NHL Playoff Quarter Final Predictions

Western Conference:

Vancouver Canucks Vs Chicago Blackhawks: This is going to be a well fought series but I'm taking Vancouver to win the series because they've been having an unbelievable record breaking season.

San Jose Sharks Vs Los Angeles Kings: Again another tough match up.  LA Kings and San Jose Sharks both have very strong offenses but I think this series is going to come down to the power plays, and San Jose's first power play line with Heatley, Marleau and Thornton is just too good for the LA Kings defense so I'm going to call San Jose for this one.

Detroit Red Wings Vs Pheonix Coyotes:  This match up isn't a hard one to call at all.  Although Pheonix has had a great season, they are no match for the veteran Detroit Red Wings.  Detroit has been in this spot too many times to get out in the first round.

Anaheim Ducks Vs Nashville Predators: This is a really nice match up of two teams of very even caliber skill.  This one for me is a toss up but I'm going to take Nashville for the win in this one.

Eastern Conference:

Washington Capitals Vs New York Rangers: Although the New York Rangers have a great net minder in Henrik Lundqvist, the Washington Capitals have a great counter for that in Alex Ovechkin.  The Washington Capitals high powered offense is too much for the rangers in my opinion and I'm going to pick Washington for this one.

Philadelphia Flyers Vs Buffalo Sabers: This is a great match up with the former Stanley Cup finalist and the Buffalo Sabers.  Buffalo just squeaked by into a playoff position and Phili has had their name heard in the league.  So I'm going to take the Broad Street Bully's (Philadelphia Flyers) in this quarter final matchup.

Boston Bruins Vs Montreal Canadians:  This is a really physical match up in two very skilled teams.  Montreal really upset some people with how well they did in the playoffs last year, but I don't think it will be the same this year.  I believe the Bruins captain Zdeno Chara will lead them to a first round victory.

Pittsburgh Penguins Vs Tampa Bay Lightning: This is probably the most exciting match in the league.  Two high caliber offenses and great defensive teams.  Pittsburgh is going through this without three big name players in Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Matt Cooke.  They have really taken a hit in their team for the playoffs so I'm going with Steve Stamkos, Martin St. Louis and Viny Lecalvalier for the win in this series.

These are my quarter final playoff predictions.  Let me know what you think about them and who you think will win!