Playoffs start tonight and here are my picks for the first round.
Vancouver vs LA
Homerism will prevail here no matter what but this series comes down to two elements: can Vancouver's defesne withstand the pounding the large LA forwards will deliver and can Quick win the games for LA while they continue to figure out how to score?
Intangibles: Daniel Sedin, Jeff Carter and most importantly has Vancouver been sleep walking the last 30 games and can they switch the intensity now the playoffs have arrived?
Pick: Vancouver in 6
St. Louis vs San Jose
Logic dictates that the Blues are heavily faovured but don't count the Sharks out with all their experience in the post season. While they have never made it to the finals they have done well to go deep a few times. St. Louis got swept in 4 the last time they saw the post season and will rely on leadership from Arnott, Langenbrunner and McDonald to guide them.
Intangibles: Goaltending for both teams. Can Halak/Elliot find previous palyoff magic and the same for Niemi?
Pick: St. Louis in 5
Phoenix vs Chicago
Experience plays a role in everything and the Hawks bring it in spades with youth and vets and awards. The Coyotes, while happy to be at the dance, have to deal with a team looking to shake off a season of confusion. Not sure who matches up better in goaltending here but should neither team get off to a strogn start this could be a great coaches battle series.
Intangibles: Toews. If he is healthy and can perform there may be not better insprirational leader in the playoffs to propel a team.
Pick: Chicago in 6
Detroit vs Nasvhille
The students face the teacher as Suter and Weber go up against the grandmaster of modern defense legends Nik Lidstrom. Other than the Philly Pitts series this may be the other one to watch with interest. A ton of story lines here so where to start? I have no idea.
Intangibles: Everything, goaltending, offense, experience, offense, defense and coaching.
Pick: Nashville in 7
East
New York vs Ottawa
This is one series where there is a possibility of an upset as much as any other. Sens had the better series in the season and they can score and the Rangers rely on Lundqvist just a bit too much. This series will be determined by how much offensive freedom NY let's Ottawa have and Torts is going to have to coach his team through this series.
Intangibles: Goaltending if one team gets above season performance goaltending they get the edge.
Pick: Rangers in 6
Boston vs Washington
Should be a formality for the Bruins right? Ovechkin has turned it up the last few weeks and looks liek a threat again. Bruins don't have Horton, nor do the Caps have a true starter and bring in Holtby. The Bruins forecheck will challenge the Caps all series long and make life tough and the Caps have to prevent it.
Intangibles: How does Thomas get received in Washington after his Whitehouse snub. Fans should get in his kitchen and get Obama to sit behind Thomas' net.
Pick: Bruins in 6
New Jersey vs Florida
Yawn. I'm happy for Florida to see the dance again it's been far too long for their fans but could they at least see a team who may give them a glimmer of excitement? With a record setting PK Jersey has just modified their pre-lock out game to special teams now.
Intangibles: Can Florida muster some magic from it's special teams to counter the efficient and lethal poise of Jersey?
Pick: New Jersey in 5
Philadelphia vs Pittsburgh
Armageddon? 2012? This could be gladiator warfare, it could be a back alley knife fight or it could be calm until something happens as the teams try to feel each other out. Bryz is serving up quotes and that's never a good sign but Philly can roll 4 lines who can cause damage on any team.
Intangibles: Bryz and Crosby. If Bryz plays well it could be amazing and if Crosby gets too much physical abuse it could be devastating but I lilke Fleury to shore everything up for Pitts.
Pick: Pittsburgh in 7
So the last question is the Wild Ass Guess- or WAG. Who is the hero this year? Who comes out of nowhere to lead is team? My wild ass guess: Mike Fisher
Have fun folks the first round is aways the best
Vancouver Canucks Blogger • 
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