Taking care of business

Before the puck drops tonight, I figured I should get my first round picks up on the site. For those of you who haven't submitted your sheets yet and who want a surefire way to get into the top 30, feel free to crib this list. If you actually want to win the pool, I'd advise you to use your own judgement.

EAST
At least on paper, the East seems to be easier to prognosticate this year.

(1) Buffalo vs (8) New York Islanders
It would take a lot of courage and perhaps a dollop of foolishness for someone to take the Islanders in this series. I have neither. The Sabres boast an explosive offence and have weathered a number of injuries during the regular season along the way to capturing the President's Trophy. The Islanders clawed their way into the post-season riding the prideKerrobert, Sask. Wade Dubielewicz, who spent most of the season playing for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, will have his hands full with the likes of Daniel Briere, Jason Pominville and Derek Roy.

Prediction: Sabres in 5

(4) Ottawa vs (5) Pittsburgh
This series will garner a lot of media attention because of some kid named Crosby. Apparently he's been tearing up the league this year. The upstart Penguins, who came on strong after the all-star break, have a tough draw in the first round. The Senators, while notorious playoffunderachievers, do have plenty of playoff experience. Emery outplays Fleury and Heatley out scores Crosby.

Pediction: Senators in 6

(3) Atlanta vs (6) New York Rangers
The Atlanta Thrashers aren't getting any respect heading into the playoffs. They are being called the weakest of the division champions and conventinal wisdom suggests the Rangers will mop the floor with them. What people seem to forget is the Southeast Division has produced the last two Stanley Cup champions. The last time we saw the Rangers in the playoffs they looked brutal against New Jersey. I think Hossa and company have enough in the tank to win at least one series.

Prediction: Thrashers in 7

(2) New Jersey vs (7) Tampa Bay
If the trio of Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis and Brad Richards can strike early and often the Lightning have a chance. Unfortunately they have to try to score against MartinBrodeur, the odds on favourite for the Vezina trophy. The late-season coaching change may have caused my faith in the Devils to drop, but not enough for them to lose the the Lightning.

Prediction: Devils in 5

WEST
It's just pure guess work in the first round in the West. Every team is capable of advancing, so my picks are nothing more than hunches.

(1) Detroit vs (8) Calgary
Calgary's performance the last week of the regular season has me worried, but I still think they match-up well against the Wings. Up front the Flames have more offence than any time in recent memory, but their back end has been inconsistent. This series will come down to two things: road wins andgoaltending . Both teams have been almost unbeatable on home ice, so the first squad to steal a win in the other team's barn will have a big advantage.Goaltending is always important in the playoffs and each team has a superstar between the pipes. When push comes to shove I think Kiprusoff will outdeul Hasek.

Prediction: Flames in 6

(4) Nashville vs (5) San Jose
This series is just as intriguing as the 4 vs 5 match-up out east. The Predators have been a dangerous team all year and challenged the Wings for top spot in the conference. The Sharks have been coming on strong. I like the way Joe Thornton and company have been playing and I'll give them the edge up front. In net, both teams have greattandems. Red Deer's own Chris Mason has proven he can compete against the best the NHL can throw at him as the understudy for Thomas Vokoun. Evgeni Nabokov has earned the top spot on the Sharks depth chart but Vesa Toskala is a very capable backup.

Prediction: Sharks in 6

(3) Vancouver vs (6) Dallas
I knew the addition of Roberto Luongo would make the Canucks better, but I didn't think they'd be good enough to win the Northwest division. Even when they went on that incredible run after Christmas, I just assumed they would eventually come back down to earth. They didn't and I'm converted that they are as good as advertised.

Prediction: Canucks in 6

(2) Anaheim vs (7) Minnesota
The Anaheim Ducks were my pre-season pick to win the Stanley Cup and if they get out of the first round they just might do it. The problem is they're facing a Minnesota team I think is designed to beat them. If the Wild stay healthy andNiklas Backstrom continues to put up gaudy numbers between the pipes, Minnesota will pull off the upset.

Prediction: Wild in 7