Buff v NYI. I’m picking the Islanders. I like Nolan and Trottier to coach that team over their heads. DU grad Dubielewicz is on fire. It’s a long shot, but this is my first round upset. Islanders in 6.

NJ v Tampa. I think NJ will win this early for two reasons, first of course Broduer can simply steal games and demoralize teams. Second, Lou has everything on the line and will look like a real ass if NJ goes down or doesn’t put away Tampa in short order. His impecable reputation is at stake once he fired his coach for seemingly no reason. NJ in 5.

NYR v Atl. I can’t be objective on this pick. I love Hartley and can’t stand Avery. Hartley never met a playoff series he didn’t like to see in 7 so I’m going with Atlanta in 7.

Ottawa v Pitt. They already played but I did already pick Ottawa to come from the east. They will expose Pitt’s defense and “softness” in the harder hitting playoffs. Ottawa in 5.

Detroit v Calgary. Excellent matchup. Datsyuk has never proven he can play through a tough checking game and I guarantee you that Calgary is going to be running everyone and everything. Dion might just start foaming at the mouth. I see little weakness in Calgary besides their coach and any kind of possible nagging injury to Iginla. Detroit has to totally alter their defensive shifts. I’ll take Calgary in 6.

Ana v Min. I would have used this same evaluation. So far in the “new nhl” those teams that have garnered big points by playing for OT suffer in the playoffs. I think Min will steal one at home with spectacular goaltending but Anaheim should win this one easily. Ana in 5.

Van v Dal. How I despise both of these teams. I don’t like the offensive depth of either team but I do like the offensive contributions of the D. Again Van played for a lot of OT points this year and that mentality could burn them in the playoffs. I’ll take Dallas in 6 even though they are down a game already. Playing for OT has got to be killing Luango. If Van makes it to the WCF they may have to duct tape Luango to the goal posts so he can still stand up.

Nash vs SJ. I like Forsberg and Kariya playing together but I haven’t been impressed with Nash all year despite their point total. SJ will punish Nash and both of the afformentioned forwards will feel it with their milage and history of playoff collisions. Thorton will love the passing opportunities against this Nashville D. Even though I think Cheechoo is a bit of an overrated abberration because of Thorton I think his game up the middle will probably make him the leading goal scorer in this series. SJ in 6.