COOLER TALK - NHL Playoffs

Did you somebody say playoffs? Playoffs? Ok that is enough of that, moving on to the topic. As I sit here and watch the opening moments of the New York Rangers and Washington Capitals first round playoff game I got to thinking. I was thinking that my opinion on the NHL playoffs was necessary. Ok so maybe not, but everyone has their thoughts on what will be the outcome, and so do I. The youth movement in hockey has taken form, and will be on full display in this years NHL Playoffs. 

EASTERN CONFERENCE

The Eastern Conference first round playoff match-ups look like this: 

- #1 Boston vs. #8 Montreal - This series should be a bruising, smash-and-dash match-up, which features two of hockey's Original Six. What intrigues me the most about this match-up is the game within the game, as Tim Thomas and Carey Price look to show off their netminding skills. 

- #2 Washington vs. #7 New York - The Caps have been a contender for most of the season, mainly due to the play by Alexander Ovechkin and Mike Green. The young stars are bright in the nation's capital.

- #3 New Jersey vs. #6 Carolina - Do I really need to say much more than Martin Brodeur? I mean really? The man is history.

- #4 Pittsburgh vs. #5 Philadelphia - The key to slowing down the Penguins is pretty simple = slow down and try your best to limit Sydney Crosby. If he gets going, so do the Penguins. 

First Round winners: Boston, Washington, Carolina, and Philadelphia

Eastern Conference Playoff MVP: Alexander Ovechkin. No on is close to his  level of play. 

Eastern Conference Champions: Boston Bruins. They are too deep, too fast, too strong. Tim Thomas has been consistently good all year long, and I see no changes as the Bruins make their way for a chance to play for Lord Stanley's Cup. 

WESTERN CONFERENCE

- #1 San Jose vs. #8 Anaheim - The popular upset pick is the Ducks over the Sharks. I am still not sold, but this is the most intriguing first round match-up this year. 

- #2 Detroit  vs. #7 Columbus - Detroit is a machine. Columbus has a young goaltender trying to make a name for himself. Just not sure the Blue Jackets have enough to compete. 

- #3 Vancouver vs. #6 St. Louis - Sedin and Sedin are the Canucks leaders, while Luongo mans the space between the posts. The Blues will have to depend on Brad Boyes firepower to carry them through. 

- #4 Chicago vs. #5 Calgary - A young Chicago team has all the potential to make a long playoff run and be the surprise of the post-season. Can Toews, Kane, and Versteeg keep the Blackhawks flying high? 

First Round winners: San Jose, Detroit, Vancouver, and Chicago. 

Western Conference Playoff MVP: Not really sure to pick for this category, so I am going to go off the wall with my choice and choose Jonathan Toews. The young gun for the Blackhawks has shown some signs of greatness, and this being a youth movement in this year's playoffs, why not choose one of the young stars? Ok so I am probably alone on this pick. Go figure. 

Western Conference Champions: Detroit Red Wings. They are poised for a repeat. They have all the parts needed to win another championship. This is an easy choice in my mind.

STANLEY CUP FINALS - Boston vs. Detroit

Another match-up between two of the Original Six teams, and a classic match-up for the ages, which will take place in two of America's greatest hockey towns. Detroit seems like a lock pick for many as a Stanley Cup contender, but I am not sure the Red Wings are going to be back-to-back winners. The Boston Bruins are a deep, youthful squad with lots of potent scorers and capable defenders. If you haven't been able to read the signs, I am going with the Boston Bruins to win it all this year. With Tim Thomas winning the Conn Smythe trohpy.