2007 Stanley Cup Playoffs have BEGUN!!!

The best time of the year is here! The Stanley Cup playoffs. Hard hitting, intense games, big saves and of course sudden death over time. There is nothing like it in all of sports. Here's my break down of rd 1.

Dallas Stars vs Vancouver Canucks.

Game 1 was incredible. 6^th longest playoff game 138:06 minutes and it was a five hour game! Any Canuck fan that stayed up for this was pleasantly surprised to see the boys win.

Zubov played 64 shifts and had 55:08 in ice time (pretty good for a veteran). Kevin Bieksa had 69 shifts and had 54:27 in ice time (this is a guy who was playing his 1^st playoff game!).

Hard hitting game. There were 46 hits by the Canucks: 15 different Canucks that dished out hits

Roberto Luongo is in the Canuck record book with 72 saves in the game. Turco was great too with 51 saves. But Turco did get beat by a great shot in the OT which was the difference. Glad it wasn’t one of those cheap goals.

The game started with Henrik Sedin to Daniel Sedin to open the scoring but in the 4^th OT it was Daniel Sedin to Henrik Sedin for the game winner. Good thing we didn’t trade the Canucks 3 years ago like many fans where calling for.

Cowan had a great game and I thought he was going to be the OT scorer. This guy was on Naslund and Morrison’s line. He had a game leading 9 hits. It was his 1^st playoff game as well. Welcome to the playoffs. Especially with Cooke and Burrows out he had to step up. To win these Canucks need to be proud of themselves especially only running with 10 forwards in the extra frames.

Surprised some of the Sportsnet crew picked Dallas not only to win the series but to go to the finals. Except John Garrett who is a homer because he always picks the Canucks to win the Cup. Fat chance but that’s what I am cheering for.

Calgary Flames vs Detroit Red Wings

Calgary didn’t show up in game 1 but don’t count these guys out. As good as Detroit is I am picking the Flames to upset the Wings. Bertuzzi isn’t going to be a huge factor and Kipper will bounce back the main problem Calgary faces is Hasek. Yes the Dominator. Say what you will about this guy but he’s a winner and there is a reason Detroit signed him back.

Nashville Predators vs San Jose Sharks

This series should be good. I have a feeling it might go the distance. Thinking the Sharks will win this series in 6 games. But if Cheechoo is out for a long time the Preds might just be able to squeak by. San Jose is older and wiser I can’t see them losing this series.

Minnesota Wild vs Anaheim Mighty Ducks

The Wild are a great team they just drew the wrong team to play in the 1^st round. I know Anaheim stumbled into the playoffs but these guys are going to click in the playoffs. Not only do I have them winning the series but I got them winning the cup (trust me I hope I am wrong and John Garrett is right).

Buffalo Sabres vs New York Islanders

The Islanders ran the table and knocked out the leaves from the playoffs but let’s take a look at the “amazing” New Yorkers. There is no way the Isles would be in the playoffs if Brodeur was in net. Against Clemente (who I had never heard of until the last game of the regular season) the backup and you go to a shoot out? Buffalo is going to kill this team in 5 games. Did you know R.Smyth scored 36 goals in the regular season? What is Edmonton thinking?

New Jersey Devils vs Tampa Bay Lightning

I can’t stand watching the Devils play hockey…I find it SO boring but they win. Brodeur is the man and their defensive system always seems to work. I am hope Tampa surprises them with peppering Marty and getting solid goaltending from Holmquist. But if I had to put $ on it I wouldn’t bet against the Devils in this series.

Atlanta Thrashers vs New York Rangers

The Thrashers won their division? Wow. I understand they have some firepower up front but I didn’t think Lethonen was that good. The Rangers on the other hand have been on fire coming into the playoffs and I think the Jagr led Rangers will win the series. One of the biggest reasons is NYR goaltending…Lundqvist in my opinion is the REAL deal. Hopefully Straka and the boys can put the puck in the net.

Ottawa Senators vs Pittsburgh Penguins

Crosby and Malkin are amazing; they are legit. The problem is I don’t think Fluery is ready for the pressure. Ottawa has been in the playoffs and understand that the physical play against the Penguins might just wear them down. Ottawa is stacked with Heatly, Alfredsson, and Spezza firing on all cylinders.

What do you think?

You got to admit it’s weird not to have the Oilers, Leaves and Canadiens in the playoffs though.