2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Round 1

In a bold, unprecedented, and preposterous move, I dare to post my predictions for Round 1 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

	(1) Washington Capitals	King Henrik of Sweden will stand tall for awhile, but all that will be necessary after this series has concluded is for the Knicks to get bounced from the NBA post-season.  Then, the renovation of Madison Circular Garden can begin. Caps in five.
	(8) New York Rangers

	(2) Philadelphia Flyers	Sergei Bobrovsky will start this series in goal for the Philadelphia Flyers, but he will have a mediocre Game 1.  Game 2 will be worse, meaning that either Brian Boucher or last year's goaltending hero, Michael Leighton, will finish the series with four straight wins. Flyers in six.
	(7) Buffalo Sabres

	(3) Boston Bruins	For once, the Canadiens will fall to Boston in the playoffs; with the captain standing tall (pun intended) and several supporting members having a gigantic series.  Bruins in five.
	(6) Montréal Canadiens

	(4) Pittsburgh Penguins	The Pens have played admirably in the absence of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. but this is the end of the line for 2011. Bolts in six.
	(5) Tampa Bay Lightning

WESTERN CONFERENCE

	(1) Vancouver Canucks	While the Hawks' captain may be the best young captain in the NHL, the salary cap constraints that materialized after their championship last June have decimated the team.  Even with assistant captain Manny Malhotra sidelined until next season, the Canucks are too fierce this year.  Roberto Luongo may prove to be the Conn Smythe Trophy-winner in June. Canucks in six.
	(8) Chicago Blackhawks

	(2) San Jose Sharks	I would personally love to see the Kings win this series, but with the injuries to Anze Kopitar, Scott Parse, and Justin Williams, I'm afraid that the Sharks will be just too deep for L.A.  The Kings have two players remaining with Stanley Cup rings, but the Sharks' Dan Boyle, Ben Eager, Antti Niemi, and Niclas Wallin all have Stanley Cup rings -- from elsewhere.  The time is finally here for Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau. Sharks in five.
	(7) Los Angeles Kings

	(3) Detroit Red Wings	History suggests that the very deep Red Wings roster should manhandle the Coyotes into submission.  But the Coyotes forced the Wings into Game 7 last year before folding.  Another Game 7 is in the works, but the Desert Doggies will dine on fried wings on April 27. Coyotes in seven.
	(6) Phoenix Coyotes

	(4) Anaheim Ducks	Corey Perry has been on fire for the Ducks, as have future HOF'er Teemu Selanne, Bobby Ryan, and Ryan Getzlaf.  Too bad for them that they will run into a scorching-hot goaltender, a magnificent young captain, a sneaky-deep team, and an intelligent, wily coach who is overdue for a series victory. Preds in seven.
	(5) Nashville Predators

May the best team win.  Unless it's the Vancouver Canucks.