PLAYOFFS -- ROUND 1

Being the dork that I am, I've been thinking about these for quite some time. It kills me that I'm in Argentina this spring to miss these matchups. From the outlook, the teams in the tourney this year seem to be more competitive than in recent years (i.e. the Islanders two years ago). Anyway, here are my picks for the first round:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Boston vs. #8 Montreal

Sweet, sweet revenge for the Bruins -- a team that's suffered at the hands of Montreal for so many years -- before the playoffs have even begun. Of course, the B's dominated the conference this season and surprised many, myself included. While I don't seem them going all the way, this series should be a bit of a breeze for a few reasons.

First, the Bruins have played very well in front of their home fans. One has to realize how devastating it would be for them to lose this series against an archrival like the Habs. The Habs, on the other hand, have suffered a coaching change this season and post a somewhat more unstable unit on the ice. They snuck into the postseason this year, but not by much. Look for the Bruins to win every game at home and then some.

PREDICTION: BRUINS in 5

#2 Washington vs. #7 New York

Yes, this series holds special meaning for me. But still, I'm going to be completely honest. Ok, here goes.

Like the Bruins, it would be ABSOLUTELY DEVASTATING for the Capitals to lose this series. This season, they've developed a whole new culture of hockey in Washington, and made it cool (again?) to "rock the red." They have one of the most exciting offensive teams in the league, not just through the great 8, but also through Semin, Backstrom, Green, and Federov, who's just waiting to show what he's made of. But to focus on Ovechkin: the guy has shown time and time again he can singlehandedly change the outcome of a hockey game. If he decides to do that, New York could be sent packing very quickly.

But not so fast folks. Yes, the Rangers like the Canadiens, snuck into the playoffs this season. And yes, the Rangers' pitiful offense has plagued them every other game of the season. Let's address the offense first. It would appear that the Capitals have a better offense -- and indeed, they probably do. However, New York is a very different team than it was when it faced off against Washington this season. One can't underestimate the offensive addition of Antropov and the blueline addition of Derek Morris. There's no doubt -- the power play is better than it once was, and the offense as a whole is more intact. Furthermore, the Rangers' offensive talent on paper is just as potent as the Caps' -- it's just waiting to break out of its shell, and given history, the playoffs will show that.

Then, there's goaltending, and I think we all know which team is better in that category.

But friends, this isn't going to be a series with a lot of goals. The Rangers have the ability to slow down a hockey game and make it low scoring like none other, and that's just what they're going to do starting Wednesday night. In fact, I'm going to predict that no more than 4 goals will be scored in the first two games in Washington. This series will be about who wins the close battles, and whether Ovechkin turns it on.

Yes, it's hard to explain, but the Rangers will sneak by this one.

PREDICTION: RANGERS in 6

#3 New Jersey vs. #6 Carolina

I like the way Carolina is playing right now. New Jersey has a recent history of faltering in the playoffs, and Martin Brodeur CAN be beaten. Look for a fast-paced Hurricanes team that pulls off the upset.

PREDICTION: Hurricanes in 6

#4 Pittsburgh vs. #5 Philadelphia

The Flyers have a stronger team than most people realize this year, and will probably come out of the East. The Penguins, on the other hand, are more volatile. Sid the Kid will be whining, crying, and bitching when his team exits early this year.

PREDICTION: Flyers in 5

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 San Jose vs. #8 Anaheim

It's hard not to see the Sharks coming out on top here. They've had one of the best seasons in franchise history and while like with the Bruins, I don't see them going all the way, they'll win this series easily. Anaheim's had a fairly weak year and shouldn't pose much of a threat.

PREDICTION: San Jose in 4

#2 Detroit vs. #7 Columbus

Detroit will experience a Stanley Cup hangover here and lose this series. Yes, they're the Red Wings, but we can't underestimate Columbus here. They've had a great season and will steal this one. That's all I got.

PREDICTION: Blue Jackets in 6

#3 Vancouver vs. #6 St. Louis

PREDICTION: Canucks in 5

#4 Chicago vs. #5 Calgary

Perhaps one of the more exciting series on the bill. Chicago should come out on top in a tight race.

PREDICTION: Chicago in 7