For everyone about to inhale the 2010 NHL Playoffs here’s a break down for each series so you are capable of pilfering your bookie’s bankroll thanks to my impeccable predictions. What makes me qualified to know exactly what is going to happen? That’s easy, I’m Canadian.

Eastern Conference

Washington (1) vs Montreal (8)
How do you say lopsided in french? This series has the makings to be a blowout with the high flying Capitals but the Habs can hold their own and actually won the season series 2-1-1. However, the Caps did score more than 100 goals than the Habs this year and Ovechkin has got to be pissed, robbed of both the Art Ross trophy (Hank Sedin) and the Rocket Richard (Stamkos, Crosby) in the last day of the season so he will be out to prove the haters wrong. You have to give the forwards edge to the Caps with their first two lines being two of the most productive all season, but the Habs have the edge defensively and in net. Theodore is really the wild card in this match-up. The former Hab will want to perform well against his old team and hasn’t lost a game in months but his history of cracking under pressure could show and Halak will steal a game or two from him. In the end though the offensive juggernaut will blow the frenchies out of the water.
Washington in 5

New Jersey (2) vs Philadelphia (7)
Now this is going to be one hell of a series! These two teams dislike each other immensely and even though they are seperated by a ton of points are much closer than most realize. The goaltending edge is what most will focus on as Boucher vs. Brodeur isn’t exactly very fair but don’t count out the Flyers just yet. They have been in playoff mode for a couple weeks and have owned the Devils this year with a 5-1 record. The Flyers can roll 3 talented lines and Jeff Carter could return just in time for a series that will be very rough, which should equate to powerplay time for him. But, the offensive mainstays of the Devils will hold up their end of the bargain with Parise, Zajac and Kovulchuk leading the way and Langenbrunner and Zubrus contributing on both ends of the ice but I am going to take a chance on Boucher and a few bad games by Brodeur this season and go with the upset.
Philadelphia in 7

Buffalo (3) vs Boston (6)
I really did not expect the Sabres to take their division this year, besides Miller they have a pretty thin line-up. But the emergence of Tyler Myers, steady scoring from their top line and strong coaching from a man named Lindsay has them in the drivers seat. Add to that the Bruins have had a horrible season filled with turmoil and injuries and this one is a no brainer. Without Savard their entire offence is lost. Rask will hold them in a few games but this series is more of a lock than Zdeno Chara dying at an early age.
Buffalo in 5

Pittsburgh (4) vs Ottawa (5)
Poor Senators, if a couple of pucks had bounced differently the Pens would of won their division and wouldn’t be about to curbstomp Canada’s capital back into obscurity. The Sens have been over achieving all season, even through all their turmoil and injuries but that is all about to catch up with them. Brian Elliott has finally shown they have a goaltender they can rely on but even he won’t be able to hold back the barrage that a motivated Crosby and a now healthy Malkin are about to unleash. If the Sens can play anything like they did a month ago then this is a series but missing two key forwards makes this one a lock for the Pens regardless of number of games played.
Pittsburgh in 4

Western Conference

San Jose (1) vs Colorado (8)
No one expected the Avs to make the playoffs this year but thanks to Craig Anderson and their new youth movement they have surprised a lot of people. Unfortunately they are going up against the best line in hockey and a goalie who is finally getting over his Olympic hangover. The Sharks won’t be satisfied unless they at least get to the Conference Finals so it’s a given they will be focused on destroying the Avs. While Anderson will hold them in games the youngsters will just be happy to be there and it will be their downfall. The Avs should win a game or two just so the Shark faithful can start to get real nervous again.
San Jose in 6

Chicago (2) vs Nashville (7)
This is a tough one, on the one hand you have a very deep Blackhawk team that can score or shut you down with any of their 4 lines. Then you have the Preds who win because their defensive play bores the competition into taking chances. Then there’s the goalies, both are new to the Playoffs and no one knows what Niemi can do, one game he will be spectacular and get the shutout and then the next game he gets shelled. Huet isn’t going to save them either, his confidence is shot and most likely has played his last game as a Hawk. So who do you go with? Well the Blackhawks of course, they have been here before and are a consensus pick to win the Cup this year. Nashville just does not have the firepower to keep up.
Chicago in 5

Vancouver (3) vs Los Angeles (6)
My instincts tell me to take the Kings in this one but I’ll admit I am a homer and am going with my Canucks. The leagues leading scorer and his twin brother, six 25 goal scorers, one of the best goalies in the world how can I not? But the Kings have really impressed this year and can roll 2 potent offensive lines and have a young but lethal defensive core. The biggest question is Quick who in his first full year has played more minutes than anyone his age, his first crack at the playoffs could be a disaster. But don’t worry, the Canucks always are dramatic and will implode enough to take it to 7.
Vancouver in 7

Phoenix (4) vs Detroit (5)
The Coyotes have impressed many this year, Bryzgalov has come into his own and has become an elite goaltender. Shane Doan is one of the best captains out there and even scoring hasn’t been an issue for this team. But let’s try and remember that this is the Winnipeg Jets cursed franchise, lost $50 million this year and their rise to the top means it’s just a longer fall to the bottom. The Red Wings had a rough season but that was because of injuries to key people. Now they are healthy, Jimmy Howard is the hottest goalie in the league and will steam the Coyotes in 5.
Detroit in 5