Monday, April 30, 2012

Claude Giroux: A Rising Leader and Hart Trophy Snub

After watching hockey every single day since the playoffs started, I have been drawn to the Philadelphia Flyers as the team I want to win the Stanley Cup. It may be a little biased considering I picked them in both my playoff pools (Giroux Hartnell Jagr and Briere in 1 and Giroux and Hartnell in the other), but I have been thinking of one scenario every time they play: the absence of captain Chris Pronger and the "C." While Chris is out for the season and most likely done for his career, it still leaves the Flyers without a captain and they have watched Claude Giroux take the team on his back. You hear it from so many different people in the Philadelphia Flyers organization, whether it is his coach Peter Laviolette's label as the "best player in the world" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amtdI16esqQ) or his fellow teammates like Jagr, Briere etc. who refer to him as their "engine" or "leader." In my personal opinion, I believe that there is no reason for Laviolette to not name a captain at this point. If they were to win, someone has to take responsibility and shake Gary Bettman's hand as the Captain and receive the Cup. It would come down to their three Alternate Captains: Briere, Timonen and Giroux. One could make equally impressive cases for each to be Captain: Both Timonen and Briere have been here the longest of any Flyer on the the roster (5 years; along with Scott Hartnell) and lead on equal ends of the ice , but in my opinion Giroux is this team's true leader right now. There was a reason GM Paul Holmgren was confident in moving longtime Flyers Center's Mike Richards (former Captain) and Jeff Carter (2 players considered "cornerstones" of the franchise since joining the team post-lockout in 2005) this past summer: they were ready to let Claude Giroux lead this team. Much like Mike Richards, Giroux excels at both ends of the ice: on offence he is relentless on the forecheck, and he has a special set of hands and vision that separates him from most players in the league. On defence, he understands where to be at all times and will make a block/hit/steal when he needs to, and he excels at important faceoffs. The 2012 playoffs are a prime example of his rise to the elite in the NHL: He leads the playoffs in goals (7-tied with Briere), assists (8), points (15), and short-handed pts (3-tied with Max Talbot and Dustin Brown). He lead his team past the Penguins in 6 games, getting 14 points and significantly outplaying the most talented players in the world Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. The three nominees for the Hart Trophy (as MVP of the regular season) were: Evgeni Malkin (Art Ross winner), Steven Stamkos (Rocket Richard Winner) and Henrik Lundqvist (also a Vezina candidate). While all three of these are deserving candidates, what Giroux did to lead this team without their captain is the reason he is my choice of MVP, and i believe he was snubbed by not even being chosen as a nominee. Say what you will about points (Malkin) or goals (Stamkos), but Claude Giroux is the best Center in the NHL right now and he continues to get better every single game. If I could pick one player in the NHL to base my team around, it would be Claude Giroux no question about it. I will end off with a short message to Laviolette: make this guy your captain already!

-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News (PLAYOFF EDITION)

Friday, April 27, 2012

Eastern Conference Semifinals (Round 2 Predictions Part 2)

I will be looking at the two Eastern Conference Semifinals, as both New York and New Jersey won game 7s last night to move on. The matchups look as follows:

1. New York vs 7. Washington - This is a very anticipated matchup, as these teams have met several times in the playoffs over the last few years (3 times in 4 years). Both teams are riding hot goaltenders, as King Henrik Lundqvist (Vezina candidate) leads the way for the Rangers while rookie Brayden Holtby is doing the same for the Caps. The roles are reversed from previous playoff series, as the Caps were the higher seed both the last two times. The Rangers come into this series after a thrilling, tough fought series with the pesky Senators. They are lead by a brilliant shot-blocking formula from head coach John Tortorella, as the Rangers are noticeably better than most teams at getting in the shooting lanes. The Rangers look for consistency out of their top guys (Callahan, Richards, Gaborik, Stepan, Staal, Girardi etc.). If the Rangers are going to beat the Caps, they need Lundqvist on the top of their game. Much like John Tortorella in NYR, Dale Hunter has done a phenomenal job getting his players to buy into his defensive system. After taking over mid-season, he has gotten everyone (including Ovie/Semin) on his defensive plan and it worked in the first round upset of the defending champ Bruins. If the Caps are going to pull the upset, they need Brayden Holtby as sharp as he was in the first round. They also need their top guys going (Ovechkin, Backstrom, Semin, Green, Carlson), but need their role guys to continue to do their job (Laich, Ward, Knuble, Alzner, Brouwer, Chimera). I think this is going to be a very close series, but I expect the upset to happen

Players to Watch: NYR - Henrik Lundqvist, Brad Richards, Dan Girardi, Derek Stepan, Chris Kreider. WSH - Brayden Holtby, Alex Ovechkin, Troy Brouwer, Mike Green, Joel Ward.

Prediction - Much like previous years, the Caps get to the Rangers heads and beat them in a 7-game series

(CAPITALS in 7)

5. Philadelphia vs 6. New Jersey - The Devils head into this series fresh off a thrilling double-OT in game 7 last night, as rookie Adam Henrique sent them past the Panthers. The Flyers head into this series off a few days rest, as they handled the Penguins in 6 games and have been done since Saturday. For the Devils to win this series they need Martin Brodeur on the top of his game, as the Devils aren't the strongest on D and the Flyers are loaded upfront. However, the Devils also have a strong core upfront lead by the first line trio of Ilya Kovalchuk-Zach Parise-Travis Zajac, as well as others like Elias, Zubrus, Clarkson and Sykora. The Flyers have arguably the best offence in the NHL, and it showed last round. Lead by the first line trio of Claude Giroux-Scott Hartnell-Jaromir Jagr and veterans Danny Briere and Max Talbot, the Flyers look to continue to score goals at the rate they were last round. They need a solid contribution from their secondary scoring, guys like JVR, Read, Schenn, Simmonds, Voracek and Couturier. The biggest challenge remaining for the Flyers is goaltending; as they simply look for consistency out of Ilya Bryzgalov. Both teams don't wow you with talent on d, but they have reliable guys that look to shut down each other's forwards. While an upset could happen, the Flyers will march on (en route to the Cup).

Players to Watch: PHI - Claude Giroux, Danny Briere, Jaromir Jagr, Scott Hartnell, James van Riemsdyk. NJD - Marty Brodeur, Zach Parise, Travis Zajac, Stephen Gionta, David Clarkson

Prediction - While I would love to see Marty win another cup, it is the Flyers year

(FLYERS in 6)

This would make the Eastern Conference Final #5 Philadelphia Flyers vs. #7 Washington, with one of these teams getting a shot at Lord Stanley.

In round one, I was 6/8 as I predicted New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, St. Louis and Nashville but I was wrong about Chicago and Boston winning. My (early) cup prediction is St. Louis vs. Philadelphia

-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News (PLAYOFF EDITION)

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Western Conference Semifinals (Round 2 Predictions Part 1)

Before I talk about the two upcoming series, I would just like to point out something about the teams that lost in the Western Conference in the first round. First Detroit, then San Jose, then Vancouver, and lastly the Chicago Blackhawks, all teams that have had major playoff success post-lockout. This is the best thing that could have happened for the NHL, as one of St. Louis, Nashville, Phoenix or Los Angeles will be the West representative in the Stanley Cup finals. To put this in to words: we are going to see a completely new team in the finals, and it is actually extremely thrilling to see all the teams that lost first round. The Wings have won twice since the lockout and been to 3 finals, The Hawks won 2 years ago, The Canucks lost in the finals last year and San Jose made the semis the last two years. In comparison to the 4 winning teams; Nashville and Phoenix have never been to the finals, the Blues haven't been since they lost to Bobby Orr's Bruins in 1970, and the Kings haven't been since they lost with Gretzky in '93 to the Montreal Canadiens (The great Patty Roy with his 2nd of 3 Conn Smythes!). As a hockey fan I am very excited for these two series, with that being said we start with...

2. St. Louis Blues vs 8. Los Angeles Kings - Both of these teams are coming off impressive first round wins, as the Blues knocked off the Sharks easily in 5 and the Kings frustrated the Presidents Trophy winning Canucks in 5 (as I predicted they would). The biggest story for both these teams has been goaltending and leadership: as Elliot/Quick have been both exceptional while captains Dustin Brown and David Backes have each been leading their respective teams. Jon Quick has been arguably the best goalie so far (Rinne/Smith as well), and if he continues to play his game the Kings could be in for a long cup run. Led by Dustin Brown and Mike Richards, the Kings simply were stronger than the Canucks and they controlled the series from start to finish. With that being said, the Blues looked stronger than ever in the first round and are simply the deepest team in the NHL right now. The are loaded upfront with a mix of youth (Backes, Perron, Berglund, Oshie) and veterans (Arnott, Langenbrunner, Steen, McDonald). On defence, they are lead by a great tandem of Alex Pietrangelo and Kevin Shattenkirk, and then veterans like Barret Jackman and Carlo Coliacovo (shout out to all my leafs fans). While Jaroslav Halak is hurt, Brian Elliot has been significantly better and will continue to start for them. This will be a very close series, but I believe the Blues are the stronger team if they can solve Jon Quick and the feisty Kings.

