It's Playoff Time

The NHL playoffs are finally here. The absolute best time of the year for any hockey fan. There is nothing more exciting or intense than playoff hockey. Everything is on the line.

To drop the puck on the start of the playoffs we are breaking down each of the first round matchups. We will start in the west and then head east.

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS (1) vs. NASHVILLE PREADTORS (WC2)

The Blackhawks are still in the midst of a dynasty and this year they continued to dominate the western conference. Their 109 points were good enough for most in the Western Conference. The Nashville Predators had high expectations coming into this season. They seemed to have their deepest pool of offensive talent in team history. However, they struggled throughout the year and only managed to grab the last playoff spot in the west. The Western Conference is wide open this year. There are no truly great teams and any of the lower seeds could upset a higher seed. This feels like a season where the Blackhawks could once again run through the Western Conference playoffs en route to another Stanley Cup, or they could lose in the first round.
Prediction: Chicago in 6

MINNESOTA WILD (2) vs. ST. LOUIS BLUES (3)
Two months ago it looked like the Wild could run away with first place in the west and the Blues might miss the playoffs. Now they are playing in the two versus three matchup. The Wild are a deep team that can play the right way to win in the playoffs. A good combination of physicality, skill and strong goaltending. The Blues seem lucky to be here as they have started re-tooling. After losing David Backes in the offseason and trading Kevin Shattenkirk at the deadline, the Blues are nowhere near the quality of team they were last season.
Prediction: Minnesota in 6

ANAHEIM DUCKS (1) vs. CALGARY FLAMES (WC1)
The Ducks are battle tested and possess a wealth of playoff experience. They managed to clinch the Pacific Division title on the last day of the season. They have size, speed and experience. The only question is goaltending, the constant question with Anaheim for the better part of a decade. The Flames are something unique. They have some strong players and are fun to watch, but it is hard to expect them to be competitive in the playoffs.
Prediction: Anaheim in 5

EDMONTON OILERS (2) vs SAN JOSE SHARKS (3)
The Oilers shocked everyone this season. We all expected them to BE a better team than they have been the last few years, but no one expected them to be one of the league's best or for Connor McDavid to ascend to MVP consideration. Maybe the most fun team to watch in the entire league. However, fast and exciting do not typically win in the playoffs. Experience wins in the playoffs. That is what the Sharks have. After coming up short in the Stanley Cup finals last season, the Sharks brought almost the exact same team back and are ready to make another run. Even though the Oilers are the higher seed and maybe the better team, expect to see playoff growing pains. Every great team struggles the first time they get to the playoffs.
Prediction: Sharks in 6

MONTREAL CANADIENS (1) vs. NEW YORK RANGERS (WC1)
Maybe the most intriguing matchups of the first round. The Canadiens may have won the top seed, but drew the worst matchup. The Rangers are a wild card team that eclipsed 100 points on the year. These teams feel like mirror images of each other. Elite goaltending (maybe the two best goalies in the NHL), great and deep on defense, but challenges in the offensive zone. This will be the best playoff series for true hockey fans.
Prediction: Canadiens in 7

OTTAWA SENATORS (2) vs. BOSTON BRUINS (3)
This has the makings of an ugly series. The Senators are a better team than expected, but they are a bit of an anomaly. A good amount of speed balanced out with grit. Erik Karlsson may have stolen the Norris Trophy in the final month of the season, but his game does not work well in the NHL playoffs. The Bruins are not what they were five seasons ago. However, they still know what it takes to have playoff success. The B's are a well balanced team with great leadership. I do not expect either team to do much in these playoffs, but one of them does have to advance.
Prediction: Bruins in 6

WASHINGTON CAPITALS (1) vs. TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS (WC2)
This series has the makings of a train wreck. It will be tough to watch for Leafs fans. The Capitals won their second consecutive President's Trophy and still have a lot to prove in the playoffs. Expect Ovechkin and the Capitals to use this series as a statement. They are big, fast, and playoff experienced. The Leafs feel like they have already accomplished more than they should have this season. I do not often predict sweeps, but this feels like it should be.
Prediction: Capitals in 4

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (2) vs. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS (3)
This is going to be another great series. These teams hate each other and represent two opposite styles of play. The Penguins are defending Stanley Cup Champions and happen to have the best player in the world. They have all the talent and playoff experience a team could ask for, but will injuries hold them back? The Blue Jackets make up for what they lack in skill by overcompensating with grit and defense. John Tortorella is the perfect coach for this team. The real matchup to watch will be the ongoing battle between Sidney Crosby and Brandon Dubinsky.
Prediction: Penguins in 7