Sports Logic

In a mere two weeks, barbeque covers all across the country will be removed in anticipation of the 2009 NHL Playoffs. So what should you expect in two weeks? I think I have the answers. I have looked at all the schedules for the rest of the season and mapped out how I think each game will end. I have then added those points to the current standings and here is what I have come up with.

Eastern Conference

1. Boston – 116 Points
   
2. New Jersey – 106 Points
   
3. Washington – 106 Points
   
4. Philadelphia – 101 Points
   
5. Pittsburgh – 98 Points
   
6. Carolina – 97 Points
   
7. New York Rangers – 96 Points
   
8. Montreal – 95 Points
   

Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadiens

For what seems like the 30^th year in a row, these two teams are almost set to face each other in the playoffs. No matter who the favourite is in this series, it seems that Montreal always wins, but I have a feeling the streak will end this year. Montreal's small and somewhat timid forwards will be no match for Boston's bruising defence and hard hitting forwards. It should be Boston in a walk, but at least CBC executives will be able to step back off the ledge with one Canadian team from the East making the playoffs.

New Jersey Devils vs. New York Rangers

How do I adequately express my feelings on the potential of seeing these two teams play again in the playoff? Let's try "zzzzzz". I think that sums it up nicely. Of course the media will beat us over the head with another Sean Avery vs. Martin Brodeur confrontation, but that alone won't get me to watch this series. Maybe if TSN has Gord Miller and Pierre Maguire cover this series, and inject some life into the commentary I could stomach it, but depending on how the NHL schedules their games, this one is looking like the odd series out for me.

Washington Capitals vs. Carolina Hurricanes

Nothing gets me more pumped for a playoff series than a bitter rivalry or maybe teams with a storied playoff history against each other. This would be neither of those, but it still intrigues me because each game could be 6-5. This series could come down to who plays worse, Carolina's defence or Washington's goalie.

Philadephia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

Every year there is always that one series that is so much better than the rest you almost don't want to see it so early in the playoffs and I have a feeling we're looking at it. These two teams don't like each other, and the best part is that there's no clear cut favourite in this series. I'd lean towards Philadelphia in this series because of their depth, but as is always the question in Philly, is their goaltending good enough?

Western Conference

1. San Jose – 119 Points
   
2. Detroit – 116 Points
   
3. Vancouver – 101 Points
   
4. Calgary – 100 Points
   
5. Chicago – 98 Points
   
6. Columbus – 93 Points
   
7. St. Louis – 91 Points
   
8. Anaheim – 89 Points
   

San Jose Sharks vs. Anaheim Ducks

If there's a matchup San Jose doesn't want to have in the first round, this may be it. A big physical team with solid defence and a ton of playoff experience. This series could have upset written all over it, especially if San Jose isn't healthy come playoff time.

Detroit Red Wings vs. St. Louis Blues

Unlike the series above, this would be the perfect matchup for the Red Wings to build confidence. St. Louis will eventually be a Stanley Cup contender, but that isn't this year, and they would probably be nothing more than a speed bump for the Wings.

Vancouver Canucks vs. Columbus Blue Jackets

There are two ways a series like this could go. It could be a physical series of two grinding teams with excellent goaltending, or it could go the way of the Vancouver vs. Dallas series from the 2007 playoffs. I can safely say I am hoping for the former, but I am expecting a two team trap-fest.

Calgary Flames vs. Chicago Blackhawks

Much like the 4 vs 5 matchup in the East, this series could be very entertaining, and a long drawn out series. Both teams have been hitting the skids lately and if there is a plus side for the fans of these teams, it's that one of them will actually make the 2^nd round.