EASTERN CONFERENCE

Boston Bruins vs. Carolina Hurricanes

As I and pretty much everyone else expected, the Boston Bruins made quick work of the Habs. The Bruins will face their first real test of the post-season against a very resilient Carolina Hurricanes squad that was minutes away from elimination. Tim Thomas will have to continue his superb play in net. The Hurricanes were able to make future Hall of Fame goaltender Martin Brodeur look ordinary at times... especially when it counted.

All that said, I still think the Bruins have more than enough balance to stifle the Hurricanes. The Bruins have been the team to beat in the East all season, and I think they will have continued success in round 2 and find their way to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Playoff Beard Prediction: Boston Bruins in 5 games.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals

The playoff match-up that everyone was hoping for is finally realized. The two (or three) best players in the NHL will face off in a 7 game series that promises to be legendary. This series is more about Sidney Crosby versus Alexander Ovechkin than Penguins versus Capitals, especially from a media standpoint. Both players began to show a growing dislike for one another during the season, and towards the close of the year, things seemed to be reaching a boiling point.

What to expect? Great hockey, unbelievable skill, star-power, and nastiness. If these two clubs didn't like each other prior, they will hate each other at it's end. And in the end, I still see the Penguins on top. I think the Crosby and Malkin duo will be too much for the Capitals to overcome. Although I don't expect a cake walk. This will be a war.

Playoff Beard Prediction: Pittsburgh Penguins in 7 games.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Detroit Red Wings vs. Anaheim Ducks

Much like the Bruins, the Red Wings weren't really tested in round 1. The Columbus Blue Jackets threatened to force a game 5 late in the series, but the Red Wings found a way to shut the door. Chris Osgood finally arrived for the Wings in goal (save for game 4) and the rest of the team continued their dominant play that has become a staple in Detroit.

While I chose the Sharks to finally get the playoff monkey off their backs this year, I should have gone with my hunch that they would blow it again. It took several years for the Wings to get over the early playoff exits that plagued them... now it is a distant memory. In fairness to the Sharks, the Ducks were not your average 8th seed. The Ducks were clearly the better team throughout the series, and even in the game's they lost to San Jose, I still thought the Ducks out performed their opponents. If any team can knock off the Red Wings in the Western Conference, this is the club.

This series should be just as exciting as the Pens/Caps playoff match-up, and again, this one will be an extended round. I still think the Red Wings will find a way to overcome and continue their march to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Playoff Beard Prediction: Detroit Red Wings in 7 games.

Vancouver Canucks vs. Chicago Blackhawks

As I write this the Vancouver Canucks hold a 3-1 lead over the Chicago Blackhawks midway through the third period.

The Canucks looked sharp in round 1 quickly dispatching a red-hot St. Louis Blues team in 4 games and will have to remain steady in order to stave off an equally hot Chicago Blackhawks team that dispatched the Calgary Flames in 6.

Make that 3-2... Vancouver. Power play goal Kane.

The Canucks have Luongo, who is the backbone of this club, and probably one of the most intimidating netminders since Dominik Hasek. The Sedin twins also found their playoff legs in round 1. The Blackhawks while young, seem to be playing above their years and experience. This team is also liberally seasoned with some playoff veterans in Stanley Cup Champion goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin, defenceman Brian Campbell, and playoff monster Martin Havlat.

Playoff Beard Prediction: Chicago Blackhawks in 6 games.

Quick Shave:
Please tell me you saw New York Rangers defenceman Paul Mara's playoff beard prior to their first round exit. Holy cow. Mara looked like he should be churning butter in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Granted he started his beard at the beginning of the year, but credit is definitely due for sporting that thing from his chin.

Speaking of the Rangers, former captain Jaromir Jagr expressed his interest in playing for the Edmonton Oilers when his contract in Russia expires after next season.

Blackhawks just tied it 3-3.

Jagr has apparently lost some weight and post nearly point a game numbers with his KHL team this season. Regardless of who he plays for, I hope the big fella does return to the NHL.

Enjoy the playoffs!

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh