GAME FACE ON!!!!

Flip a coin fella's / some terrific ROCK EM SOCK EM 1st rounders!!!!!!!

First Round Matchups

Boston vs Montreal

San Jose vs Anaheim

Washington vs NY Rangers

Detroit vs Columbus

New Jersey vs Carolina

Vancouver vs St. Louis

Pittsburgh vs Philadelphia

Chicago vs Calgary

Boston-Montreal...almost as regular an April event as the Masters. I think my Bruins will make short work of them this year but, yes, I do remember 1971, 1984, 2002 and 2004 when they finished well ahead of Montreal in the standings. Can't wait until Thursday.

My predictions:

Boston over Montreal 4 games to 1
San Jose over Anaheim 4:3
NYR over Washingto 4:2
Detroit over Columbus 4:0
Carolina over NJ 4:2
Vancouver over St. Louis 4:1
Pittsburgh over Philadelphia 4:2
Calgary over Chicago 4:2

I always look to see how many Original 6 teams make the playoffs and this year it's 5 of them. Also, the Bluejackets made the playoffs for the first time! Columbus is the closest team geographically, and I have been pulling for them since they joined the league, but it's hard for me to go against Detroit since they are my team! I'm just glad to see the Bluejackets in postseason play.

I wasn't sure if the Pens were going to make it or not! That would have been a shock, but they got it together. Let's see how they hold up this year.

As usual, I'm going with the Red Wings! They always make the playoffs and almost always make a real run for the cup. They are in another strong position to defend the Stanley Cup!

Last yr Habs were 1 B's 8
This yr B's 1 Habs 8
All the pressure in the world is on Boston
Zero pressure on Montreal after the Disaster of a season and now Markov out
I just wonder if Boston can handle the heat and if Montreal wins game 1 look out
Boston fans want the cup 1972 was a long time ago...................

Boston has had many great contending teams since they last won the Cup but there is something special about this crew. They seem to have a perfect mix of youth, experience, speed, skill, toughness and having the best goalie in the league doesn't hurt. For the first time since 1971, I would be shocked if Montreal beats them.

I don't know what it is but there is something about Thomas when Montreal plays him they seem to be able to rattle him and score a lot of goals.
I honestly don't know if he will handle this pressure well or snap?

Okay, so just say it. You're picking Montreal to win. I hope you're wrong but I've been disappointed by this matchup many, many, many times before, dating back to 1969.

re: Wash vs Rangers .........

apparently they've nicknamed Jose Theodore > Jose Three-Or-More






a few years ago his RC was hot and going for $30.00 -$40.00 a pop ........

be lucky to get 3 or 4 cents today.

re: Boston /Montreal