I agree the East is a lot more complicated but I think Boston will snag a spot and Philly will manage to keep their playoff spot locked up however I see them dropping to 8th and Boston picking up to 7th. As for the West I don't see Calgary winning enough down the stretch and getting the luck they need to make it into post season action.
The other day however I did take a long hard look at the playoff picture and asked myself who would be the two teams competing for Lord Stanley's. Little did I expect, it lead me to a lot of debating and second guessing. I discussed it with friends and co workers so I'll just explain my reasoning here and let the MASS DEBATE begin
In the WEST:
As much as it pains me to say it I think Detroit will come out of the west on top as usual. Despite the problem of goaltending that may arise from the inexperience of Howard, Chris Osgood has proven time and time again come playoffs he can turn seriously clutch. They have serious experience come post season play and quite a few players who can put the puck into the back of the net and as we have seen recently, when they start playing boy can they ever pour it on, now jumping to 6th in the west and showing signs of another 100+ season.
As for the rest, well San Jose has a past with choking in the playoffs and I don't see Heatley helping them through that funk or anywhere past the second round. Phoenix's magic run will end unless Ilya Bryzgalov can play stellar night in and night out while getting the offense support needed. The Avs and Predators I just don't see them having what it takes to make it all the way to the cup and same goes with the L.A. Kings; A major lack of inexperience and the bigger question of, can Quick keep it up down into late April, as he's seemed to have dropped as of late. Lastly the Canucks and Blackhawks. Can Luongo repeat his Olympic glory for the Nucks to take Lord Stanely home? No. Although I see them making a run to the western conference finals, I think Luongo will have a repeat of his series last year against Kane and the Hawks team that has them competing for top spot in the west currently. However I think a serious goaldtending issue lies within this Blackhawk team and despite having plenty of offensive and defensive guns Huet and Niemi although have played well thus far, will be the reason this team gets knocked out. Chicago should seriously look at finding a permanent number one goalie this year.
My Western Final Predicition- Detroit Red Wings vs. Chicago Blackhawks/Vancouver Canucks.
Now let's jump to the Eastern Conference where all goalies will be under quite a heavy spotlight. Right off the bat I'll say it that either Pittsburgh, New Jersey or our own Buffalo Sabres will win the Eastern Conference and compete for the Stanely Cup! The biggest reason and arguably only reason for these teams are their goalies. With Fluery, Brodeur and Miller manning the pipes, these three teams have the best chance of going all the way. Last year Fluery proved to everyone that when called upon he can indeed answer the bell and keep his team in games or even win them and without a doubt the Pens hold quite some offensive power with players such as Crosby, Malkin and Stall. Although they are definitely a four player team, they proved last year they are capable of bringing home the Cup and the same factors will give the Pens a chance to defend their title.
Moving onto the bottom half of the Conference, teams such as Boston, Montreal as well as Philly pose major problems that stand between them their distance in the playoffs. While Philly has been reduced to merely ruble without one of their top scorers and no goalie, for them to make it past the first round would provide us with a 2010 miracle, while barely keeping the 8th spot by season's end. Montreal lacks toughness and grit as well as consistent scoring. The question of whether Halak or Price starting remains unanswered although if I were to choose, I'd select Halak. With addition to lack of consistent scoring and toughness I don't see Halak being able to beat any top three seed. Boston is without Savard and Tim Thomas has been terribly inconsistent to say the least. If the Bruins are going to make a push they're going to need Thomas to pick up his game and start scoring more.
The highly powered Washington Capitals surely can score 3-4 goals a game without a doubt, but their fatal flaw without any questioning would again like many other teams be their goalie or well rather goalies. Varly, Theo and the other goalie who's name escapes me just simply don't have enough to keep them in it. So if the Caps run into a hot goalie in a best of 7 series will they have enough offense to bail themselves out? I have to think not. As for the New Jersey Devils I think their playoff run can be summed up with two words: Martin Brodeur! How well he can play and for how long will be the key in the Devils playoff push.
The Buffalo Sabres. Well like the Devils their playoff run can be summed up in one word, Miller and how well he can keep up his dominate play for. The Sabres will need help up front and at this point everyone putting the puck in the net helps. Its not how you win it, just win it.
My Eastern Finals Prediction: Pittsburgh Penguins vs Buffalo Sabres.
Finally in either Western/Eastern Final Matchups anything can happen but my prediction stands as Detroit vs Buffalo (just because I don't want a repeat of last year)
If this scenario does play out I truly believe the Sabres stand a strong chance of bringing home the Prize. My other prediction and one that seems a bit more plausible would be Chicago Blackhawks vs Pittsburgh Penguins.
LET THE DEABTE AND DISCUSSION COMMENCE
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