Anaheim vs Winnipeg

This would have been another feel good story and maybe would have had more intrigue if Teemu Selanne were still playing, but it just is not going to go the Jets' way. Almost all of the experts agree. The Ducks will keep the Jets grounded.

Second Round – Anaheim vs Calgary

If all goes according to plan (bwahahaha), then the Ducks will face their former goalie Jonas Hiller. I'm certain Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf will know all his weaknesses and exploit them often. The Ducks fly by the Flames quickly and into the third round.

St. Louis vs Minnesota

I've predicted Minnesota in seven. Most of the other writers feel that this will go to seven games and thus is very much a coin flip. The experts are giving the edge to St. Louis, but for a team that had been challenging for the Presidents' Trophy, you would have felt that they would be given better odds. I felt that Minnesota has the skill, defensive mentality, and now goaltending to get by the Blues in seven.

Nashville vs Chicago

Only one of four experts who are taking the Predators instead of the Blackhawks. I can understand why people would gravitate to Chicago, but they are not the same team that won the Cup. They have more flaws. They almost were surpassed by Minnesota in the regular season standings and even though they put on a good finish, Nashville will survive.

Second Round – Nashville vs Minnesota

Sure I would be going with the favorite here, in this scenario but most experts have it set up as a Blues versus Blackhawks. Like the others we all made our predictions before the games started, so I am worried now with Shea Weber's injury. I still think that they will win and go into the Western Conference final.

Conference Finals – Anaheim vs Nashville

Here is where I feel that Anaheim would be caught off guard. They would have disposed of two teams rather easily and they might even have some time off before this series starts. Sometimes the gap kills momentum, and I believe that will be the case here. This will be a high scoring affair but the Preds go to the final.

Now for the East.

New York Rangers vs Pittsburgh

Yikes! Only one Dobber writer is going with the Penguins, and I am not that guy. The Penguins have just too many flaws even if they have two of the best players in the league on their team. It was easy to take the Rangers.

Washington vs New York Islanders

Another historical rivalry. Though most of these Islanders were not even born when those matches were played, I do feel that they will win here. An image of John Tavares scoring a Pat Lafontaine keeps popping up in my thoughts. Not that I have anything against Washington. I've quite enjoyed their resurgence this season, but like the Penguins they will fail yet again. Only three experts have them defeating the Capitals, but the consensus was that it would go to game seven.

Second Round – New York vs New York

Yeah, I liked the symmetry and I could not help myself in believing that the league would love this matchup as well. Under this bracket system, that is about the best round that they would most likely meet at. Certainly everyone would lean towards the Rangers. How could you not, since they are the best team in the league with superb goaltending, Rick Nash and others. I still will go with the Islanders, though. Chants of 'Fish Sticks' will be heard on Broadway.

Tampa Bay vs Detroit

The Red Wings keep on hanging on. The ECG machine continues to show that they've got a heartbeat. Continued injuries and now goaltending issues have surfaced but they made it to the playoffs. Congrats to them but like all the experts, we are putting them to bed and going with the Lightning.

Montreal vs Ottawa

I was a grimacing when I heard about P.K. Subban's slash on Mark Stone. Everything was going out the window for me if he got suspended. Boy did I survive a scare there. The prediction was made prior to all of that and I, along with most of the experts, had them stealing not only the Hamburglar's burgers but their fries too.

Second Round – Montreal vs Tampa Bay

Last year Steven Stamkos was returning from injury. Not so this year, but I continue to like the poise and skill on the Canadiens. They will win this series just like they did last time. As my MVP selection, Subban will prove his worth in this series.

Eastern Conference Finals – Montreal vs New York Islanders

Well they already took the burgers and fries from Ottawa and they will grab the Filet-O-Fish from New York. Seriously, they will outmatch the Islanders at every level except in regards to Tavares. Price and Subban will negate him though.

Stanley Cup Final – Nashville vs Montreal

Only two other writers had Montreal to the final. None have selected Nashville. How could I even envision this most unlikely scenario? The winner of my free Top 50 contest this year was habs7079. It was a sign for things to come. I feel it in my bones. Habs win! Habs win! Habs win!

I had to go with my gut, even though they are my most hated franchise in the league. After all those burgers, fries, and other fast food items it would make me throw up.

Mon Dieux!

The Contrarian – Ilya Kovalchuk and Expansion

The Contrarian – One Hundred Point Plan

The Contrarian – Dead Pucks