|
This year more than any in
the recent past, upsets could be the rule rather than the exceptions.
Projecting upsets is what wins Playoff Pools. What we're going to do is
give you an idea of the upsets that could take place and the odds of them
happening. In the East
every single first round series could see the lower ranked team win. (8)
Montreal vs. (1) Boston: There isn't a team in hockey that wants to
play the Habs right now. Like the Canucks they have been red hot. But
unlike their Western Canadian counterparts this team is also driven by the
emotional return of their leader Saku Koivu. Don't underestimate the power
of this emotion. Look for the Canadiens to come out flying. If they manage
to split the series in Boston it could be over for the Bruins. Jose
Theodore has been a machine. Look for him to have a GAA below 2.00. IF
that happens the Habs could go a long way this year. Odds of it
happening: 3 to 2 (7)
Ottawa vs. (2) Philadelphia: The Sens are a much better team than
their #7 ranking shows. In fact, I'd say they are a better team than any
other Ottawa playoff team. They have some of the best d-men in hockey and
spread the scoring around well up front. If Patrick Lalime can stand on
his head, the Senators could upset the Flyers. As for Philly they have all
the pressure in the world on them. Their weakness is on "D"
where on Kim Johnsson is a credible scoring threat. Eric Desjardins needs
to shine if this team is going to win the round. Odds of it
happening: 5 to 2 (6)
New Jersey vs. (3) Carolina: This team may have new faces but in many
ways they are a very similar team to last year's version. The lost of
Scott Gomez to a broken hand hurts them, but Joe Nieuwendyk and Jamie
Langenbrunner are great additions. In the regular season the team seemed
to miss Alex Mogilny's scoring touch. This will be less apparent in the
playoffs when the game tightens up. I look for the Devils to go to the
Conference Finals. Odd of it happening: Even money (5)
New York Islanders vs. (4) Toronto Maple Leafs: The 4/5 spot is hardly
the place to be speculating on underdogs, but let's face it, the Islanders
are underdogs. Can they win the round? Probably not. they don't have the
depth. But they should be able to give the aging Leafs a run for their
money. If Chris Osgood turns in his usual playoff performance, this could
be a close series, but it will depend on Alexei Yashin breaking his
playoff slump and scoring like he's capable of. Odds of it happening:
10 to 1
|
