Checking on All Habs Staff Playoff Predictions

By Stevo, AllHabs.net

MONTREAL, QC. — Team All Habs has decided to make their predictions for Round 1 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs and we are sharing those predictions with you today.

We have an internal pool between ourselves with points going to those who have correct choices, it’ll be very interesting to see who comes out on top!

Here are the predictions and a few notes on each series:

Western Conference

Vancouver Canucks (1) vs Chicago Blackhawks (8)

• Although only 5 out of 19 members chose the Blackhawks to win this series, we generally expect that this series will be the longest.
• Series will last: 6.4 games.
  (Average amongst all members’ predictions)

“Chicago in 7, I smell a repeat of sorts” – Reza

“Canucks in 5. Chicago has been really inconsistent this year.” – Amy

San Jose Sharks (2) vs Los Angelas Kings (7)

• The San Jose Sharks are heavy favorite to win this series as only one member chose the LA Kings (Kayla) to beat the San Jose Sharks in the first round of the playoffs.
• This is also the series we expect will be the shortest.
• Series will last: 5.3 games.
  (Average amongst all members’ predictions)

“Sharks in 6. Kings aren’t strong enough..” – Lyse

“Kings in 6, my “upset” for the western conference. It’s more of a fantasy than a serious prediction.” – Kayla

Detroit Red Wings (3) vs Phoenix Coyotes (6)

• The Detroit Red Wings are favorite in their series against the Phoenix Coyotes with 14 members picking them to get by to the second round.
• Series will last: 6.2 games.
  (Average amongst all members’ predictions)

“Even if detroit stinks at home lately, they are detroit” – Kathy

“Detroit in 7. The Wings will suffer but will find a way to win it based on their experience.” – Pablo

Anaheim Ducks (4) vs Nashville Predators (5)

• Although many question the Anaheim Ducks’ goaltending and depth, they are favorite by a margin of 13-6 against the Nashville Predators.
• Series will last: 6.1 games.
  (Average amongst all members’ predictions)

“Anaheim 4-3. Anaheim’s top 6 talent can’t overcome issues in goal. Rinne steals series for Nashville.” – Rick

“The Preds don’t have enough depth at scoring, only two 20+ goal scorers this year, highest is 23.  Predators will make for easy prey against the Ducks. Quack Quack.” – Steve

Eastern Conference

Washington Capitals (1) vs New York Rangers (8)

• Although the New York Rangers gave all sorts of trouble to the Washington Capitals this season, the Caps are still heavy favorite to win the series by a margin of 13-6.
• Series will last: 6.1 games.
  (Average amongst all members’ predictions)

“Washington in 7. Otherwise I really will hate Lundqvist.” – Erica

“Rangers in 7, Goalies still matter” – Reza

Philadelphia Flyers (2) vs Buffalo Sabres (7)

• Although the Buffalo Sabres were one of the best teams down the stretch, only five members picked them to win their series over the Philadelphia Flyers who are still without Chris Pronger.
• Series will last: 5.9 games.
  (Average amongst all members’ predictions)

“Flyers in 6. Why? Cause I said so. :)” – Amy

“Flyers in 6. Don’t see the Sabres upsetting them.” – Katherine

Pittsburgh Penguins (4) vs Tampa Bay Lightning (5)

• This is the most even series amongst our members’ predictions, with eleven choosing the Pittsburgh Penguins to win as opposed to eight choosing the Tampa Bay Lightning.
• Series will last: 6.3 games.
  (Average amongst all members’ predictions)

“Pens in 7, I want them to suffer :D” – Rovena

“Battle of the coaches. One who’s put all his eggs into his offense, the other who’s had to deal with his top offensive  weapons going down. Pens have proven they can win without Crosby and Malkin, Pens in 6.” – Steve

Boston Bruins (3) vs Montreal Canadiens (6)

• Not surprising to see 15 members of the All Habs team choose the Montreal Canadiens to beat the Boston Bruins in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
• Erica, Katherine, Brian and myself are not so optimistic, although we are all hoping for the Habs to pull this off.
• Series will last: 6.2 games.
  (Average amongst all members’ predictions)

“Montreal over Boston 4-2  Special teams decide the series. Thomas comes undone.” – Rick

“Boston in 5 (I prefer that you throw eggs not apples. Messier but hurts less)” – Brian

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Would you like to share with us your predictions, comment below!