Just Hockey....

One things that always comes to light at the conclusion of the NHL season is not only the excitement that comes with the dash for Lord Stanley, but also the realization that coaching in the NHL is a thankless job. Today the Dallas Stars let go Head Coach Marc Crawford. The Stars missed an opportunity to grab the final play off spot in the west with a 5 - 3 loss Sunday at Minnesota. If you look at Dallas' roster, and how deep the Western Conference is, I give them a lot of credit for even having a chance to make the second season. This is the second big name coach the Stars have axed in the past few seasons as it was Crawford who replaced Dave Tippett, who by the way won the Jack Adam's the following year for his work in Phoenix. While I can understand Cory Clouston getting the pick slip in Ottawa and Todd Richards in Minnesota, I can't see why Crawford loses his job over a team that finished with 95 points and were in it right up to the end. Just proof that nobody loves you when you are a coach and in the words of my buddy Jon Keen 'coaches are hired to be fired'.

Anyway, before we get to my earth shattering play - off predictions, one quick comment about the Team Canada entry at the World Championships. Today two more names agreed to join the red and white, those being Evader Kane of the Atlanta Thrashers and Cal Clutterbuck of the Minnesota Wild. I have no problem with the addition of Kane but Clutterbuck??? I mean I know a teams needs grinders but this guy's 34 points don't make the cut in my books. Does this mean a lot of guys are choosing NOT to participate? I mean, come on guys...we don't need to be like Phil Kessel who declined an invite to join Team USA. Funny thing about Kessel is he can't be tired, he took the better part of two months off (see January and February) but still can't find the energy to represent his country...shameful.

And NOW on to the REALLY big show...my predictions for the upcoming NHL Play - offs, which for those of you who live under a rock, start tomorrow.

Western Conference

(1) Vancouver vs. (8) Chicago

The Canucks nemesis the last two seasons have been none other than the Hawks. This year, a couple of things stand out from the previous two encounters of these clubs. (1) The Hawks obviously aren`t as deep after they cleaned house following last year`s Stanley Cup run, and (2) The Canucks are quite a bit better all around, particularly on the back end with Hamhuis and Ballard so long as they stay healthy. Corey Crawford is a rookie to the Play - off scene but Antti Niemi wasn`t full of experience before last season. Regardless of the moves made last season, the Hawks still throw a pretty good line up at you, and the Canucks are yet to prove anything in the second season. Luongo is always good for a few garbage goals at inopportune times. The Canucks still need to prove a lot in the play - off`s to be considered a serious threat for the Cup. That doesn`t happen in my book because the Sedin`s will get shut down and heartbreak again on the west coast. THE HAWKS IN SIX.

(2) San Jose vs. (7) Los Angeles

Not often two California teams meet in the play -offs.. In fact not very often there are more teams from California than Canada playing for the Cup. Regardless, San Jose is starting to play some really good hockey as of late, and unlike past years, I don't hear many people talking about them. This works to take the pressure of playoff disappointment off their backs heading in. We know the Sharks can play and now they can throw a goalie who has won the Cup (Niemi) out there. This is bad news for the Kings, who with the loss of Anze Kopitar only adds to their issues. That coupled with a disappointing season from Drew Doughty puts a lot of pressure on the Kings secondary scoring to produce. The leadership of guys like Smyth and Stoll certainly help the Kings, but alas, it is not enough. SHARKS IN SIX.

(3) Detroit vs. (6) Phoenix

A repear of last years first rounder that saw the Wings win in seven in a series many didn't even have the Coyotes competing in despite having home ice. This year not a lot is different between these two excpet for one glaring problem for the Wings...goaltending. I can't see them not going with Jimmy Howard who hasn't been that good. This will help out the Coyotes for sure but I still think that even though Howard is the inferior goalie to Bryzgalov, the experience of the Wings gets it done in a hard fought series. The Coyotes again compete but come up short in the end and the inability of the Coyotes to win a series since moving to the desert continues....WINGS IN SEVEN

(4) Anaheim vs (5) Nashville

Is there a hotter player in the league right now than Rocket Richard Trophy Winner Corey Perry? The Ducks have been making his performance and have looked really good the last few weeks, but the Ducks are not without their issues. For starters, who do they throw between the pipes to get this thing started? Ray Emery? Jonas Hiller? I don't know but that isn't good for the Ducks. At the same time, the Ducks are without a whole lot of fire power once you get passed the Getzlaf, Perry and Ryan line. Those guys will be getting a steady dose of Shea Weber I would expect. Pekka Rinne has been as good as any goalie in the league this year. It won't be a quick one but if the Predators can keep the Ducks top line in check, stay out of the penalty box and let Rinne be as good as he has been, the Predators move into the second round for the firs time in franchise history. THE PREDATORS IN SIX

Eastern Conference

(1) Washington vs (8) New York Rangers

Despite finishing first in their Conference, the Capitals don't have the chatter around them that they usually do at this time. This is why I am led to believe this is the year they go somewhere, possibly not all the way but they move on. The one thing the Rangers have going for them is Henrik Lundqvist; not only can he steal a game, he can steal a series. At the other end you have an unproved goalie regardless of who the Caps go with. I read it will be Micheal Neuvrith but we all know if he struggle Boudreau won't hesitate to make a change. Nonetheless, the one area the Caps are better this year is defensively. Picking up guys like Scott Hannan and Dennis Wideman only make them that much better in their own end. And let's not forget the Rangers aren't loaded up front despite the fact they have outscored Washington 15 - 1 in their last two games. That means nothing though; Lundqvist steals a game and that is all. CAPS IN FIVE

(2) Philadelphia vs (7) Buffalo

Call me crazy. The Flyers did struggle down the stretch, winning something like just 9 of their last 25. Yes, the Sabres were well behind them in the standings. Yes, the Flyers were the Conference Champs a year ago and lost nothing from that team of great value. The Sabres, while somewhat limited up front have a tremendous goalie. Ryan Miller can be the difference. Chris Pronger, while intent on playing is not 100%. Sure he is better at 80% than most guys at 100% but I still can't help but think goaltending will once again be the Achilles Heel for the Flyers. Miller plays great, the Sabres get timely goals when needed. SABRES IN SEVEN


(3) Boston vs (6) Montreal

I am unfortunately having to again pick against a Canadian team. The Canadiens might be able to skate with the Bruins, but they can't match them physically. The Bruins have EVERYTHING you need to make a run....offensive talent, big strong back end, solid goaltending, and the ability to just wear you down with whatever lines they throw at you. Carey Price had a great season for the Canadiens but that is not enough as the B's will just wear them out in the end. In a series that will be heated, and possibly ugly at times...BRUINS IN SIX

(4) Pittsburh vs (5) Tampa Bay

This will be the most exciting series in the opening round. Lots of offensive, particularly from the Lightning. St. Louis and Stamkos had great seasons, Lecavalier is playing some of his best hockey in months and let's not forget they have the likes of Ryan Malone and Simon Gagne, both of whom are no strangers to playoff hockey. The Bolt's also have Dwayne Roloson, who if not injured in Game 1 against Carolina in 2006 has a ring on his hand. Without Crosby and Malkin, shutting down the Penguins is a much easier task; not simple but easier. The Bolts are too much...TAMPA BAY IN SIX

Let me know what YOU think???? I welcome all comments and trask talk you can muster...Let the fun begin.