NHL Playoff Preview

Well, it's that time again. Where the coolest game reaches its best time and men from around the globe compete for the greatest trophy in all of sports. The NHL playoffs are a rare event in sports- where words like honor, character, courage and sacrifice actually apply in sports. Okay, so it's not exactly the military, but you get the idea.

The sport is better, faster, and more exciting thanks to the rule changes and strict officiating this season. One of the main questions ending into the playoffs this year is will the referees keep calling so tight, or will they let more things go. I hope the keep it exactly the same- let the boys hit and scrap, but cut down on the hooking, holding and interference.

Now, prediction time for Friday night's games:

Eastern Conference:

1) Ottawa vs. 8) Tampa Bay
Ottawa can beat you any number of ways- offense, defense, special teams. While Dominink Hasek is still out injured (with prognosis uncertain) rookie Ray Emery has held down the fort, winning 23 games to only 11 defeats. Luckily for Ottawa, their offense is so good he doesn't have to be brilliant. Even with average goaltending, they can overcome their traditional playoff swoon and advance. Tampa Bay seems like nowhere near the team they were the last time Lord Stanley's Cup was awarded- when they were celebrating in Florida. They have struggled all season with inconsistent offense, a mediocre power play, and that paired with inconsistent goaltending is not a winning formula. This is become a trendy upset pick in recent days, but I'm not buying it- Sens in 6. What to watch for: The number 19 is worn by wonderful and similar players on both teams- Jason Spezza for Ottawa, Brad Richards for Tampa Bay. Both are creative talents, terrific passers who think the game so well and creat highlihgt-reel goals.

Western Conference:

1) Detroit vs. 8) Edmonton
Detroit has been #1 in the league all season long, and has simply incredible depth and leadership in all departments. They have a nice mix of young and old, and guys that know what it takes to win. The names of Yzerman, Chelios, Lidstrom are all headed to the Hall of Fame (and so should Shanahan), the young guns Datsyuk and Zetterberg are ready. They have been denied in the playoffs is recent years, but not this time. Edmonton made some nice offsesaon moves (affording Chris Pronger and Mike Peca-big contracts they never could in the "old" NHL) and picked up Dwayne Roloson to stop pucks and Sergei Samsonov at the dealine to give them a little more flash up front. They should have made a major push forward this year, but they just didn't. Instead, it's just another Edmonton team that battled down the stretch to squeez into the 8th spot in the playoffs. This team simply doesn't scare me is any way. There is no one, no line, you have to stop. Detroit just has way too much for Edmonton, and wins in only 5 games. What to watch for: Will Edmonton have enough discipline to avoid penalties and give Detroit too many powerplays.

4) Nashvile vs. 5) San Jose
Nashville looked much scarier before goaltender Tomas Vokoun went out with a rare blood disorder, and Marek Zidlicky and injured as well. I really like Nashville, and they have been built well for the new speedier NHL. With Kariya added to the mix up front, they got the scorer they need to take the next step forward after their first-round playoff loss last time out. San Jose has been the Joe Thornton-Jonathan Cheechoo story since Thornton got there in a trade from Boston earlier this season. Cheechoo led the league with 56 goals, and Thornton became the first ever player to be traded and win the scoring title in the same year. They are strong up the middle with Patrick Marleau right behind them, and have some speed on the wings. Nashville has gone from being a feared opponent to the team everyone wanted to play after the injuries hit. They battle, but San Jose wins in 7 games. What to watch for: How Chris Mason handles goaltending in his first ever playoff games.

3) Calgary vs. 6) Anaheim
I think the best series of the first round, with a contrast in styles. Calgary is built from the goaltender out- with Miikka Kiprusoff and a strong young defense. They are mean, tough, and no fun to play against. Calgary scores just enough to get by (they are by far the lowest scoring team in the playoffs, 27th out of 30 teams in the league) and is planning on riding coach Darryl Sutter's defense-first philosphy all the way back to the Cup Finals. In their way is Anaheim, a younger, faster team that plays a game built on speed and transition. The are a fun team to watch, with resurrected 40-goal scorer Teemu Selanne leading the way up front along with centerman Andy McDonald, as Scott Neidermayer runs the blueline while playing over 25 mintues a game. They have many exciting rookies as well- Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf, and Chris Kunitz have all been major contributors. Goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere won the MVP trophy the last time he was in the playoffs. This series will hinge more than any other on whether or not the referees keep on calling the hooking, holding, and interference penalties. If they do, Anaheim's speed will create turnovers and power play chances. If not, Calgary will be able to rough and tumble their way into the second round. I'll say Ducks in 7, in the best series of the opening round. What to watch for: How the Ducks respond to Calgary's physical play. They will be pushed around, but they need to simply turn the other cheek and score on their ensuing power play.