It is true, hockey is back. There are so many fans out there who are angry, apathetic, frustrated, annoyed and many other sentiments that are all totally justified. I can understand how some people want to “punish” the NHL and the NHLPA for what they put us through by not watching or supporting the league, but my question is…haven’t WE been punished enough? For individuals like myself who are in love with the sport, as well as the league, and have been deprived of both for 4 months, why deprive ourselves further to prove some point that won’t make a difference overall? What’s the end game for such an action? If fans actually orchestrated a league wide boycott of the NHL, what purpose would this serve? Do we want to destroy the league because they made us angry for a few months due to their greed? All seems pretty sill if you ask me. Hey, I understand the frustrations and believe me, I had my angry moments. But now that it’s back, so am I. Will it take longer to get as passionate? Absolutely. Will I be less inclined to buy merchandise and spend money in any other way that would support league/sport? Probably. What I will not do is abandon the league after a long hiatus. It’s proving a point that doesn’t need to be proved. The NHL will suffer in the USA, and the league has taken a big hit already. So after months of annoyance, how will not watching games on TV help me? The answer is…it won’t. As far as I’m concerned, the deprivation of hockey is over.

Now, on to more pressing matters. Given that the 2013 NHL season is only 48 games, I think it will be a rather strange one where the usual safe predictions won’t apply. Some players are injured, some will have slow starts, others are warmed up from playing in Europe or the minors, and simply, others will be a bit disoriented by starting a season in January, and are not used to such a condensed schedule. Heading into this shortened campaign there are many assumptions being thrown around and I’m going to question the ones that stick out most to M.E.

Penguins will win the Cup?

Huge assumption, and by many. Pittsburgh is a dynasty simply because they have two of the best players in the world. This is true and no one can disprove it. However, their defense and goaltending were suspect in last year’s playoffs so why is it so safe to expect them to win it all this year? My guess is that some dark horse team will emerge and surprise everybody.

Crosby will win the Art Ross Trophy?

In most years this is a safe bet, if he’s healthy. The lockout probably served him very well, allowing him more time to recover from his various injuries and have a full (and extended) off-season to train. However, he hasn’t played in a very long time and no one knows how fast or slow he will start. Now, in the past he’s broken onto the scene like a man possessed, but this time around there are numerous players who are equally hungry and have been “chomping at the bit” to get out there and dominate. Maybe someone out there has more to prove that Sid does.

Asterisk next to the 2013 Stanley Cup Champion?

When New Jersey won the Cup in 1995 after a shortened season, did anyone say “it didn’t count” or “wasn’t the same” because of that lockout? Not really. To be honest it’s barely mentioned and people don’t remember anymore. No matter who is crowned the 2013 Stanley Cup winner, they will be remembered as a champion and the part about the shortened season will be forgotten quicker than most people anticipate.

Columbus will be the worst team in the NHL?

Pretty safe assumption, however I’m going to say no. Something in me says that Columbus will pull together and surprise everybody. Crazy, I know. I’m not stating a playoff run is in their future but part of me thinks the lack of a superstar on this team will serve them better and they will manage some victories here and there. I still believe they will be quite low in the Western Conference standings, but I believe an unexpected team will not adjust well to this shortened season and have a rougher time.

Stamkos will win the Rocket Richard Trophy?

Nope, not this time Stevo. There is no doubt that he’s one of the best goal scorers on the planet and his off-season work ethic is something that should be admired and followed by his colleagues. However, he hasn’t played in a very long time…so I’m thinking someone who has been playing the last few months will emerge as the top goal scorer in 2013.

Rick Nash will dominate in New York?

I don’t see it. Rick has played in a small hockey market for his whole career and from what I know, he prefers that. For the first time, he has tons of pressure on him and I think he will struggle in his first season. He will play well, but not good enough to thrust the Rangers into the Stanley Cup Final, which is why they acquired him in the first place.

Toronto will miss the playoffs again?

