Eklund's Predictions and Thoughts....


BUT FIRST! BURT THE DOG'S SHOCKING PREDICTIONS>




Detroit vs. Nashville

The Preds and fans of Nashville are going to enjoy EVERY minute of this series. Fun will be had by all. I expect the Preds to make this a really good battle. The Wings would have much rather played someone out of the division...As good as the Wings are, the Central likes to play them. Still when all is said and done the Wings are too tough I feel. The Preds need to get enormous goaltending, and they will to take it the distance.

Prediction: Wings in 7

San Jose vs. Calgary

All are saying the Sharks in this one, but whenever Iginla and Kipper are involved ANYTHING can happen. I have been calling for the Sharks to get out of the conference for months now, even prior to Campbell, but for some reason today I am not so certain they can get past the Flames. I just think this may be one of the toughest matchups for the Sharks..I am still going with San Jose, but again, I think this is a LOOONG series and I could see the Flames winning 1 or 2 of the first two games. Alot of pressure on San Jose. This is the toughest series to predict for me.

Prediction: Flames or Sharks in 7...but I must pick one...SJ.

Minnesota vs. Colorado

As happy as the Preds were to avoid the Sharks, The Wild were happy to avoid Calgary...that we know. The Avs are still a bit of a chemistry experiment due to injuries and changes. I always love Forsberg and Sakic in the playoffs, but I don't love this matchup for the Avs. The Wild are too solid and too deep....

Prediction: Wild in 6

Ducks vs. Stars

The Stars really have struggled since the "trade." A group of players who got used to NO changes really has unravelled a bit from one trade. Maybe Armstrong knew what he was doing with this group by not making any moves. I do think the Stars will be tougher than anyone really is imagining they will be here. The Ducks are so prepared to play in the off-season that they are going to be incredibly tough to knock off. The playoffs are about players who can find another level. The Ducks have those players. The story for the Stars is always their goaltending in the playoffs....however, I wouldn't be shocked if the Ducks goaltending becomes a story in this series. Just a hunch.

Prediction: Ducks in 6

Montreal vs. Boston

This series is the one that I don't believe I have seen a single person pick Boston. I won't either, BUT all I can say is Tim Thomas is at hist best when EVERYONE is against him. He will be the story if Boston is to win here...However, I love how Montreal is playing right now. They are such a great sum of the parts team. And someone needs to shake Price to tell him that he is playing in the playoffs for the Montreal Canadiens. He is so composed!

Prediction: Montreal in 6

Pittsburgh vs. Ottawa

The Sens vs the Pens....Bryan Murray is a genius for using the distraction of the Penguins trying to lose in Philly. Because that way no one has to ask him the real question which is...Will Emery play? I think Emery will make an appearance before all is said and done. I also am hearing from sources that Alfie and Fischer are coming back MUCH sooner than is being let on. Mind Games. The Penguins are just too good. and Fleury will be fine. However, I feel the Sens will win game 1. Don't know why.

Prediction: Penguins 7

Washington vs. Philly

This will either be a four game series or a seven game series. And on all fronts it could go either way. The Caps had to put together a great roll to make it here and has to guard against a let down in Game 1. I am not sure who it benefits that this series doesn't start until Friday. I think it benefits the Flyers. I like Huet alot to be the difference, but as much as Biron has been questioned over the last little bit here I feel that the season ended perfectly for Marty. I believe that Marty will be the story in this series, and the Hartnell will be ALL over Ovechkin trying to shift his focus. I am very curious if all the emotion of getting to the playoffs will work against the Caps.

Prediction: Philadelphia in 6

NY Rangers vs NJ Devils

Tough draw for the Devils to say the least. I think the Rangers are the best team in the East so of course I am picking them to win this series, but NJ has Brodeur. And that MATTERS. This will not be a cakewalk, but I see the Rangers winning it...

Prediction: Rangers in 6


THE OTHER "SO-CALLED" PUNDITS and EXPERTS

From HOCKEYBUZZ.com

Bill Clement:mtl, pitt, phl, nyr, det, sj, col, ana
Howard Berger: mtl, pit, wsh, nj, det, sj, min, ana
Paul McCann: mtl, pit, wsh, nj, cgy, min, ana
Garth: mtl, pit, wsh, nj,


ESPN

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=buccigross_john&id=3336904

John Buccigross: mtl, pit, phl, nyr, det, sj, col, ana


TSN

(check out the cool new TSN.ca Website! Great Job Folks!)

Bob McKenzie: mtl, pit, wsh, nyr, det, sj, col, ana
Darren Dreger: mtl, pit, wash, nyr, det, sj, min, ana
Mike Milbury: mtl, pit, wsh, nyr, det, sj, min, ana
Darren Pang: mtl, pit, wsh, nj, det, sj, col, ana
James Duthie: mtl, pit, wsh, nyr, det, min, sj, ana

CBC

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/morrison/2008/04/fearless_firstround_prediction.html
Scott Morrison:mtl, pit, wsh, nyr, det, sj, min, ana

SPORTSNET.CA

Sportsnet has a VERY cool playoff preview.
Jim Kelly: mtl, pit, wash, nyr, det, sj, avs, ana

The Hockey News

http://www.thehockeynews.com

Adam Proteau: mtl, pit, was, nj, det, sj, min, ana
Mike Brophy: mtl, pit, wash, nyr, det, col, sj, ana
Ken Campbell: mtl, ott, was, nj, det, col, sj, ana

AND OF COURSE: MAGGIE the Monkey vs. Burt the Dog.

Maggie: mtl, pit, phl, nj, det, sj, min, ana
Burt: mtl, ott, phl, nj, nash, sj, min, ana


TALK MORE PREDICTIONS TODAY AT 4pm ET UNTIL WHENEVER...we will be joined by guests and Noah Ratgen, "The Hockey Predicting Kid"

Call in and talk turkey!





I am now going all over the internet to find everyone's predictions. I could use some help folks. Post your predictions and links to predictions of the others if you would...



still no word from Maggie. Please Maggie....take the challenge.

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