East

Montreal vs. Boston: I think the Habs are the Sharks a year ago- a bitchin’ power play, but defense that can take a night or two off. If they run up against a good penalty killing team, they could be in trouble. That being said, Boston has the second-worst PK in the East. Montreal in five.

Pittsburg vs. Ottawa: You have goalie problems, you’ve got playoff problems. And Ottawa has goalie problems. With Malkin and Crosby ready and waiting, it’s all on Gerber. Pittsburg in six.

Washington vs. Philadelphia: Keep in mind that Philly has more points than the Caps, even though the Caps are a #3 seed. I think the Caps have been so focused on trying to make the postseason, they may not be as ready as other teams. Either way, it’ll be great to watch. Philly in seven.

New York Rangers vs. New Jersey: I was on the Rangers’ bandwagon before the season started, and now I’m way off. With Jagr tailing off, and the Gomez/Drury bust, I’d rather put my money on possibly the greatest goaltender of all time. New Jersey in six.

West

Detroit vs. Nashville: The Preds are gonna get streamrolled, plain and simple. Nashville is outmanned in every possible aspect of the game. Detroit in four.

San Jose vs. Calgary: Worst possible draw for the Sharks. This series is going to be long and brutal. This is a Sharks blog, so I’m almost contractually obligated to pick them, but this could be an upset. San Jose in seven.

Minnesota vs. Colorado: Toughest series for me to predict. The Wild are on my s&*! list for laying down on the last day of the season and giving us Calgary instead of the Avs. When they play well it’s stifling, but they are in the middle of the pack for goals against. They won the season series against Colorado, but are now playing against possibly the best defensive defenseman this year. Colorado in seven.

Anaheim vs. Dallas: With Pronger back and Zubov out, I can’t imagine this being a long series. The Stars wanted to dust off their knuckles against the Sharks to be ready to dodge the Pronger Stompin’™, but it won’t be nearly enough. Anaheim in five.