Vancouver vs. Chicago:
There is a lot of history between these two teams in the playoffs, and you've got to think that there are many players on the Canucks who are happy to get another shot at Chicago.
Vancouver has fired on all cylinders pretty much all season. They are the NHL leaders in goals for as well as goals against, a feat that hasn't been accomplished since the 1970's Montreal powerhouse. Henrik and Daniel Sedin are at the top of their games, Ryan Kesler is coming off a 40 goal regular season, and Roberto Luongo appears poised to finally get the playoff monkey off his back.
Chicago on the other hand has had a difficult season with injuries and the loss of key players in the off-season, notably Dustin Byfuglien, who was key to the Hawks' success against the Canucks in the past. The Hawks goaltending situation is also questionable, with Corey Crawford taking the yeoman's share of starts down the stretch to mixed results. The health status of Patrick Sharpe and Dave Bolland is also cause for concern.
Call: Vancouver in 5
San Jose vs. Los Angeles:
Will this be the year that the San Jose Sharks finally take a serious run at the Stanley Cup? The jury is still out on that one, but they should be able to make it past the first round by taking this California match-up.
By losing Anze Kopitar to injury late in the season, the Kings just can't match the firepower that San Jose can ice with players such as Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, Dany Heatley and one of this year's impressive rookies, Logan Couture.
Call: San Jose in 6
Detroit vs. Phoenix:
Experience, experience, experience. The Coyotes' only hope, Bryzgalov, the Phoenix goalie, plays lights out hockey à la 2010 Jaroslav Halak for the Red Wings to lose this one.
The Wings will at least take the opening series as a "Win one for Lidstrom" gesture. Beyond that, all bets are off.
Call: Detroit in 6
Anaheim vs. Nashville:
Many observers have tagged the Nashville Predators as this year's "team that no one wants to have to meet in the first round of the playoffs.", and while that may be true, the prospect of having to face Corey Perry and not only Ryan Getzlaf but also a rejuvenated Teemu Selanne should give some teams cause for concern. And don't forget Bobby Ryan.
The Nashville Predators have a well deserved reputation as one of the league's tightest checking teams. They are definitely not a high profile club, as most fans would be hard pressed to name 5 Nashville Predators. One player that will get your attention is defenceman Shea Webber, one of the game's best.
But as tough an opponent Nashville is, ultimately Anaheim's scoring may prove to be too much to handle in a series that promises to be a hard fought one.
Call: Anaheim in 7
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