Starting Wednesday, we get to see the NHL's new playoff format in action. For the first time since they moved away from the strict division-based playoff structure 20 years ago, they went back to a format that's mostly division-based this season. As a result, there's a set bracket for the first time since 1993.
But setting up the playoffs this way has plenty of flaws, and they've already been exposed. For starters, Tampa Bay and Montreal were the third- and fourth-best teams in the East on points, yet they finished second and third in their own division, which means they're playing in the first round and one will get knocked out. Meanwhile, the Rangers (fifth overall) have home ice for their series against the Flyers (sixth overall), and one of them will definitely advance. It's also impossible to have the top two teams in the same division meet in the conference finals. This is especially a problem out West, where Anaheim and San Jose are arguably the two best teams.
This is the system we've got for at least the next three seasons, though, so we might as well embrace it. Making predictions, though, as usual, is a tough proposition. It's a little easier in the East, where it'll be a surprise to see a team that doesn't wear black and gold in the Final, but there are any of six teams in the Western Conference capable of playing for the Cup, and four of those six could win the whole thing.
Bruins vs. Red Wings: They're making a big deal about the fact that these two haven't met in the playoffs since 1957, but seeing as Detroit was in the Western Conference for so long (and still should be), it's not really that surprising. The Red Wings switch conferences, going to the easier one, and barely make the playoffs. Detroit did keep its streak going, though, so I'll give them that. But the Red Wings are a flawed team that will be exposed by the President's Cup-winning Bruins. Boston's simply too good and too deep. Bruins in five.
Lightning vs. Canadiens: I will give the new format this: the four 2 vs. 3 series all have the makings of being incredibly entertaining. None more so than Tampa Bay-Montreal. These two are very evenly matched, and it's a shame one of them has to go home in the first round. The Lighting set themselves up nicely to make a run, just like they did three years ago. And their having home ice for Game 7 could prove to be the key to the series. It's also incredible to think that there are seven Canadian teams in the league, yet Montreal was the only one to take the playoffs. This series is a coin flip, but I want to see a Bruins-Canadiens series in round two. Canadiens in six.
Penguins vs. Blue Jackets: Columbus did an outstanding job to make the playoffs in its first year as an Eastern Conference team, and I have a feeling the Blue Jackets are only going to get better as the years go on. The Penguins, meanwhile, want to make up for last year's embarrassing sweep in the Conference Final. Pittsburgh's not as good as last year, but still ran away with the Metropolitan Division. Last year, I made the mistake of underestimating the Islanders and assumed the Penguins would cruise right by them. I'm not going to do the same with Columbus this year. Pittsburgh will win, but it won't be easy. Penguins in six.
Rangers vs. Flyers: These two rivals do not like each other, and it's the first time they're meeting in the playoffs since 1997 (it's also very weird to know the Rangers can't play their annual playoff series against Washington this season). Every time they play, it's a battle, and I expect a best-of-seven playoff series to be no different. The Rangers have a knack of making any series they play in go seven, so there's no reason to expect this series won't go the distance. Where the Rangers' X-factor will once again prove to be the difference. Henrik Lundqvist is one of the best goalies in the NHL. And at the end of playoff series, he shows everyone why. Rangers in seven.
Avalanche vs. Wild: Patrick Roy probably sealed up the Adams Award once Colorado clinched the Central Division. Especially since the Blues and Blackhawks are probably both better teams. Anyway, playoff hockey returns to Denver for the first time in four years (this is a team that finished last last season, by the way). Both of these teams are on the rise, and Minnesota's the most dangerous of the four wild card teams. I can easily see the Wild winning this series. Ultimately, though, I think Colorado will pull it out. Avalanche in six.
Blues vs. Blackhawks: Prediction: the winner of this series beats the Avalanche in the second round. St. Louis is in a tailspin. After battling Anaheim for the top seed in the West for much of the season, they ended up not even winning the Central. And their prize for a season-ending five-game losing streak is a matchup with the defending champion Blackhawks. These are probably the two most evenly-matched teams meeting in the first round. Chicago is playoff-tested. That's obviously going to be a big factor in this series. So, the question now becomes: Can the Blues rebound from their horrible finish and avoid a first-round playoff exit? Well, that's what they got Ryan Miller for, isn't it? If they lose, that trade becomes a waste. St. Louis is the best team in the Central Division. A first-round playoff loss would be an incredible disappointment. Blues in seven.
Ducks vs. Stars: Dallas gets out of the Pacific Division and finally returns to the playoffs...only to face a Pacific Division team (then another if they win). It was a great job by Lindy Ruff to get Dallas into the field, but they've got the toughest draw of anybody. Anaheim is the most complete team and they're built to make a run at the Cup. Unfortunately for the Stars, this is just the opening act for the Ducks. Dallas is good, but also incredibly overmatched. Ducks in four.
Sharks vs. Kings: For the first time, all three California teams are good in the same season. Is this finally the year for the Sharks, or will they have their annual playoff letdown? You know one of these years, San Jose is finally going to finish the job and get to the Final. Meanwhile, the Kings were the 8-seed in the West two years ago and won the Cup, then went to the Conference Final last year as the 5-seed. So, they clearly don't need home ice to make a run in the playoffs. But you also have to wonder how long that can last. I see a very competitive, highly entertaining series here. It's a coin toss. Watching all seven games on NBCSN will be fun. Sharks in seven.
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