Monday, April 13, 2009

NHL Playoffs: Playoff Picks (Part 3)

Here are Guest Contributor Kyle Compeau's Picks. Kyle brings a depth of knowledge in Hockey, Football and Basketball as well as sports betting. Without further adieu:

Eastern Conference

Bruins/Canadiens – Bruins in 5

In lieu of the Habs’ 100th season, and the luminating rumour as presented by Tammy Duncan Donuts’ elites of Celine Dion purchasing the team, I propose a cup futility streak for the Canadiens for years to come. Zdeno Chara with the Gordie Howe Hat Trick in game 5.

Washington/New York – Caps in 7

As an Oakland Raiders fan I have come to accept the fact that defense is more important than offense. However the disparity between these two teams with respect to offense and defense is too much. Henrik will keep this close, and Avery will eliminate Ovie in 3 of 7 games. But the second round matchup of Ovechkin vs Crosby is ever more intriguing this year than ever before.

New Jersey/Carolina – Hurricanes in 6

The Hurricanes are looking like the team that stomped on my heart a few years ago and beat the Oil in 7. Solid goaltending, and veteran players are filling their roles well. Canes will make a serious push for the Eastern crown behind an epic playoff performance from the eldest of Hockey’s Procrastination family. Yes I made a “Staal” joke.

Pittsburgh/Philly – Penguins in 6
One of the best matchups of the first round on paper. Pretty even matchup in terms of firepower and goaltenders, but I’m giving the nod to Fleury. Sid the Kid and Malkin are poised to make it out of the first round coming in hot and being the underdog after not living up to expectations this season. Crosby vs Ovie will happen.

Western Conference
San Jose/Anaheim – Sharks in 5

Another decent matchup, and if it were the Ducks and Wings like it was supposed to be I’d have the Ducks advancing. But the firepower of the Sharks are too much, and Nabokov should keep the Ducks shooters in check. I can see the Ducks squeezing one out before the girl who slept with Pronger in Edmonton inevitably leading to his departure in an attempt to save his broken marriage will show up in San Jose for retribution and throw him off his game.

Red Wings/Jackets – Wings in 5

Steve Mason and Rick Nash. That's it. I'll gladly take Johan Franzen for 4 mil a year in a decade's worth of investing than rely on Kristian Huselius to be my secondary scoring. I hope this gets ugly.

Canucks/Blues – Canucks in 5

Give the Blues 1 win in the classic get swept on the road, than re-gain some hope by winning game 3, then get shitstomped in 4 and 5. I am also taking the over on +/- 0.5 points registered by Roberto Luongo.

Hawks/Flames – Blackhawks in 6

Every time I see the NHL network commercial with Patrick Kane I become a pseudo-Hawks fan. That and the fact that the captain of the Hawks is younger than me. Someone younger than me is captaining a National Hockey League team, and I am writing about how he is younger than me. Who wins this war? But really, I hate Calgary, and I hope they get swept. I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt and give Calgary games 3 and 4 at home.

Cup Finals
Hurricanes/Sharks – Sharks in 5
The East is completely wide open, and the Crosby/Ovechkin matchup will ultimately lead to the demise of the winner’s respective team, leading to a Hurricanes Cup berth after upsetting the Bruins. However, the Sharks will be on a roll at this point after steamrolling the Wings in the Western finals.
Conn Smythe: Patrick Marleau

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