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Predictions for the 2000 Playoffsback to: hockey
The Finals
I was 10-4 entering the Cup Finals, but I wasn't able to post my picks before they started. Therefore, I didn't make a pick — but I'm rooting for the Devils.
Conference Finals
I went 3-1 in round two and I'm now 8-4 overall. The consensus four best teams have survived to reach the conference finals. My picks:East
Devils vs. Flyers — This time the Flyers aren't the favorites, and they're finally gonna miss Big Eric. Bob Clarke must go.
Devils in 6. CLOSE ENOUGH.West
Stars vs. Avalanche — I like both of these teams, but they have to meet in the conference finals, and one of them has to lose.
Stars in 7 in a very close mathcup. EXACTLY!
Well, I was "only" 5-3 in the first round, but the Sharks were a big upset winner that no one figured would win. Now things get serious in round 2:
East
Devils vs. Leafs — I'm now a believer.
Devils in 6. EXACTLY!Flyers vs. Penguins — The Penguins aren't the Sabres. They have an offense, including the best player in the league. Let's see the Flyers' four shifts chase down these guys. Bob Clarke must go.
Penguins in 6. GOOD START, BAD FINISH.West
Red Wings vs. Avalanche — This series will be all out war! The Wings are a little long in the tooth, even if the Lanche have their own old man: Ray Bourque. Going with my sentiment here.
Avalanche in 7. EVEN BETTER!Stars vs. Sharks — It's midnight for Cinderella.
Stars in 5. EXACTLY!
Here is my analysis of round 1:
East
Devils (4) vs. Panthers (5) — The Devils are a just a mess stumbling into the playoffs, and Florida has Bure, who says that hockey is his number one priority.
Panthers in 6. WRONG!Leafs (3) vs. Senators (6) — Who cares about this one. I'll go with the favorite.
Leafs in 6. EXACTLY RIGHT!!!Capitals (2) vs. Penguins (7) — You would think that the #2 seed would have home ice advantage, but they don't, with games 2 and 3 scheduled for the Igloo. And Pittsburgh has Jagr, the best player in the league.
Penguins in 6. IN FIVE!Flyers (1) vs. Sabres (8) — So this is the Flyers reward for grabbing the #1 seed on the last day of the season! Defending conference champs Buffalo have the Dominator, and the best goalie usually wins in the playoffs. Some say the Flyers are better without Lindros, but they're wrong. Bob Clarke must go.
Sabres in 6. NOT QUITE.West
Red Wings (4) vs. Kings (5) — Detroit has all the experience.
Red Wings in 5. SWEEP INSTEAD!Avalanche (3) vs. Coyotes (6) — The Lanche are on a mission with newly acquired Ray Bourque, and aren't likely to lose to a team that plays in the desert.
Avalanche in 6. EVEN BETTER IN FIVE.Stars (2) vs. Oilers (7) — I can personally attest that defending Stanley Cup champion Dallas is for real, having seen them manhandle Florida a couple of weeks ago.
Stars in 5. EXACTLY!Blues (1) vs. Sharks (8) — St. Louis is suddenly a sports mecca.
Blues is 5. OOPS, BUT NO ONE HAD THIS ONE.