Yes, they will. Toronto doesn’t have what it takes to make the playoffs, even if they do get Luongo. Sometimes things don’t change. Sometimes, assumptions can be accurate…

These days NHL fans are not exactly being bombarded by hockey news or optimism for that matter. But, there is light at the end of the tunnel. I think we can all safely assume that a lockout is indeed looming since we are a month away from the current one expiring, and the two sides are not close enough in their negotations to have a deal in place by then. That being said, and no matter what Gary “there is nothing pleasant about me” Bettman states, I remain positive. The nastiness that was prevalent and all encompassing during the last lockout between the two sides seems to be a thing of the past. I’m not saying that Donald Fehr and Gary Bettman are giving each other dabs at the end of every meeting but it appears that cooler heads are prevailing and both sides know that losing a full season is not only a bad idea, but it can’t happen again for the sake of the sport, league and its reputation. No one has come out and said this (they can’t obviously) but the fact that they are meeting consistently is a good enough sign for me. The Salary Cap does not seem to be a point of contention, as the players have conceded that it’s here to stay. This is a great sign as it was the main obstacle in the last CBA negotiations. If the league was truly taken aback by the NHLPA’s latest proposal, they would not have met them again the following day to further discuss. This is clearly a very simple explanation and rationale for a very complicated process, but I still hold firm that a resolution is in the not too distant future.

So, given that I’ve demonstrated my trust in seeing hockey by January 2013, here are 10 things to look out for this season:

1. Detroit misses the playoffs: For the first time since the ealry 90′s I think Detroit fans should be worried about the all mighty Wings. Their aging core of talented forwards are just that, aging. Their goaltending is good, but not great with Jimmy Howard showing inconsistency in the last couple seasons. And, the biggest problem is on defense. When Nicklas Lidstrom retired, he left a gaping hole that cannot be filled through Free Agency. So what now? If the team wants to attempt to fill that void with Boumeester or Yandle they will have to surrender some of their talent, which will weaken the team. All teams around them in the conference and division have gotten stronger, so it won’t be easy for the Wings.

2. The Toronto Maple Leafs will make the playoffs: Crazy, I know. But, this is a must for Brian Burke or he will be fired. They will get eliminated in round 1 after 5 games but at least they can end their drought. Likely, the only way this is going to happen is if Burke makes one or two desperation trades, one of which could very well include Luongo.

3. Staal Brothers become a force: The Carolina experiment of the one-two Staal punch will work out very well. Both of them will be happy and excited. Eric to finally have some help, and Jordan finally gets out of the shadow of Crosby and Malkin. I think they will flourish and Carolina will have a successful season, within realistic expectations. Alex Semin on the other hand…will be a disappointment. Shocker.

4. Dominik Hasek will not make an NHL team: The 47 year old Hall of Famer announced he wants to make a comeback. Well, good for you Dom but I don’t think you are good enough anymore. Why? For starters, you are almost 50. Time to become a goaltending coach instead no?

5. Claude Giroux won’t have the same success: Don’t get me wrong, he’s a phenomenal talent and I think he will put up good numbers once again, but he won’t be top 3 in the league. Other players who were injured or had off-years will return to form (Crosby, Ovechkin, Daniel Sedin, Getzlaf, Datsyuk) and I truly believe Claude will suffer the effects of Jagr leaving his wing. Jakub Voracek as a replacement won’t have the same effect and it would be shocking if Scott Hartnell duplicates his all star season. Giroux will still be a star this year, not a superstar. Those who are superstars have to dominate for more than one season, so until he accomplishes that, he’s still just a star.

6. Pittsburgh will win Presidents Trophy: In the shortened season they will dominate, as they are strong in every position. I still can’t believe Vokoun is their backup goalie. Sid and Evgeni will be healthy and hungry and they will score a lot. And I mean a lot.

