Fact: The NHL playoffs are the best in North American professional sports. Baseball’s system is all messed up with the new wild card play-in. The NBA, as inconsistent as it is, leaves too much room for first-round blowouts, which is boring for everyone. The NFL, cash cow that it is, had a championship game that was so boring that I wanted to start hitting people with frying pans or something just to liven the party up.
The Stanley Cup Playoffs, however, are full of consistently great games, fast-paced and passionate play and amazing finishes. Hockey’s playoffs are the professional equivalent of March Madness, and the best part is they start this week. Clear your schedule and let me preview the probable first round for you.
Eastern Conference:
Boston Bruins vs. Detroit Red Wings
Detroit leads the regular season series 3-1-0.
Player to watch: Tuuka Rask
Detroit mostly dominated the regular season series, including a 6-1 blowout in December and a 3-2 win April 2. Boston, on the other hand, won the President’s Trophy for the best regular season weekend, thus clinching home ice for the playoffs. The Bruins are the hottest team in the NHL right now, are the third top scoring team in the league and the second-best defensive team. Much of that is down to Rask, who has the most shutouts, fourth-best goals against average and second highest save percentage. Boston in five games.
Montreal Canadiens v. Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay leads the regular season 3-0-1
Player to watch: Max Pacioretty
There wasn’t much in this series in the regular season, with two matches decided in shootout and one in overtime. In fact, these teams aren’t separated by much at all, with only one regular season point separating the two. The difference could come down to Pacioretty, who’s been playing great hockey lately and has the fourth most goals in the league at 39. Canadiens in six games.
Pittsburgh Penguins v. Columbus Blue Jackets
– Pittsburgh leads the regular season 5-0-0.
Player to watch: Sidney Crosby
The Penguins have the best player in hockey in Sidney Crosby, and the Blue Jackets have somewhat of a leaky defense. Despite a goalie with a GAA just outside the top five, Columbus has only the 13th best defense in the league. Pittsburgh in four games.
New York Rangers v. Philadelphia Flyers
Regular season series tied 2-2-0
Player to watch: Claude Giroux
If you’re looking for the best Eastern Conference series for entertainment, this is a good bet. Both teams are capable of great play and hysterical meltdowns. With so little separating these two teams, it’s hard to pick this series, but with Claude Giroux on the ice, Philadelphia might have what it takes to edge New York. Flyers in seven games.
Western Conference
Anaheim Ducks v. Dallas Stars
Dallas leads the regular season 2-1-0
Player to watch: Ryan Getzlaf
Getzlaf’s 87 points have powered the Ducks to the top scoring offense in the league, with only Crosby providing more offense. While offseason acquisition Tyler Seguin has starred for the Stars, providing 84 points since his move from Boston, the Stars have the 16th ranked defense in the NHL. Ducks in five games.
San Jose Sharks v. Los Angeles Kings
Los Angeles leads the regular season 3-1-1
Player to watch: Jonathan Quick
Quick was the breakout star that led the Los Angeles Kings to the Stanley Cup two seasons ago. While injuries and inconsistent play have prevented him from reaching those same heights, Quick was good for the fifth best GAA in the league this season, helping the Kings to the top defense in the league. Kings in six games.
Colorado Avalanche v. Minnesota Wild
Colorado leads the regular season 4-0-1
Player to watch: Zach Parise
While Parise may not have the statistics one would expect from a breakout star, the USA and Wild captain still possesses the ability to change a game in an instant. Wild in six games.
St. Louis Blues v. Chicago Blackhawks
Saint Louis leads the regular season 3-2-0
Player to watch: Patrick Kane
This is the matchup to watch. The defending Stanley Cup champions will get last season’s MVP Patrick Kane and captain Jonathan Toews back from injury, but will be matched with one of the season’s breakout teams in the Blues. Blackhawks in six.
