Metal Reviews

They have been playing great, and there is a chance they'll win a couple games. Still, this is their first time in the playoffs- it's a different game, and this San Jose team has much needed experience there. It's like the Thrashers a few years ago- they were playing great, got their first playoff spot ever, and then choked.

Anyway, I hope you're right, because I'd love for the Blues to upset San Jose.

Actually, I'm going to reverse my Philly-Pittsburgh prediction. Pittsburgh has really been on fire lately, whereas Philly has had its problems. Pittsburgh 4, Philadelphia 3.

Anyway, all these predictions are a bit early. The east is set in stone, but if st. louis wins today, they could be facing detroit, not san jose.

Edit: As noted, St. Louis won and will now face Vancouver, while Columbus goes against Detroit and Anaheim against San Jose. Damn DW, you gotta stop jumping the gun on these things.

When I got home and turned on the NHL highlights show, I felt like a complete tool when they said that St. Louis won and moved up 2 spots. So basically all of our picks in the West are garbage. And I put so much time into typing all that out...

Overall I'm happy with the season the Kings had. They stayed in the playoff almost the whole season and were really close at times. That's a huge success compared to last season when they were out of it pretty much by December. And to top it off they end up with a pretty good draft pick and a long shot at getting Tavares.

The last day was a bit of a thrill, not knowing where they would end up in the draft ranking. First they won, surpassing the Coyotes and Maple Leafs who then in their turn won as well, giving the #5 spot back to the Kings. I'm hoping for a spot in the playoffs next year.

I like the matchups in the first round this year, especially in the East. Gonna be exciting for sure.

DW, now that you know the matchups , do you still think the top two seeds in the West get bounced in the first round? I'd like to see it but I don't have either of them losing.

I like the matchup in the first round for the Hawks. They haven't lost to Calgary all year if memory serves, and I know they've blown them out at least twice. I know they're mostly young and don't have much playoff experience (besides Khabby) from their major contributors, but I'd be shocked if they don't make it out of the first round.

The West feels a lot more wide open to me than I thought it would earlier in the season. Detroit isn't playing great, and SJ has a history of early exits. It'll be fun to watch what happens.

Playoff hockey FTW!!!!!

For the new look West (ha, I feel so stupid...) I say that the Blue Jackets will have one hell of a time getting passed the Wings. I think experience will prevail in this series. But then again Steve Mason may play amazing and Rick Nash could be his usual dominating self. But I say the Wings in 5 or 6 games.

As for the battle of California (the first time 2 Cali teams have met in the playoffs since the 70's, LA vs. Oakland) I would like to go with Anaheim. But I just don't think they can beat San Jose. San Jose has the better goalie and more depth up front. But this series will be detemined by how good Thornton plays against Chris Pronger and company. I say San Jose in 6 possibly 7 games.

And lastly St Louis vs. Vancouver. I think the Blues will give the Canucks a good show, but the Canucks experience and depth will be too much. Oh yeah and Roberto Luongo vs. Chris Mason. Canucks in 5.

Everything else stays the same.

And yes, playoff hockey FTFW

extra F = fucking.

San Jose
Detroit
Vancouver
Calgary

Boston
Washington
New Jersey
Pittsburg

these are the teams that will win. i have not put very much thought into this. it's funny i was thinking San Jose and Detroit were both going to get upset with DevotWalnut's original bracket but now imo they will both win.

The Detroit - Colombus will be interesting... I remember when the Blue Jackets not only shut them out, but blew them out also.. But as you say, Detroit's got the experience..


Anyway, Hurricanes prospect Drayson Bowman are putting up huge numbers in the WHL., and I hope we'll see him next year as well as Sutter and Boychuk-

Boston in 6
Washington in 5
Carolina in 6
Pittsburgh in 7

San Jose in 5
Detroit in 6
Vancouver in 5
Calgary in 7

i had a dream the Blues totally raped the Canucks, and i was all "omg those bastards are playoff noobs they tired themselves out in the first round just to beat my team"

It could happen. Unlikely, but still possible.

So the first night of the 2008-09 playoffs is over, and I am sure the NHL couldn't be more happy. The first 2 goals scored tonight were by Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin.

Scores:

East:
New York Rangers 4 - Washington Capitals 3
Rangers lead series 1-0

Pittsburgh Penguins 4 - Philadelphia Flyers 1
Penguins lead series 1-0

New Jersey Devils 4 - Carolina Hurricanes 1
Devils lead series 1-0

West:
Vancouver Canucks 2 - St. Louis Blues 1
Canucks lead series 1-0

oh man Canucks were on fire tonight. the third period was the best i've seen them play in ages

Day 2 done. Jonas Hiller in his first ever NHL playoff game gets a shut-out and the Sharks get booed off the ice. Chicago was the first team in this young playoffs to win a game without scoring 4 goals.

Scores:

East:
Boston Bruins 4 - Montreal Canadiens 2
Bruins lead series 1-0

West:
Detroit Red Wings 4 - Columbus Blue Jackets 1
Red Wings lead series 1-0

Chicago Blackhawks 3 - Calgary Flames 2 in OT
Blackhawks lead series 1-0

Anaheim Ducks 2 - San Jose Sharks 0
Ducks lead series 1-0

CAROLINA WINS IT IN OVERTIIIIIME! TIM GLEASON BABY

Man I'm happy now. What an incredible game for both teams.. Great intensity and jump from the start, and the Canes realised that this is actually the playoffs. Great skating from every line. It's horrible that we took loads of penalties but our PK was awesome so that's okay.

Both goalies were great also. Man, Ward is shaping into a top 10 goalie. Which is incredible. Langembrunner injured for the Devils,which means he may be out for Sunday in Raleigh. Man I'm so excited.

Elsewhere Pitts win in overtime lso after being behind on two occasions. They look dangerous this year.

Day 3. SUNDIN!

Scores:

East:
Carolina Hurricanes 2 - New Jersey Devils 1 in OT
Series tied at 1

Pittsburgh Penguins 3 - Philadelphia Flyers 2 in OT
Penguins lead series 2-0

West:
Vancouver Canucks 3 - St. Louis Blues 0
Canucks lead series 2-0

Caps lose game two... Even though I hate the Rangers so much, I don't mind the Caps getting beaten though. NY home ice advantage now.. Anyone watch the game by the way? Did Caps' rookie goalie do good?

Goddamn Lundqvist. Second game Washington should have won but didn't because of goaltending (though to be fair, Theodore played well today). Stop trying to take one of the most fun teams to watch out of the playoffs!

Rookie goalie Varmalov was in goal for the Caps... Theodore out tonight because of the weak game three nights ago.

Roberto Luongo 145 shots 143 saves.

Jesus Christ.