Well here we go again, Bruins v. Canadiens in the first rd. I don't even know where to start but all I keep thinking is 2002 (Bruins 1 Seed, Habs 8 seed) 2004 (Bruins 2 Seed, Habs 7 Seed)....We lost both of those series. I do however believe that both of those years were different. The Bruins have been the Conference Leader all season and have owned Montreal in their 6 regular season matchups (5-0-1) and have outscored them 23-13.
Some other quick numbers to ponder
-The Bruins are the 2nd best 5 on 5 team in the NHL, while Montreal is in the middle of the pack
-The Bruins are a way more physical team than Montreal and if they can stay disciplined, they should be able to wear them down considerably
-The Bruins have the 4th ranked PP while Montreal is 13th
-Both teams are 11th in Penalty Killing so no advantage there
-Goaltending isn't even close with Thomas being a leading candidate for the Vezina. However, Price has shown that he can be the best in the business and if he shows up in round 1, watch out.
-The Bruins were 2nd in the NHL in scoring and 1st in Goals Allowed while Montreal was 13th in Scoring and 19th in Goals Against.
Synopsis: The Bruins are a superior team to Montreal in every statistical category and aside from the Ghosts of the past, this series should not go beyond 5 games in my estimation.
Prediction for the Rest of the Playoffs
Conference Quarterfinals East
Bruins over Habs in 5
Capitals over Rangers in 5
Carolina over New Jersey in 7
Pittsburgh over Philly in 7
Conference Quarterfinals West
Sharks over Anaheim in 6
Red Wings over Columbus in 7
Vancouver over Blues in 6
Chicago over Calgary in 6
Conference Semi's
Bruins over Carolina in 6
Capitals over Pittsburgh in 6
Chicago over San Jose in 7
Red Wings over Vancouver in 6
Conference Finals
Bruins over Capitals in 7
Chicago over Red Wings in 7
Stanley Cup
Bruins over Chicago in 6
Part of the reasoning I am picking the Bruins is because I'm a homer and a fanatic but if you really look at this season and how every teams performed, I think they are truly the best team in the East. Washington has had a ton of success against the Bruins this year but I think the balanced defense and goaltending just put them over the edge.
As for the Western Conference, I'm going out on a limb. I think San Jose is the best team in the NHL without question but I really believe that they are going to get upset by Chicago. I think Anaheim is going to physically take a toll on San Jose and Chicago's speed and quickness will be to tough for them to match. In the conference final, I'm not convinced Detroit will be there but I just don't have the guts to have them losing in rd 1 or 2.
I'm going with an Original Six Stanley Cup with the Bruins hoisting Lord Stanley and ending a 37 year drought.
Go B's
Vig
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Shaun,
ReplyDeleteYou got some bold predictions having Chicago get all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals. I like the pick, but only because I love Chicago. The series between them and Calgary is going to be intense. I was watching it last night and Kiprusoff played unbelievable. I actually felt bad at how the last goal turned out for him. The little 12 second into OT squeaker getting tipped in with goalie interference. Speaking of that, how the heck was that not reviewed? The guy on Chicago hit Kiprusoff inside the crease. I don't know about that.
I loved watching Anaheim beat San Jose last night, that was so sick. Getzlaf's toe drag wrister was disgusting when he came out of the box. That shot was completely labeled. I really hope they upset the Sharks and move on to play Chicago.
I cannot wait to watch the Bruins game vs the gay Habs on Saturday. It's about time they play a game on VS, since its been like 2 months. I tried looking it up on NHL.com to see if it was free like you said. However, you still have to pay mad bills in order to watch the games so that's no good. I would love a series sweep of the Canadiens to really give them some serious confidence. Go Bruins and can't wait to come home and hopefully get to a playoff game.
B Vig