[CaptainCrunch]

Eastern Conference
(1) PIT v (8) NYI - Good on the Islanders for getting to the dance. Sadly they're kind of the ugly girl that goes home alone and early. Pit in 5
(2) MTL v (7) OTT - I still believe that MTL's season was an illusion created by a short schedule and everything going right. In a compressed playoff schedule their mini-me forwards get crushed. Ott in 6
(3) WAS v (6) NYR - Washington had an amazing turnaround this year. The Rangers will play that boring trap/collapse to the next style and they'll take it from the Caps like an inexperienced prostitute on Navy payday. Take the Caps in7
(4) BOS v (5) TOR - The Bruins struggled, I think the Leafs like the Habs benefited from a shortened season where everything went right. They don't have the depth or goaltending or size. I take the buins in 5.

Western Conference
(1) CHI v (8) MIN (2) - The Wild underachieved and were fortunate to even get there. The Hawks are really one of the favorites. This is over quick fast and in a hurry. Hawks in 4.
ANA v (7) DET (3) - Detroit isn't as deep as they used to be and their blueline isn't great. Ana is inconsistent but they have a big fast nasty group of forwards. Ducks in 7
VAN v (6) SJ (4) - I'd like to call for the Sharks win, but playoffs are kryptonite to the Sharks. The Canucks could be considered a dark horse for the run. The only way that the Sharks win this is if they up the physical game. Take the Nucks in 7
STL v (5) LA - This is the best matchup in the first round and baby its gonna be close. I do like the Kings under Sutter but both teams are nasy physically and are defense first teams. Look for grinding season with LA's experience winning out. Kings in7