Players to Watch: STL - Andy McDonald, TJ Oshie, Jason Arnott, Brian Elliot, David Backes. LAK - Dustin Brown, Jon Quick, Willie Mitchell, Dustin Penner, Jarret Stoll.

Prediction - While the Kings are certainly capable of stealing another series, I think that the Blues are the team to beat in the playoffs and this will be one close series. 

(BLUES in 7)

3. Phoenix vs 4. Nashville - The battle of defence; this is going to be a very gritty, tough fought series that many people are writing off as "two boring teams." The fact is that both of these teams were extremely impressive in knocking off past cup champions; as the Predators stifled the Detroit Red Wings in 5 while the Coyotes fought hard and overwhelmed the Blackhawks in 6. While the Coyotes are the home team as the #3 seed, the Predators come into this series as the favourites. Like the first matchup, this is also going to be a great goaltending duo between Pekka Rinne and Mike Smith. One could argue a case for each goalie in how they have been the best in the playoffs so far, and it shall make for a very close series with two phenomenal netminders. The Predators are loaded with size on D, lead by Captain Shea Weber and others like Ryan Suter and "big-tree" Hall Gill (who's returning from injury). On forward, they have a mix of gritty and talented forwards, none with more hype than Alexander Radulov. He was their best player in round one, with 5 points him, Martin Erat and David Legwand were the veteran leaders for the young Preds. I expect more out of both Kostitsyns, Hornqvist and Fisher in this second round, as it will be a close hard-fought series. For the Coyotes, they come in to this series on Mike Smith's shoulders. He was simply phenomenal in round one, as I picked Chicago to win (my only wrong Western Conference series prediction). The Coyotes don't wow you on offence or defence, with guys like Shane Doan and Keith Yandle leading the way. Dave Tippett runs a straightforward defensive trap that frustrates teams, and they rely on Mike Smith to make save after save until they can capitalize. It will certainly be a close series, as either team can win.

Players to Watch: PHX - Mike Smith, Ray Whitney, Antoine Vermette, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Gilbert Brule. NSH - Pekka Rinne, Shea Weber, Alexander Radulov, David Legwand, Andrei Kostitsyn.

Prediction - This is going to be one heck of a goaltending duo, as the series could go either way

(PREDATORS in 7)

This would make the Western Conference Final #2 St. Louis Blues vs. #4 Nashville Predators, with one of these teams getting a shot at Lord Stanley.

There are still 3 more series in the East that are going to game 7, so when they are done I will preview the Eastern Conference Semifinals

-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News (PLAYOFF EDITION)

Friday, April 20, 2012

NHL Playoff 2012: Atmosphere and Intensity

This is a brief report on the level of intensity of the NHL playoffs so far, as I will not focus directly on specific teams/series. The pace and intensity has been remarkable so far, every game has fans glued to their seats for the full 60 minutes (and more often overtime). To go along with the quick speed, there has been a massive increase in physical play which has also created the most suspensions in any single playoffs ever. While there has been a lot of questionable illegal plays, one must simply understand the nature of playoff hockey: that it brings out the best in every single one of these players. Every single player cares about every single shift, every shot on goal, finishing every hit. Cause that's the playoffs, they have a remarkable level of intensity that is unseen in many other sports. Is there too much violence? Maybe. But the playoffs have been so exciting, and as someone who is pro fighting/violence in the game today I think it is the best hockey I have ever seen. I enjoy seeing massive body checks, after whistle scrums and all that the 7-game series can bring. All these things show you the true colours of the NHL players; that they care so much and sometimes their emotions get to them. To all the critics, negative people, hockey haters and more, these playoffs have been phenomenal so far. I have spent every night since the playoffs started watching each series, and not one of them has been boring. The level of competition in the NHL today is outstanding, and this first round is showing the entire world just how exciting the playoffs truly are. Say all you want, but this has been the best first round in a long long time and it will continue to be as exciting as the rounds go on. The Quest for the Cup continues!

