STANLEY CUP ROUND ONE ROUND-UP

Two of the first round series presented problems, which has now altered my Stanley Cup bracket significantly. Here is a quick summary of how I did in my predictions, and what will happen next.

Chicago 4, Minnesota 1

Nailed this one. Chicago looks ready to reclaim the Cup

Detroit 4, Anaheim 3

I had the number of games correct, but picked the wrong team. The Wings proved there's life in the old boys yet. But they get Chicago next and, well, let's just say they've done better than perhaps they should have.

San Jose 4, Vancouver 0

I picked the Sharks, but I thought they'd do it in 6 games. This proves that Vancouver needs a big overhaul in the off-season.

Los Angeles 4, St. Louis 2

Nailed this one too. It was, by all accounts, a good series. Kings are ready to defend their Cup ( not their jockstraps )

Pittsburgh 4, New York Islanders 3

I picked Pittsburgh, but in 4 straight. The Islanders have proved that they are a good young team with a bona fide superstar in John Tavares, and they will be heard from when they move to Brooklyn.

Ottawa 4, Montreal 1

I picked the Senators, but in 7 games. Montreal folded like a cheap suitcase .... looks good on them !! Now I can cheer lustily against the Senators, whom I hate almost as much as the Habs.

New York Rangers 4, Washington 3

I had the number of games right, but went for the Caps. Just goes to show, never underestimate New York teams. Their goaltender was the difference.

Boston 4, Toronto 3

I am heartbroken over this one. Oh, what might have been ..... Boston looked tired and uninterested, while the Leafs, like the Islanders, have served notice that they are a team on the rise. They were the youngest team in the playoffs. I had the Bruins in 6, but the Leafs fought hard. Proud of my boys.

Round Two

Chicago will dust off the Red Wings in 6 games. This will be a nice original six match up, but the 'Hawks have too much for the re-tooling Wings.

Los Angeles will crown the Sharks. The Kings are ready to defend and their goaltender looks like he's ready for more playoff hockey. This will take 6 games.

Pittsburgh will defeat the Senators. Penguins got a scare, so now they are taking this seriously. Senators are from Ottawa, so they will mess up.

Boston will beat the New York Rangers. Another original six match-up. Bruins got a big scare and are now ready for the playoffs. Injuries might tell the tale, but they should have enough to beat the Rangers, although Lundquist is a superb goalie. Might take 7 games, and will be the best series of the second round.

Round Three

Chicago will beat the Kings.

Boston will beat Pittsburgh.

Stanley Cup

Chicago will beat Boston in the fourth original six match-up of the playoffs.