Philly choked right at the very end by losing home ice when they lost to the struggling NY Rangers. Either way, they were facing the Penguins under the “leadership” of Crybaby Crosby, it just would’ve looked better if they could do it in Philadelphia not (Arm)Pittsburgh.
Here’s my prediction which isn’t very informed this year due to all the other distractions in my life but I’m no less qualified than Barry Melrose who got his old job back from ESPN.
For the East
1. #1 Boston v. #8 Canadiens: Boston Bruins in 5.
2. #2 Washington v. #7 NY Rangers: Washington Capitals in 5.
3. #3 New Jersey v. #6 Carolina: New Jersey Devils in 5; Is there any doubt New Jersey will lose with Brodeur in goal?
4. #4 Pittsburgh v. #5 Philadelphia: Pittsburgh Penguins in 6; My Flyers are suffering from greater expectations after what a surprise they were last year but they’re just inconsistent.
For the West
1. #1 San Jose v. #8 Anaheim: San Jose Sharks in 5.
2. #2 Detroit v. #7 Columbus: Detroit Red Wings in 5, all Columbus has to do this season is show up and they “win.”
3. #3 Vancouver v. #6 St. Louis: Vancouver Canucks in 6; The whole Northwest is terrible but they’ll prevail over the rebuilding Blues.
4. #4 Chicago v. #5 Calgary: Calgary Flames in 6; This isn’t to taunt my former roommate. The Blackhawks are appearing for the first in a years and the Flames have more experience in the clutch.
Let’s see how close I get it this year without as much access to hockey on TV.