As much has I am pulling for Detroit, I don't think they will go past the second round. I really, REALLY hope that I'm wrong, but the Wings are going to have one of the biggest disadvantages in the playoffs. Refs are gonna be putting the whistles away, meaning less Powerplay time (something that Detroit is fucking AMAZING at) and there will be more clutching/grabbing going on during the 5 on 5's. That has been the Wings' game plan all year. Use their talent to embarass people while 5 on 5, almost forcing them to take a penalty, then going to work. It ain't gonna be pretty for us, come playoff time. Edmonton will be first round fodder at least though, hehehe. Really, the team to beat in the Western Confererence is Calgary. By far the most physical team in the entire playoffs, along with some really talented guys, and if Kiprusoff gets hot and goes on a streak, forget about it. That guy is fucking scary when he's on. The only other team that I think could pull it off (and I can't believe I'm about to say this) is San Jose. I can't believe that shitbag Thornton could make such a huge difference, but really, the guy is awesome. Anyone who can make a nothing of a gutter slut like Johnathan Cheechoo into a star, is a top notch fucker in my book. They've been playing so well the last few weeks, it could get scary with all the momentum they're carrying, not to mention their home crowd is insane. Also, a PS to anyone who thinks Dallas might do good = Marty Turco couldn't even carry a case of herpes properly, let alone carry a team through a 4 round playoff. He's good, but he's not Stanley Cup good. I kind of would like to be wrong here as well, since he's a good ole U of M boy =)

Out of the East, I think the Rangers actually might have a legitimate shot. Lundqvist just might pull a Patrick Roy in 1986 and pull it out. I definitely don't see Ottawa doing anything. Hasek is pulling the exact same horseshit that he pulled in Detroit, where the trainers all say he's fully recovered yet he won't go back onto the ice. The kid they have playing now is gonna get shelled come playoff time, and even if Hasek comes back, it's just too hard to have so many months off as a goaltender in the NHL. Speaking of goaltenders, Brodeur just doesn't have another cup run in him. Devils are a non-factor. Aside from the Rangers, Carolina could be it. That team made some quality trades this year and could really end up whipping some ass. In truth, I'm not that educated on their team, because really, who in the hockey world really gives a shit about Carolina, but on paper they look really damn good. Just to be a dick though, I hope Montreal goes to the finals. Go Habs.

In the end, I could see an all Canadian final, which I wouldn't mind, but in the end I see the West winning.