Well, it's that time of year again, playoff time. I could use a few extra televisions in my house at this time of year. Everybody is asking my predictions for the eight series that are going on right now.
I wish I could roll back the clock to last season at this time. I correctly predicted six of the first eight rounds, and I had the New Jersey Devils going all the way. I don't really think I can duplicate that this year, but I will take a shot at it. Here goes:
TAMPA BAY-ISLANDERS
As great as Tampa Bay was during the regular season, I am going to go with the Islanders in an upset. I think it will take seven games, but I was really impressed with Rick DePietro's goalkeeping down the stretch. I also think that Steve Sterling, as a rookie coach, has done a fantastic job.
Tampa Bay is a terrific team, don't get me wrong. 106 points in the regular season speaks for itself. And Martin St. Louis may win the Hart Trophy as MVP. But you've got to pick an underdog in the playoffs, when anything can happen. So, the Islanders it is.
BOSTON-MONTREAL
This rivalry has been going on for decades, and it will be a dandy, I am sure. I think you all know that I was a Bruin, and always will be a Bruin, so I've got take Boston in six games. Goalie Andrew Raycroft has been outstanding. He is only 24 years old, and a rookie, but he showed me a lot of composure in shutting down the Habs in Game 1. Plus, it's got to be pretty comforting to coach Mike Sullivan to have a veteran like Felix Potvin sitting on the bench in case Raycroft falters.
PHILADELPHIA-NEW JERSEY
I'll stick with defending Cup champion Devils in seven games. Despite losing the opener, the Devils still have Martin Brodeur. When he is on top of his game, Brodeur is the best goalie in the game. Also, the late loss of defenseman Eric Desjardins with a broken arm has got to hurt the Flyers.
I like the way the Devils have played even without Scotty Stevens. They have shown me a lot of grit. Scott Niedermayer might well win the Norris Trophy as best defenseman, and I have always admired the play of Patrik Elias and Scott Gomez. Lou Lamoriello and Pat Burns have built a team that can last. Another Stanley Cup might be in the offing.
TORONTO-OTTAWA
The Battle of Ontario might well be the most intriguing matchup of the opening round. I have always been a big fan of coach Pat Quinn in Toronto, so I am going to pick the Maple Leafs in seven games. Mats Sundin of the Leafs and Marian Hossa and Daniel Alfredsson of the Senators are three of the very best players in the game, so this series could really go either way.
One thing is for sure: The Battle of Ontario is going to be extremely hard fought.
DETROIT-NASHVILLE
Nashville gave it its best shot in Game 1, but still came up short. The Predators got a goal in the first minute, but the momentum seemed to slip away when Steve Sullivan missed on that first period penalty shot.
Experience is one of the most important factors in the playoffs, and Detroit has plenty of that. Is there a better one-two punch in goal than Curtis Joseph and Manny Legace? I don't think so. Center Robert Lang has had an inspiring season, and Brett Hull always seems to save his best for the playoffs. I'll take the Red Wings in five games.
SAN JOSE-ST. LOUIS
Another terrific matchup. San Jose was tremendous in Game 1, bottling the Blues in their own zone several times. The Sharks were built on defense, and their goalie Evgeni Nabokov is a workhorse. I like Patrick Marleau, Nils Ekman and Jonathan Cheechoo as well. I say San Jose in six games.
VANCOUVER-CALGARY
These are two teams I didn't see a lot of during the regular season. Calgary is in the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons, so the Flames certainly have something to fight for. Vancouver was better statistically during the regular season, but not by a whole lot. The Canucks have a solid goalie in Dan Cloutier, and I've always admired the play of Markus Naslund. So, I will take Vancouver in seven.
COLORADO-DALLAS
Dallas was really strong down the stretch, especially their goalie Marty Turco. These teams match up excellently, but as I said earlier, experience often decides playoff games, and the Avalanche have plenty of that. Both teams know what it takes to win the Cup, but I am going to say Colorado in seven games.
So, there you have it, my picks for the opening round. If I go 6-2 this year, I will be a very happy man. I'll let you know in about 10 days. Then it will be on to the next round.
Enjoy the games. It's the best time of the hockey year.
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The number of players in the NHL wearing a face shield is steadily increasing.
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FROM THE MAILBAG: Tommy Sarvis of Ocala, Florida, asked my opinion on visors in professional hockey. Tommy, speaking from experience, I favor visors at all levels of hockey. It's just a matter of time before all players wear visors, and they definitely should. Thirty years ago, players didn't even wear helmets. Now, helmets are mandatory. It will be the same course of action with visors, I am sure.
Jessica Murray of Riverside, California, wants to know when the first NHL game was televised. Well, Jessica, your timing is perfect. The first NHL game on television was on Feb. 25, 1940, 64 years ago this week. It was at Madison Square Garden where the Rangers beat the Montreal Canadiens, 6-2. The overnight ratings on the game were not released.
Tom Utwansi of Champaign, Illinois, asks who was the first Russian-born player in the NHL. Tom, it was Johnny Mariucci of the Chicago Blackhawks. Johnny was born in Odessa, Russia, and played for the Blackhawks from 1940 to 1948.
That's it for this time around. Keep those questions coming.
'Til next time...
WILLIE O'REE
Don't forget to keep writing me at wordsoreason@nhl.com. Thanks!
Willie O'Ree serves as the Director of Youth Development for NHL Diversity.
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