Abbreviated NHL Playoff Preview

Eastern Conference

Ottawa (1) vs. Tampa Bay (8)
I think this series will be more competitive than most people think. Senator goalie Ray Emery is not going to carry the Sens too deep into these playoffs, the Sens are still very fragile mentally, and only have one productive line offensively. If Tampa wins Game 1 tonight the Sens might just role over and die as usual. But I don't think they will because Tampa's goaltending is just terrible. The Sens will win a tight series on the strength of their better defense core. But enjoy this round Sens fans, it's the only one you're winning.
Prediction: Ottawa in 7

Carolina (2) vs. Montreal (7)
Carolina is the deepest and most balanced team in the east and they are going to completely outclass the Habs. The 'Canes have two scoring lines, a quick mobile defense group and solid goaltending. The Habs have a thin blue line, enigma Alexie Kovalev up front who is as likely to score 0 points as 10 in a short series, and a question mark in net. If Huet stands on his head the Habs may pull it out but I can't see it.
Prediction: Carolina in 5

New Jersey (3) vs. New York (6)
The Devils have to be the scariest team in the east coming into the playoffs. They have been on a tear lately and still have Brodeur in net. I honestly think he could take a peewee team to the finals. But just as scary as Brodeur is between the pipes is Jaromir Jagr for the Rangers. He can lift his team and take them a long way. I think this series will be the best in the first round but the Devils will take it on experience and home ice.
Prediction: New Jersey in 7

Buffalo (4) vs. Philadelphia (5)
Buffalo is made for this new NHL. Young guys who can just fly up and down the ice, with a mobile defense core. I worry about them in net though. Which Ryan Miller will we see, the one who dominated to start the season or the one who struggled late. The Sabres fate is in the answer to that question because the Flyers blue line is big and slow and won't be able to keep up the Sabres forwards. But don't discount the Peter Forsberg factor. he has proven time and again to be the best playoff performer in the league and will keep this series close.
Prediction: Buffalo in 6

Western Conference

Detroit (1) vs. Edmonton (8)
The Wings are the old faithful of the league. They shuffle players in and out each year, everyone says they are headed for a slide and every year they finish in the top three. Edmonton adds better players every year like Pronger, Peca and Samsonov and never get any better. They always either make or miss the playoffs in the final week of the year. Sooner or later they have to have a real breakthrough year or stop whining about being a small market team. This isn't the year. The Wings are just too godd to lose to a team with Dwayne Roloson in net.
Prediction: Detroit in 5

Dallas (2) vs. Colorado (7)
This isn't your typical 2-7 match up because I think Colrado can win this. They have enough offence up front and still have a pretty solid D. The question mark is going to be G Jose Theodore. Maybe getting out of Montreal was just what he needed and he has settled in in Denver. I don't think he has just yet and Dallas is a very strong defensive team with Modano and Zubov playing like they are 25 again.
Prediction: Dallas in 6

Calgary (3) vs. Anaheim (6)
Somebody forgot to tell Calgary that the NHL changed it's style of play this year. The Flames are still horrible to watch. They will go as far as gaolie Mika Kiprusoff will take them, which luckily for them is pretty far. Jerome Iginla also has to step up after a mediocre regular season, at least by his standards. I think he will. The Ducks are a curiosity because they flew under the radar all season. I think they rely too much on Teemu Selanne and Scott Nediermayer though and Selanne can be thrown off his game very easily.
Prediction: Calgary in 6

Nashville (4) vs. San Jose (5)
This should be the most entertaining series of the opening round. Both teams play an aggressive, fast game. All these games might end 6-5. San Jose is probably the scariest team in the west right now. The have been on fire since the Thornton trade and are playing with a lot of confidence. They have the best top two lines in the league, a fast defense group, and good goaltending. The Predators have an inflated record because they got to play in the same division as St. Louis and Chicago and I think their think offense will be there downfall. The Sharks were my pre-season Stanley Cup pick and I am going to ride that horse.
Prediction: San Jose in 6