WCQ Preview

Part 2 of the one-part series.


(1) San Jose Sharks vs. (8) Colorado Avalanche

I'm through expecting anything of the Sharks. And yet, they always have so much talent that you can't just write them off in the first, or even second round, depending on matchup. And I like the Avs, but I just don't think they're riding into the playoffs on a good enough wave to beat the Sharks. And it can't get any worse than last year for them, so they'll be playing with nothing to lose.

Prediction: Sharks in 5


(2) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (7) Nashville Predators

Can't bother to see how the season series went. I'm surprised Nashville still exists. I'd say this closely resembles last year's WAS-NYR matchup, but that point's been made by smarter people I'm sure. And Ellis is no Lundqvist.

Prediction: Hawks in 5


(3) Vancouver Canucks vs. (6) Los Angeles Kings

Hoo boy. This series is wide-open. I'm not surprised the two dark horses matched up in the first round. I thought St. Louis would at least win a game in last year's playoffs, but the Canucks sure stifled that prospect. I'm going to say it: I don't think the Canucks are very good. And LA beat them 8-3 recently. So my requisite upset for the WC lies here.

Prediction: Kings in 7


(4) Phoenix Coyotes vs. (5) Detroit Red Wings

Detroit looked an awwwwful lot like the Pens last year heading down the home stretch. Unfortunately for the Wings, youthful exuberance is not on their side. Phoenix is finally in a position to wreak havoc, but just their luck they got the hardest lower seed opponent in the NHL. This is going to be depressing for everyone but Wings fans and Wayne Gretzky, who might deserve whatever the Razzies equivalent to the Jack Adams is.

Prediction: Wings in 6


That's the previews. On Friday I should recap all the games and offer prospects for how the series should shape up from there. I feel like I'll have a much better grasp of the playoffs once these teams actually interact.

Fuck the Sens.

- Matt