For the first round I’m 5-3 on the outcome, same as last year and no ace as I did in 2007. Putting me at 18-6 for three years on predicting the first round. That makes me overqualified to be an analyst on ESPN and there isn’t enough failure to earn a ridiculous multi-million-dollar bonus to work at Bear Sterans, Wells Fargo, etc. The San Jose defeat was the most painful one to endure. Their GM promises to really shake things up. Good luck on that one Mr. Wilson. Notice he has the same surname as the old guy Dennis the Menace badgers so I’d say the odds are against him.
Despite one game already happening last night, I’m still going to take a stab at this.
For the West
1. #2 Detroit v. #8 Anaheim: Detroit Red Wings in 6 proving to the vitriolic Philly fans that a Brodeuresque goalie isn’t needed if you have solid Forwards and D. Anaheim can’t cheat anymore wide pads on Gigeure.
2. #3 Vancouver v. #4 Chicago: Vancouver Canucks in 6. Chicago has already “won” by getting this far. Vancouver wants it more since they’re the other sob story like San Jose.
For the East
1. #1 Boston v. #6 Carolina: Boston Bruins in 5. Carolina beating New Jersey was dumb luck and it’s about to run out with a pretty impressive Boston team.
2. #2 Washington v. #4 Pittsburgh: Washington Capitals in 6. If I’m going to be wrong on the outcome, it’s most likely here because Bettman will find a way to keep his girlfriend Cindy Crosby happy.
Let’s see how I do in about two weeks.