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Predictions for the 2003 Playoffsback to: hockey | playoff grid
Final score: 8-7, which means we have a three way tie!
The Finals
On to the finals! I'm still even at 7-7. I can't believe the Ducks keep winning. But I'm picking against them again. This time, against the Cup savvy Devils, they're goose is cooked!
Devils in 6. New Jersey on top!
Hockey has so many upsets, you wonder why they bother with the regular season. It's an accomplishment to pick winners and go .500 in the playoffs, which is where I'm at with a 6-6 record. On to the next round!
Here is my analysis of round 3, the Conference Finals:
East
Senators (1) vs. Devils (2): So far the East has played to form, with the favorite winning every round. But the playoff tested and battle hardened Jersey guys will get it done here over Presidents Trophy winner Senators. They can taste the finals, and they Martin Broduer in the nets.
Devils in 6. Harder than expected, but NJ advances!West
Wild (6) vs. Mighty Ducks (7): What's going on out West? A 6 versus 7 seed for the conference championship? Crazy stuff. This is really a toss up, with both teams playing over their head. The Ducks have knocked off the top two teams. But I have to go with Minnesota and wily coach Lemaire, especially since they now have home ice advantage.
Wild in 6. Ugh!
Another crazy playoff year in the NHL, where the upsets come early and often. I went 4-4 in the first round, and am in a 4 way tie with the so-called "experts" (see the playoff grid).
Here is my analysis of round 2:
East
Senators (1) vs. Flyers (4): Okay, the Flyers got very lucky in a 7 game series against the bruising Maple Leafs. Now it's another Canadian team with a different style: blazing speed. The Flyers will look like they're playing in mud against Ottawa.
Senators in 5. Bob Clarke will have to wait another year.Devils (2) vs. Lightning (3): Tampa Bay made a great comeback after trailing 0-2 (and dropping both at home) in the first round. But now they're up against one of the most relentless playoff teams around, and New Jersey knows how to close out an opponent.
Devils in 6. Easier than expected!West
Stars (1) vs. Mighty Ducks (7): Anaheim may have pulled off the upset of the century (the 21st century). Not only did they knock off the defending champion Red Wings, but they did it in 4 games! It won't be easy to keep up the momentum against Modano and the rest of the number one seeded Stars.
Stars in 6. Another stunning upset.Canucks (4) vs. Wild (6): What more can be said of Minnesota coach Jacques Lemaire? This guy wins wherever he goes. Now he takes his team against a confident Vancouver team. Should be a good battle.
Canucks in 7. Close, but the West is Wild this year.
Here is my analysis of round 1:
East
Senators (1) vs. Islanders (8): The Ottawa franchise might be bankrupt, but it had a sterling season on the ice. Meanwhile, the improving Islanders, who are making their second straight playoff appearance, slumped badly at the end of the regular season. Not a good sign.
Senators in 5. Exactly!Devils (2) vs. Bruins (7): The Devils had a short run last year, getting knocked out by eventual eastern champion Carolina. But that was a one shot event, both for the Canes and New Jersey. Boston has been a mess this year. Look for Martin Broduer and the boys to get it done.
Devils in 5. Right on the Money!Lightning (3) vs. Capitals (6): How about this Tampa Bay team? Featuring the hot goaltending of Khabibulin, it is finally a chance for this team to shine. They're taking on the Capitals, who also have something to prove, led by one of my favorite players, Jaromir Jagr. Expect a hard fought series.
Capitals in 7. Up 2-0, and then the collapse.Flyers (4) vs. Maple Leafs (5): The Fly Boys have had a good season under new coach Ken Hitchcock, late of the Dallas Stars. The Leafs are a bruising opponent, especially with another ex-Dallas guy, Ed Belfour in the nets. The Flyers lack of scoring punch might be the difference.
Maple Leafs in 7. Close but no cigar.West
Stars (1) vs. Oilers (8): New coach, new goalie and big ups for Dallas this year. Oilers don't have enough to overcome the new top dog.
Stars in 6. Exactly!Red Wings (2) vs. Mighty Ducks (7): The defending champs Wings are a bit older, and no longer have Scotty behind the bench or the Dominator in goal. Still, the Ducks shouldn't present much of an obstacle.
Red Wings in 4. An earthquake in the league.Avalanche (3) vs. Wild (6): I've been watching Minnesota with interest all season, because they now have the top coach in the game, Jacques Lemaire. But now they have a tough test against the very seasoned Lanche, with Forsberg, Sakic, Roy, and all the rest. Should be a good battle.
Avalanche in 7. Ouch! Lanche out early.Canucks (4) vs. Blues (5): Perhaps the biggest surprise in the West has been the emergence of Vancouver as a top tier team. The Blues have been on a bit of a fade. Overall, there's not much juice in this matchup.
Canucks in 6. Down 1-3, and then the comeback!— The Commissioner