-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News (PLAYOFF EDITION)

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Playoff Preview #3 - Western Conference Matchups

Here is a look at the Western Conference matchups and my predictions:

1. Vancouver vs 8. LA Kings - The reigning President's Trophy winners are set for another trip to the Stanley Cup finals, and their quest starts with a series with the pesky Kings. The Canucks are the heavy favourites in this one, as they are riding two hot goalies in Luongo and Schnieder and are capable of getting back to finals. However, the Kings stand in their way and they will do whatever it takes for the upset. The Kings are loaded upfront with names like Kopitar, Richards, Brown, Carter, Gagne and more, as well as Vezina candidate Jon Quick in net. If anyone can do it, Quick is one goalie capable of stealing a series and an upset could be in the making.

Players to Watch: VAN - Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin, Ryan Kesler, Kevin Bieksa, Roberto Luongo. LAK - Mike Richards, Dustin Brown, Drew Doughty, Jon Quick, Slava Voynov

Prediction - Jon Quick is capable of stealing a series, the Kings will win

(KINGS in 6)

2. St. Louis vs 7. San Jose - This is the first time in many years that she Sharks are not favourites in a first round playoff series, and it could play in their advantage. However, beating the Blues isn't going to be particularly easy especially considering the Sharks were 0-4 against them this year. The Blues are led by Coach Ken Hitchcock, with two competing #1 goalies in Brian Elliot and Jaroslav Halak. Throw in forwards Perron, Backes, Oshie, Arnott etc and first line d pair Kevin Shattenkirk and Alex Pietrangelo, and the Blues are one of the deepest teams in the league (forwards especially). The Sharks have had playoff success in the last few years, but don't have as deep a team as they had in the past. There will be lots of pressure on forwards Thornton, Marleau, Couture, Pavelski and Clowe as well as Dan Boyle and Brent Burns on d too get through the Blues defensive trap and score goals. Antii Niemi has won a cup before, and is capable of leading the Sharks to an upset

Players to Watch: STL - David Backes, TJ Oshie, Alex Pietrangelo, David Perron, Andy McDonald. SJS - Joe Thornton, Joe Pavelski, Dan Boyle, Logan Couture, Patrick Marleau.

Prediction - While the Sharks are capable of pulling the upset, the Blues are too strong to lose first round

(BLUES in 7)

3. Phoenix vs 6. Chicago - Much like Florida, Phoenix is heading into the playoffs riding their first ever division title. The Coyotes play the most boring defensive trap in the NHL, but it is efficient in shutting high-powered offenses down. While the Coyotes are strong on D and with Mike Smith in net, they will have their hands full with the Hawks talent upfront. A healthy Jonathan Toews leads the way for Chicago, along with Kane, Sharp, Hossa, Bolland and Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook on D. The biggest question for the Hawks is in net, as Corey Crawford will be the starter but will have a short leash if he doesn't perform (Ray Emery is waiting). This might not be the most exciting series, but it will be a physical one and not short of entertainment

Players to Watch: PHX - Shane Doan, Radim Vrbata, Ray Whitney, Keith Yandle, Mike Smith. CHI - Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp, Marian Hossa, Duncan Keith

Prediction - Much like New Jersey, the Hawks will pull the "upset" as the #6 seed

(BLACKHAWKS in 6) 

4. Nashville vs 5. Detroit - Much like Philly/Pitt in the east, the 4 vs. 5 matchup in the West is by far the most anticipated. The Red Wings are built for the playoffs, everyone knows the names such as Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Franzen, Lidstrom etc. However, they will have their hands full with a deep Nashville team, especially goalie Jimmy Howard. The Predators might not be the most talented upfront (Radulov, Fisher, Kostitsyns, Hornqvist), but they are stacked on D with Weber, Suter, Gill and in net with Pekka Rinne. Both teams are extremely talented, and there is one major cup contender out after this series. While in the past everyone would be saying all Detroit, it is not the case this year and this series could go either way. A lot of pressure will be on goalies Pekka Rinne and Jimmy Howard to keep their teams in it, and it will surely be a fantastic series

Players to Watch: NSH - Shea Weber, Alex Radulov, Ryan Suter, Pekka Rinne, Mike Fisher. DET - Pavel Datsyuk, Niklas Lidstrom, Henrik Zetterberg, Johan Franzen, Valteri Filppula.

