NHL first round picks: the West

[frankieknuckles]

Congratulations to the San Jose Sharks for capturing the President's Trophy as the top scoring team in the league. They have definitely earned it, displaying great consistency having improved their defense in the off-season and Don Wilson has emerged as one of the premiere coaches in the NHL.

San Jose Sharks vs Anahiem Ducks

San Jose in 6 games - This will be a difficult series for the Sharks as their Pacific division rivals are big, tough, experienced and very gritty. While they may not match up well physically, San Jose may be able to exploit the power play against the most penalized team in the league. Conversely, if Nabokov goes down to injury early, they may not be able to survive the series as Anaheim has two solid goaltenders and a ton of playoff experience.
http://tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=11799
Result: Anahiem Ducks win 4-2 games

Detroit Red Wings vs Columbus Blue Jackets

Detroit in 6 games - Goalie C Osgood must find the next level to his game because during the regular season, Columbus has had Detroit's number and they are very confident against the defending Champs. I'm not very solid on this prediction and a big upset is definitely in the cards, with the Blue Jackets quick-strike offense and having the advantage of the hottest goalie in the NHL and premiere coach Ken Hitchcock guiding the team. If the Jackets are able to go up by 2-0 wins, it will be all over.
http://tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=11796
Result: Detroit Red Wings win 4-0 games.

Vancouver Canucks vs St Louis Blues

St Louis in 7 games - While many consider R Luongo to be one of the top goalies in the league, his record does not benefit from much playoff experience. The Blues have come together and are peaking at the perfect time to upset the Canucks.
http://tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=11801
Result: Vanouver Canucks win 4-0 games

Calgary Flames vs Chicago Black Hawks

Calgary in 6 - This matchup could best be described as Boys vs Men. It's true the Flames are saddled with a long injury list, but this team lives for the playoffs. Chicago has a very young roster short on playoff experience and they are due for a schooling from a very confident Calgary squad. N Khabibulin may have a Stanley Cup ring, but there is nobody in the sport that will rate him above M Kiprusoff.
http://tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=11798
Result: Chicago Black Hawks win 4-2 games