Stanley Cup Playoffs have Arrived!

The NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs are here, as this is the first time each Canadien team will be watching from home. All three California teams, both Florida teams, but none of the seven Canadien teams is pretty shocking. I originally was liking Montreal to start the season, but losing Price to injury was a big blow to their playoff hopes. Well when it comes to the first round, we have got some close matches as the excitement and playoffs beards grow.
First in the Eastern Conference you have the Panther(1) taking on the Islanders(W). With Jagr being the  big story in the news so many times this season and the youngster Barkov, the Panthers will be a tough team to slow down. Tavavres had a great season with New York, but I am going to take the Panthers in six games.
The Lightning(2) are missing Stamkos as he is out due to surgery, while the Redwings(3) will be looking to get another cup, especially after their star Pavel Datsyuk announced he will be throwing in the towel once this season ends. I see the Redwings with their experience taking this series in seven games.
Ovechkin and the Capitals(1) came off unbeatable this year. Their offense was crazy, as Ovechkin reached the 50 goal mark with his hat trick. This is the only sweep I see happening, but I don't think they will have a problem with the Flyers(W) and are ready to go deep in the playoffs. Capitals take in four games.
The Penguins(2) are meeting up with their tough rival the New York Rangers(3) in the first round, as Crosby may not have started to hot but since December has been a big scorer. The name that really matters in this series however is Henrik Lundqvist. The guy is a beast, but he will need to stay consistent and shut down his opponents, as he plays for a team based on defense. With some strong goaltending, the Rangers win in seven.
On to the West, Stars(1) will be hosting the Wild(W). The Dallas Stars are full of weapons that bring home points and gives them the leads they need with the great defense and goaltending they have. It was no mistake that they took home the Western Conference. Seguin impressed me this year, as the veteran Spezza will be a huge contribution as well. Each team in the West will need to figure out how to slow these guys down if they want to make it to the Cup. Stars win in five games.
The Blues(2) are taking on the Blackhawks(3), as these two know each other very well. Playoff experience is going to be the difference maker here. Not to mention Patrick Kane being number one in the NHL in scoring. The Blues are a strong team, but it will be tough to stop that 46 goal scorer and their experienced offense. Blackhawks move on after seven games.
The Ducks (1) are meeting up against the Predators(W), as Anaheim gave up the least amount of goals this season between their two goaltenders Gibson and Anderson. The Predators did put some good points this season, lead by Neal and his 31 goals. Defense will dominate this series, as the Ducks take it in six games.
Finally the Kings(2) and Sharks(3) are back at it, as it is the Bay Area vs. LA yet again. The Sharks make the playoffs will a lot of expectations but never come through. Since they are taking on the experienced and previous successful Los Angeles Kings, you can't put any money on them. Quick has shown the world he knows how to win in the playoffs, as his confidence and experience should only mean that he is just getting better. Kings take it in five.
STANLEY CUP Prediction: Capitals over Kings in seven games.