What do you get when you throw two GMs who can't manage their team out of a wet paper bag, an agent who wont even begin to talk contract until July 1, and a monkey who wears glasses?
THE EXPERTS
Gotta give props to #99 before we get started. Not Wayne. Kaleb Toth wore the double digits during Saturday's Roughnecks game against Portland. He put on a clinic, and if it wasn't for the heroics of the Rigger's goalie, Toth would have been player of the game.
And now... on to the pre-dicks...
Gretzky Conference
(1) Florida Panthers vs (8) Tampa Bay Lightning
Axel: What isnt there to say about the Panthers. Strong goaltending, great scorers and a outstanding D. In my opinion the Cats are the team to beat. Key to this series is scoring. Panthers have it, the Lightning dont!
Martin: If the Lighting are to have a chance in this series then Roloson will have to play like Broudeur. Can he do it at his age is still to be decided. As for Florid, keep is simple. Should be an easy series as long as Kolvalchuk continues to be a 1.1 point a player game.
Rob: Florida would be better off with Spector behind the bench. Having said that, I know Drew didn't fight for that last spot to be out in 4. He'll make a series of it. Can he win? Sure, why not. It's a rarity that the number one team during the regular season wins the championship. But they're always the fave heading in. I know Florida has the power, but the Bolts have the determination.
(2) Montreal Canadiens vs (7) Atlanta Thrashers
Axel: Beerfund is going for broke and it shows with his team. This is the year to let it all hang out. The Thrashers are are no slouch either but they dont have what it takes to beat the Canadians. The key to this series is goaltending. A strong edge to the Canadians for a good startere in Vokoun and a great back up in Lalime. If one falters the other one steps right in.
Martin: 11 points is all the separated these two teams in the standings with season series going to Montreal but it was a close with only 1 goal separating them in the two match ups. Montreal has the decided edge in goal and that will be the series. The teams are evenly matched so which ever goal stops the puck that team will win. Montreal was 3rd in team scoring while the Thrashers were 8th. Team Defense is equal with only .01 ga/game difference.
Rob: On paper, this should be Montreal in a walk. But as Martin said, it could come down to goaltending. Does Neil's young blood backstoppers have enough in them to show up when it counts, or will CPHL legend Patty Lalime have the last say in these playoffs? Might see a lot of one goal games in this one. Neil does have Chris Mason tho, and as a former employee of his father, I may have to go against my original thoughts, and side with ATL.
(3) Carolina Hurricanes vs (6) Pittsburgh Penguins
Axel: This will be THE matchup of the first round. Key to this series is who can outlast the other. I give the edge to the Hurricanes as they have that great German goaltender Olaf Kolzig and because the GM is a strong supporter of Minor Hockey.
Martin: If Jason Spezza can continue his MVP performance into the playoff and with a relatively healthy line up, the Penguins should have it easy. Mike Rathje will be counted on by the Carolina to shut down Spezza. Can he do it? IF he can then Carolina has a chance, if not it is golfing for the Cains.
Rob: Doug hoarded my first round pick all season. He didn't budge on it, and the piece I could have traded him could have made a difference in this series. If Goffie's team doesn't lose any limbs or come down with a flu or anything, he should be in good shape. Yes Doug, I made my basis strictly on you holding on to my first rounder. Prove me wrong
(4) Washington Capitals vs (5) New York Rangers
Axel: Defence, defence, defence. The Caps have it, the Rangers dont. Look for the rangers to get blown out in the series.
Martin: Zedono Chara notched a Plus 20 with 50 points and 163 PIM this season. If he stays out of the box, good things could happen for the Capitals. Miroslav Satan has only played 6 games for the Rangers but has scored 4 goals, if he can find some chemistry out there he will be deadly for the Rangers.
Rob: Yet another former team of mine making the playoffs. Maybe the Nords would make the post season without me behind the bench. Hesla won the whole enchalada in the pre-season tourny, and looks to be strong heading into the playoffs. He doesn't want to lose Mark Parrish without making a little noise. Will it be a wimper, or a booming message to the rest of the league? I say boom away.
PREDICTIONS
Including...
(1) Florida Panthers vs (8) Tampa Bay Lightning
Axe: FLA
Martin: FLA
Rob: FLA
D'Arcy: FLA
(2) Montreal Canadiens vs (7) Atlanta Thrashers
Axe: MTL
Martin: MTL
Rob: ATL
D'Arcy: ATL
(3) Carolina Hurricanes vs (6) Pittsburgh Penguins
Axe: CAR
Martin: PIT
Rob: PIT
D'Arcy: PIT
(4) Washington Capitals vs (5) New York Rangers
Axe: WAS
Martin: WAS
Rob: WAS
D'Arcy: NYR
So that's round one. When it's all said and done, we'll look back, and then make our educated guesses for the next step towards the CPHL Championship. Only on...
THE EXPERTS
The Experts: Round One - Gretzky Division
