The NHL Playoff Thread

[CFH]

Here's my opinion on the series:

Detroit - Anaheim: This is a really intriguing match-up. I really think the Red Wings will win, probably in 6 or 7 games, but I think they'll emerge from this series so banged up that the winner of the Vancouver - Chicago will have an excellent chance of pulling the upset and advancing to the Stanley Cup Finals. I just think Anaheim's physicality combined with the fatigue that comes along with the short off-season which results from winning the cup make this one very close to call. However, Detroit's offense and defense are among the best in the league and I think their depth carries them to a victory if (and it's a big if) Osgood can stop the puck with any regularity.

Vancouver - Chicago: This is a hard one for my to analyze objectively, as I live and die with the Canucks. During the regular season, the Canucks demonstrated they were able to defeat Chicago handily in a playoff-like atmosphere, and I think their defense and Luongo (the best goalie in hockey - his playoff numbers are staggering) will prevail over the high-flying but inexperienced Blackhawks. It's going 6 or 7 though, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Chicago come out on top in the end.