As the NHL playoffs start we take a look at the top ten playoff series that could or could not be. A good series were defining as a series that will go over five games. And of course rivalries make it great. In declining order
- New York Islanders vs New York Rangers second round: This is one of the best east coast rivalries. The islanders after being one year removed from theyre surprising 6 game series with the one seeded then penguins are a real playoff contender. The Rangers are hungry to get back to the finals and this year comes back with lord Stanleys Cup. This series will be hard hitting low scoring and gritty overall great hockey. These two teams will take it to seven and the Rangers will take it.
- Detroit Red Wings Vs Tampa Bay Lightning first round: The lightnings were swept by the Canadiens last year and they learned quite a bit from it. While Detroit is the twenty year playoff veteran team with a real shot to make a run this year. The Wings have Jimmy Howard playing at a Hendrik Lundquist like level. Steven Stamkos needs another cup and this is a great rivalry waiting to be formed. This thing will go to seven as well and the Wings will take it.
- Vancouver vs Calgary first round: These teams are so even its not even funny Vancouver plays gritty grindy hockey. Calgary is all about pretty passing dirty dangles and hard hits. This would be higher up but there are series better than this. This goes to seven and is a toss up but I have Calgary.
- Montreal vs Ottowa first round: THE HAMBURGLER Andrew Hammond is gone taste playoff hockey and struggle the first two games in Montreal. But he will get his legs under him and turn it on. This is going to go from a Montreal high scoring series in the first two to a low scoring save fest in the second half. So Senators fans don’t get to stressed when your down 2-0 in the series. On the other side of the ice though will be the vienza trophy winner in my opinion Carey Price. If you like goaltending battles and high drama (I love both) this is the series for you. It will go to six games and Montreal will take it.
- Saint louis blues vs Minesota wild: The Wild are playing the best hockey in franchise history and this year there a legit playoff team. Darcy Kuemper is the Hamburgler of the west . This team is also so deep (see playoff bubble teams article) And saint louis always has the same narrative start hot then fall apart. This series goes to seven and to the Wild.
- Detroit vs Montreal round two: This will be a defensive test for Montreal. Carey price will endure though through the first two games then it will just be to much for price. Wings in 6
- Anaheim vs Chicago West Confrence Finals: Aneheim is the master of playoff chokes and in one of my 3 brackets I have them in the finals. (ill be releasing my final bracket later. This series high scoring and hard hitting while Corey Crawford will stand on his head. Hawks in 6
- New York Rangers vs Detroit Red Wings: This is the best match the East will see and these teams will feel each other out the first two games. After that this series explodes there will be so much action im willing to bet there will be an average of 80 shots on goal in games 3-7. I love the Red Wings playoff deep team but the Rangers have one mission this year fight back to the finals. Rangers in 7
- The Chicago Blackhawks vs The Minnesota wild: This is the rivalry that has become so prevalent throughout the playoffs and these teams hate each other. And it will be beautiful hockey yes you’ll get your big hits but this is about the drama of the hawks last minute winners and the how did that go in goals by the wild. I love drama and this series is packed with it. Hawks in 7.
To see the number one matchup check back later with my new post with my brackets. Keep in mind there are three the one off statistics one off play and one with the only way you can make a bracket with your gut.