Prediction - This series can go either way, but the Wings find themselves outmatched by Rinne and co.

(PREDS in 6) 

This would have St. Louis (2), Nashville (4), Chicago (6) and Los Angeles (8) moving on.
The matchups would look the following:
2. St. Louis vs 8. Los Angeles and 4. Nashville vs 6.Chicago

The quest for Lord Stanley starts tonight! The best time of the year!

WHO WILL IT BE THIS YEAR?

-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News (PLAYOFF EDITION)

Monday, April 9, 2012

Playoff Preview #2 - Eastern Conference Matchups

Here is a look at the Eastern Conference matchups and my predictions:

1. New York vs 8. Ottawa - This is an interesting series, the Rangers are by far the better team but have been dominated by the Sens this year (3-1 in the season series). The fact is that the Sens are scary good on offense, and Craig Anderson is capable of stealing a series. However, the Rangers didn't play well all year to be out first round, and Hank Lundqvist will certainly have a big role in making sure they don't get upset in this series.

Players to Watch: NYR - Marian Gaborik, Brad Richards, Henrik Lundqvist, Ryan Callahan, Marc Staal. OTT - Jason Spezza, Erik Karlsson, Daniel Alfredsson, Craig Anderson, Milan Michalek.

Prediction - While I think that an upset is certainly possible, Lundqvist will be too much for the Sens.
            
(RANGERS IN 6)

2. Boston vs 7. Washington - The defending champs start their quest for back-to-back cups with an opening round match with the Capitals. The Capitals won the season series 3-1, and have Alexander Ovechkin and Niklas Backstrom back from injury, but they will have their work cut out in taking out the defending champs. However, the Bruins are missing Nathan Horton, a key member of last year's run to the cup. This will be a physical, tough series and certainly entertaining

Players to Watch: BOS - Zdeno Chara, Milan Lucic, Brad Marchand, Tim Thomas, Tyler Seguin. WAS - Alexander Ovechkin, John Carlson, Niklas Backstrom, Jason Chimera, Troy Brouwer.

Prediction - The Bruins will be too much for the pesky caps, as Thomas caries them once again
           
(BRUINS IN 6)

3. Florida vs. 6. New Jersey - The Florida Panthers are in the playoffs for the first time since 2000, and they are coming in as a confident group after winning their first ever division title. The Devils had a very successful year, and with the 2nd half re-emergence of Marty Brodeur they look poised for a deep playoff run. This will be a close, tight series as both teams will fight for the mental edge. The Devils may be stronger on forward and in net (Brodeur vs. Theodore/Clemmensen), but the Panthers wow teams to sleep with their defensive trap. Devils coach Pete DeBoer will get a chance to take down his former team, as will goalie Scott Clemmensen who might end up as the Panthers starter (over Jose Theodore).

Players to Watch: FLA - Kris Versteeg, Brian Campbell, Stephen Weiss, Sean Bergenheim, Tomas Fleischmann. NJD - Zach Parise, Ilya Kovalchuk, Marty Brodeur, David Clarkson, Patrick Elias

Prediction - This series could go either way, ultimately Marty Brodeur will lead them onto the 2nd round

(DEVILS IN 5)

4. Pittsburgh vs 5. Philadelphia - By far the most anticipated matchup of the first round, this is surely going to be a memorable playoff series. In my opinion, one serious cup contender is gone once this series is over, as I believe whoever wins goes to the finals. The Penguins come in loaded upfront with a healthy Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, as well as supporting cast member's Letang, Neal, Kunitz, Staal and most importantly Marc-Andre Fleury in net. The Flyers come in as an equally offensive team, lead by the first line of Claude Giroux, Scott Hartnell and Jaromir Jagr as well as supporting cast member's Timonen, Simmonds, Briere, Talbot and Ilya Bryzgalov in net. The Flyers also have a trio of rookie forwards in Matt Read, Brayden Schenn and Sean Couturier, all who get their first shot at the playoffs. Former Penguins Max Talbot and Jaromir Jagr will certainly hear the boo-birds, as it will be a "blood bath" of a series. Who will win? The forwards will matchup perfectly, as well as Fleury and Bryzgalov in net, and it will all be decided on the ice.

