We have made it!
The playoffs are here and thankfully we won't have many nights like last night where we were forced to watch....baseball...
First off today...let's get into the prediction game...5 series start tonight....
Nashville vs Dallas
These teams have never played in the playoffs before, but that really doesn't matter when all is said and done...The Preds fought hard down the stretch to get home ice in the opening two rounds....But the Preds power play needs to wake up, and here is where the Wayne Simmonds trade needs to pay off...So far, the trade hasn't paid dividends, but the playoffs are where Simmonds should help. The Stars have shown an ability to get to Pekke Rinne this season, and I wouldn't be shocked if Laviolette is quick to change keepers... My Pick: Nashville in 6
Tampa vs Columbus.
On the surface this is a blowout, and it might be unless the Jackets can jump on Tampa early. The big moment in this series will be the first two games. Don't allow Tampa to get confident...the pressure is all on Tampa. Whenever you have an epic season the playoffs can be a trap.
My Pick: Tampa in 5
NY Islanders vs Penguins
This may be the toughest series to call. The Penguins experience and the Isles youth is putting the scale towards the Penguins...Most people are going with the Penguins...The issue is, to me at least, is these Penguins are NOT a very good hockey team. at all. They truly barely made the playoffs...and if any team/coach can shut them down it may be these Islanders/Trotz. Remember Trotz eliminated the Penguins last spring with the Caps.
My Pick: Islanders in 6
Jets vs Blues
This will be an emotional series. The Blues are as a hot as it gets and the Jets aren't. However, the playoffs are a fresh start for everyone...I think the Jets will benefit more from the fresh start...especially Patrick Laine....The Blues however have that "destiny feel" out of all the teams in the West... The first two games will tell the story...I just think the Blues have it right now... My Pick: Blues in 7
Vegas vs San Jose
This series, along with Boston/Toronto, shouldn't be a first round series...at all. Vegas is flying and San Jose has no one to blame for being in this position but themselves... Their play, especially in goal, handed the division to Calgary. The Sharks need to make a statement tonight...This Vegas team are the defending conference champs...but better than last year. They added an entire line to that team...Stastny, Stone, and Pacioretty are now their best line...and that is remarkable..
My Pick: Vegas in 6
Your picks for the opening round?
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— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) August 2, 2017