NHL playoffs: First round predictions

Finally, the greatest time of the sports year is upon us. The first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs will get underway tonight as the Philadelphia Flyers take on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Game two will showcase the St. Louis Blues against the Vancouver Canucks.

Here are my first round predictions.

WEST

#1 San Jose Sharks vs. #8 Anaheim Ducks: Sharks in six games

#2 Detroit Red Wings vs. # 7 Columbus Blue Jackets: Red Wings in five games

#3 Vancouver Canucks vs. # 6 St. Louis Blues: Vancouver in five games

#4 Chicago Blackhawks vs. #5 Calgary Flames: Chicago in six games

EAST

#1 Boston Bruins vs. #8 Montreal Canadiens: Boston in five games

#2 Washington Capitals vs. #7 New York Rangers: Washington in six games

#3 New Jersey Devils vs. #6 Carolina Hurricanes: Carolina in six games

#4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #5 Philadelphia Flyers: Pittsburgh in seven games

Yay!