You have to love the way the 2010 National Hockey League season turned out. The New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers went to the shootout on the final day to determine the last playoff spot in the East, the Phoenix Coyotes proved that Wayne Gretzky couldn’t coach a dog in from a snowstorm with a pork chop and Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos and Alexander Ovechkin went down to the wire to determine a Rocket Richard Trophy winner (or two).
If the playoffs are half as good as the season that just ended (and you know they will be), they’ll be as good as hockey gets.
Let’s take a look at the first round:
Western Conference
San Jose Sharks (1) vs. Colorado Avalanche (8)
The Sharks never play well in the post-season, but this is a different Sharks team. Colorado was lucky to make the playoffs.
San Jose Sharks in four
Chicago Blackhawks (2) vs. Nashville  Predators (7)
The Hawks are the better team but Barry Trotz is the best coach in hockey. This will be closer than people think because the Hawks goaltending is horrible.
Chicago Blackhawks in seven
Vancouver Canucks (3) vs. Los Angeles Kings (6)
If Roberto Luongo is better than he was last year (remember when he got bombed in Chicago in Game 6?), Vancouver will romp.
The Kings had a great year, but Vancouver is a Cp contender.
Vancouver Canucks in six
Phoenix Coyotes (4) vs. Detroit Red Wings (5)
The Wings are healthy again. Enough said.
Detroit Red Wings in five
Eastern Conference
Washington Capitals (1) versus Montreal Canadiens (8)
The Capitals are simply better. Jaroslav Halak could steal one or two in Montreal.
Washington Capitals in six
New Jersey Devils (2) verus Philadelphia Flyers (7)
Philadelphia owns the Devils. The Flyers were 5-1 in six games against New Jersey. The Devils are a better team with better goaltending, but Philly matches up well against these guys.
New Jersey Devils in seven
Buffalo Sabres (3) versus Boston Bruins (6)
Our first round upset. Neither team has enough scoring, but Ryan Miller won’t be as good in April as he was in February.
Boston Bruins in seven
Pittsburgh Penguins (4) versus Ottawa Senators (5)
Should be a good series, but the Penguins are Stanley Cup champions until the day they aren’t. Pittsburgh has too much offence and a good goaltender.
Pittsburgh Penguins in five
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