These picks are in hindsight since some have already played a game, ie not real strong prognostication going on here.

Buff v Rangers. Yeah, I hate Avery too. Why is it that hockey teams with guys like Avery, Draper and Neminen do so well in the playoffs? I think it’s because they are so emotional anyway that those guys can just exploit it. I’ll take Buffalo in 7 with Drury getting key goals. This of course will torture two GMs, Lacriox’s gaff will grow and Buffalo will secretly crying at the possibility of losing him in the off-season.

NJ vs Ottawa. The Senators will get it done this time. They are deadly on three lines and I think just about everyone in Ottawa knows the NJ game by know, made even more predictable with Lou back behind the bench. NJ only pulls this out if Brodeur steals it. Which is entirely possible. Sens in 6.

Detroit vs San Jose. Detroit seems to baffle teams with that puck possession game. I thought Calgary would be physical enough to slow Detroit down but they turned in to the goon squad and it backfired. But let’s be clear, Ron Wilson is no Playfair. He will have that team playing the same physical hockey they always play but he will have them playing smart. Not only that but Wilson is a tactician to the nth degree. He gets live video replays to pc tablets on the bench for review (only in Silicon Valley folks). Detroit generally isn’t your grind it out with hard work type of squad. I think San Jose can slow down that system and take it in 6.

Anaheim vs Vancouver. I hate the offensive depth of Vancouver. The only people that like to watch Vancouver play hockey are Vancouver fans, and even then, only if they win. They are that dry. Luango is gaining dog years on his goaltending body at this rate. Anaheim just has too much depth and too many defensive weapons for Vancouver’s one line team. Luango might steal a game but I think they are totally outmatched. Watching Vancouver play just kills me because I know the Avs could beat this team. Anaheim in 5.