Players to Watch: PITT - Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, James Neal, Kristopher Letang, Marc-Andre Fleury. PHI - Claude Giroux, Jaromir Jagr, Danny Briere, Scott Hartnell, Wayne Simmonds

Prediction - This series has the potential to go either way, and each team will take any advantage they can get.
            
(FLYERS IN 6)

This would have New York (1), Boston (2), Philadelphia (5) and New Jersey (6) moving on. The matchups would look the following:
1. New York vs 6. New Jersey and 2. Boston vs 5. Philadelphia

Western Conference Preview coming up next

-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News (PLAYOFF EDITION)

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Playoff Preview #1 - Powerhouses of the East (NYR BOS PHI PIT)

Hello all,

Leading up to the NHL playoffs, I will be previewing certain teams/conferences and what I expect for this year's playoffs. In my first report, I will be looking at the Powerhouses of the East (as I call them) - New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins. While the first round will certainly be exciting, and I'm not throwing out the chances of upsets, these 4 teams have the biggest chance of representing the East in the Stanley Cup. However, it all comes down to final standings and we (most likely) are going to see Pittsburgh/Philadelphia in a Clash of the Titans first round (which will end one of those teams title hopes). For the purpose of this report I will split it into two segments: PIT/PHI and NYR/BOS

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins - Battle of Pennsylvania

These division rivals are neck and neck with eachother in every respect, and it shows in the 6 games a year they play each year (especially this year). They have been physical, rough and high scoring games including the last 6-4 win by Philadelphia on Sunday which included several fights and a game-ending brawl. The storylines are obvious for the Pens: Malkin for MVP, Crosby and his concussion problems, Bylsma and his extraordinary coaching style. However, I feel that the Flyers don't get asmuch credit then they deserve, especially when the two teams are compared. Peter Laviolette may not be the most liked coach in the league, but he knows how to win and he is bold. Claude Giroux is amongst the best forwards in the game, while he is #3 in scoring it is his two way play and leadership that puts him amonst the NHL's elite. Throw in a career year from Hartnell and Simmonds, the steadyness of Jagr and Briere and young forwards JVR, Schenn, Talbot etc, and the Flyers have one of the best forward cores in the league. There #1 D and Captain Chris Pronger is out for the season, but there D remains a big part of their team (Coburn Timonen Carle Kubina Grossman and Meszaros). Flyers have won 4 of 5 games so far this year (with the last game on Saturday), and deserve to be praised as much as Pittsburgh does. If these teams end up playing eachother we will know one thing: it is going to be by far the most exciting first round playoff series. Both the teams are dead even in my opinion, and it will be a grueling 7-game series if they do end up playing eachother. It will be a huge win and crushing loss for each team, but we will have to wait and see who ends up in which place. My prediction: Philly in 7

Boston Bruins vs. New York Rangers - Battle of #1 Contenders
The #1 and #2 seeds in the east respectively, both have very different storylines. The Boston Bruins are defending champs, and they look to have as much success as they did last year. However, certain things are much different this time around. Nathan Horton is hurt, but Tyler Seguin has a much more impacting role this year. We all remember how important Horton was to their cup run, and it will be on the line of Marchand-Seguin-Bergeron to take them there (ofcourse with Thomas and Chara anchoring the team). Locked in at #2, the Bruins most likely will get the Ottawa Senators in round #1 and will have yet another Canadian first round matchup (and we all remember Montreal taking them to game 7 ot last year). Will they repeat? While the Bruins are looking for repeat sucesss, the Rangers are looking for straight up playoff consistency. The Rangers clinched the division, conference and #1 spot in the east with a win tonight, but have much higher expectations in the playoffs. They have lacked playoff spark since the 94 cup run, and this year's team will only go as far as Henrik Lundqvist can take them. Another big issue is they are going to get either Washington or Buffalo in the first round, and they will have their hands full with either team. Both these teams are powerhouses but certainly vulnerable, and who knows what will happen in the playoffs. My Prediction: The Bruins and Flyers meet in the Conference Finals, with the Rangers losing either first round or second round.

Love this time of year, back with preview #2 next!

-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News (PLAYOFF EDITION)