Note from Ed.: Walt has been a little off his schedule for the last couple of weeks -- spring fever perhaps -- so didn't hand in this piece until after the first Western Conference games last night. Shame to anyone who thinks he waited to see which way the ice was tilting before making his fearless predictions.
The National Hockey League's shortened season ended on Sunday, with the big bad Bruins succumbing to the surprising Senators, so it wasn't until Monday that Walt was able to suss out the final standings and figure out which way to bet on the Stanley Cup playoffs. Here's what's going to happen.
Western Conference
Chicago Blackhawks (1) vs Minnesota Wild (8) -- "Wild" is a stupid name for a sports team. Like "Storm" or "Jazz". There is virtually no facet of the game in which the Hawks -- the name is really "Black Hawks" but that's not PC any more -- do not excel. Even if goalie Nik Backstrom stands on his head, the Wild are going to be Tamed in 5 games, max.
Another note from Ed.: Backstrom was injured during the warmup last night, and the Wild lost 2-1 in OT. Backup goalie Harding may be too shell-shocked to play the second game.
Anaheim Ducks (2) vs Detroit Redwings (7) -- Another team with a dizzy Disney name vs another one with a previous non-PC name. (It was "Red Wings" before the McCarthy era!) The Ducks have an on-again-off-again offence, and predictions of the Wings' demise are premature, IMHO. Detroit in 7.
Vancouver Canucks (3) vs San Jose Sharks (6) -- Sharks had a better season than their sixth place finish suggests. Always the bridesmaids ["groomsmen"? Ed.] the Canucks are weak on the PK and in the faceoff circle, and still haven't sorted out their goaltending situation. If Luongo has to play, school's out! If San Jose wins the first game, they'll take the series in 7.
St. Louis Blues (4) vs Los Angeles Kings (5) -- Quick, who's going to win? Note the punctuation. Two strong goaltenders, but LA's Quick has been known to choke. [Walt admits he wrote this after last night's gaffe.] Two strong, hard-working teams. Perhaps better coaching by Ken Hitchcock of St. Louis. Really close but, on the strength of last night, let's say Blues in 7.
Time for a coffee break, sponsored by Tim Horton's. Walt will be right back with powerful prognostications for the Eastern Conference playoffs.
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