For sports fans, it’s the first real sign of spring.
The NHL playoffs get underway Wednesday night, with thrills, chills and surprises in store.
Here are our predictions:
Canadiens (110 pts) vs Senators (99 pts)
The Habs have been a force all season and have the best goalie in hockey in Carey Price. The Sens were unlikely playoff participants but thanks to Andrew Hammond’s goaltending heroics won 23 of their final 31 games. Ottawa has more offensive prowess than Montreal, but lacks the red and blue’s skill level and polish. Watch for some lopsided scores on both sides. A plus for Montreal: 37-goal man Max Pacioretty is expected to return from injury in time for Game 1.
Prediction: Canadiens in 7
Lightning (108 pts) vs Red Wings (100 pts)
Can the Lightning’s league-leading goal output overcome its ho-hum goaltending? Can the aging Red Wings, far removed from their past dominance, scrape up the vigour to pull off the upset? The truth is that both of these clubs are major overachievers, far better than the sum of their parts. Surprisingly, Tampa Bay has the worst road record of any club in the playoffs. Detroit is organized and hungrier than you might think. Should be interesting.
Prediction: Red Wings in 6
Rangers (113 pts) vs Penguins (98 pts)
One look at their roster tells you why the Rangers were so dominant this season. Seven players with at least 45 points. Henrik Lundqvist and Cam Talbot putting up amazing numbers in net. A strong two-way blueline corps. The Pens seriously lack depth, especially on the blueline, and don’t really scare anybody. Besides that, many are asking whether Sidney Crosby has peaked. While Pittsburgh does have excellent special teams, that’s about its only hope. This one won’t last long.
Prediction: Rangers in 5
Capitals (101 pts) vs Islanders (101 pts)
In their first playoff meeting since 1993, the Caps and Isles are fairly evenly matched. That said, Washington has a decided advantage in net, where workhorse Braden Holtby has been superb. NYI is neither as deep nor as experienced as Washington but brings a hunger that can only come from years of mediocrity. The Caps have the league’s best power play and the Isles one of the worst PK units. Unless Jaroslav Halak steps up his play in the Islanders net, this could be over fast.
Prediction: Capitals in 6
Blues (109 pts) vs Wild (100 pts)
The Wild were the overachieving team nobody wanted to face in the first round. Minnesota’s secret weapons are team chemistry and sudden-star goalie Devan Dubnyk. The Blues aren’t particularly strong in net – all of the analysts are pointing that out – but you have to like their blueline and their eclectic collection of forwards. St. Louis also had the league’s fifth-best offence. These are two big teams that know how to make the most of what they have.
Prediction: Wild in 6
Predators (104 pts) vs Blackhawks (102 pts)
This is the least predictable series of the opening round. Up front the edge goes to Chicago and its four quality lines. Nashville, led by big Shea Weber, has a formidable defence. Goaltending is pretty even from a statistical perspective, though what GM in his right mind would take Chicago’s Corey Crawford over Nashville’s Pekka Rinne? Nashville is a somewhat weak road team, so look for the Hawks to exploit that. This one may be a simple case of they who make the most mistakes go golfing first.
Prediction: Predators in 6
Ducks (109 pts) vs Jets (99 pts)
Here’s your surprising stat for the day: compared to Anaheim, Winnipeg allowed fewer goals and scored almost as many goals in the regular season. The Jets are a stronger team than given credit for and could give the Ducks a run for their money. Certainly the Jets have an edge in net, but not so much up front despite their physical play. The Ducks have a tendency to crack under pressure while the Jets often thrive under it. Anaheim’s confidence is key to the outcome of this one.
Prediction: Jets in 7
Canucks (101 pts) vs Flames (97 pts)
Through sheer will, the Flames snuck into the playoffs. Their reward is a well-rounded Canucks team serious about winning. It’s hard to say what’s going to happen next. These two clubs split their season series with two wins apiece. Vancouver has been fairly steady as the Sedin twins have enjoyed a resurgence. Calgary has had to fight for every inch and overcome a season-ending injury to captain Mark Giordano. If the Flames can stay in the “whatever it takes to win” zone, the series is theirs.
Prediction: Canucks in 7
