trouble leading to a large collapse.
Prediction: Buffalo wins series 4-3

(3) Boston Bruins vs. (6) Montréal Canadiens
The Canadiens' unlikely playoff push last year probably will strike fear in the eyes of Bostonians everywhere. Along with the biggest choke-job of recent memory the Bruins suffered last year, blowing a three game lead against the Flyers to lose the series 4-3, there is no guarantee the higher seeded Bruins will prevail. This series is simple though, if Montreal's star goalie Carey Price plays up to 95 per cent of his potential every game, Montréal will win.
Prediction: Montréal wins series 4-2

(4) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (5) Tampa Bay Lightning
With Sidney Crosby most likely out of the line-up for the series, you may think Tampa Bay will have the upper hand. But if you look back towards the end of the season, Pittsburgh found ways to win without Crosby and did it often. The Lightning are too young and inexperienced at this point to make a push and still need time to work on their lackin of defense and team chemistry.
Prediction: Pittsburgh wins series 4-0

Western Conference

(1) Vancouver Canucks vs. (8) Chicago Blackhawks
The defending Stanley Cup champions versus the President Trophy winners. Could it get any better? Chicago has knocked the Canucks out of the playoffs the last two years, but with key elements missing from their team that won the cup last year, they might not have enough. Roberto Luongo’s game is at its finest and the Canucks just look too strong and business-like to be messed with at this point.
Prediction: Vancouver wins series 4-1

(2) San Jose Sharks vs. (7) Los Angeles Kings
The choke artist that is San Jose may finally get past the hump. The Kings wobbled down the stretch, while the Sharks excelled lead by their big leader Joe Thornton. San Jose has that playoff-tested goalie they have been looking for in Antti Niemi to stand tall between the posts. If L.A. is to make noise they are going to have to rely heavily on Drew Doughty and Wayne Simmonds to inspire them with their wild and fast-paced play.
Prediction: San Jose wins series 4-2

(3) Detroit Red Wings vs. (6) Phoenix Coyotes
Detroit stumbled a bit coming into hockey’s second season but they have too much depth to be concerned. Even though Phoenix has shown signs of life against some of the bigger name teams they still lack that essential leadership that makes a good playoff team. When Detroit gets Henrik Zetterberg back from his injury they will be a major force to deal with.
Prediction: Detroit winds series 4-0