7. Rick Nash will be a minor dissapointment: I’m actually a big Nash fan and believe he could be the best power forward in the game. However, he’s never played in the spotlight (in the NHL at least) and there is pressure on him in the big apple. He’s never been traded so will have an adjustment period to a new city, new conference, new linemates and so on. I think he will play well, but it will take him one season to adjust. Look for his monster stats in the year after this one.

8. Ryan Kesler & Arnott: I have to mention the Canucks obviously. The lockout will be a good thing for Kesler because there will be a shortened season (less time for him to get injured) and he may be able to actually start on time. Sorry Jordan Schroeder, your chance may be gone.
On another note, I really hope the Canucks sign Jason Arnott. He would be a great compliment to Henrik and Kesler, and can fill in on special teams. He’s won a Stanley Cup and can chip in offensively here and there. Gillis, put down that doughnut and pick up the phone, pronto.

9. The Calgary Flames: They will start the season poorly. Then they will get hot and be in the hunt for a playoff spot. Then they will start to show their true colors and finish the season between 9th and 11th place. Jarome Iginla won’t get traded and will score 30 goals or more = Routine.

10. Tim Thomas: I don’t know about the rest of you, but when I think about Tim, I picture an old man on his porch in a rocking chair screaming jibberish with a beer in one hand and a shotgun in the other. I truly believe Thomas is taking the year off to do this, anyone else agree? In all seriousness, I highly doubt we see this guy in the league again unless Garth Snow needs an assistant GM in Long Island. Tim will continue to provide us with his misguided and vague opinions about the world and his country. The thing he will never understand is that free speech is all good and well, but when you are a well known public figure, you should expect questions after you make controversial statements. Didn’t he get the memo?

(6) New Jersey vs. (8) Los Angeles

Winner: Los Angeles in 6

Reasoning:
I think the only person who could have guessed this result was a gentleman in my office by the name of Ryan, who in our office hockey pool actually chose all Kings & Devils players, while the rest of us failed miserably by selecting those from teams like Vancouver, Pittsburgh, Detroit and all the other disappointing clubs. While this series may appear to be unsatisfying, similar to when you crack open a bag of plain potato chips as opposed to delicious all dressed, there are some hints of intrigue (which are listed below).

Given the fact that I share the last name of an aging Devils sniper (and have his jersey in my closet), I’m rooting for New Jersey. Who doesn’t want to see Marty Brodeur hoist another Cup? I think it would be rather boring if Los Angeles wins the whole thing, and if they do it be would too easy, a total unprecedented domination of this historic tournament. No matter what happens I think they are a team built for the playoffs and won’t be that dominant next season, you read it here first. Anyways, as much as I want the red and black to be victorious, I don’t foresee it happening. The Kings have been a well oiled machine, knocking off the first, second, and third seeds in the West (in that order) and having very little trouble doing so. Quick will be great. Brown will be frustrating and players you’ve never heard of like Dwight King and Jordan Nolan will surprise you. I truly hope I’m mistaken and the Kings get what’s coming to them, but I predict a short 6 game series, with Marty & the Gang making it close every night.

Intriguing Storylines:
-The Kings are undefeated on the road – will that last when they do not have home ice advantage in the Finals? They haven’t enjoyed that luxury thus far.
-Martin Brodeur could win the Cup at age 40 – he’s probably the unanimous pick for best goalie ever, but this would solidify that further.
-The $100 Million man Kovalchuk may be worth it? – he leads the playoffs in scoring right now, a cup would help this argument.
-Zach Parise, who has been stellar, is a UFA this summer – is he going to stay if they win or lose, does that matter? His value is through the roof now.
-You have to love the mid-season coaching change of Sutter – a popular storyline over the years when a coach takes over mid-season and enjoys success.
-The Devils financial situation is a total mess – how are they doing now with this fairy tale run? Prospective new owners may emerge after all this.
-Steve Bernier is an impact player in the playoffs – huh?
-Mike Richards and Jeff Carter – I would find it comical, on some level, if this dynamic duo lost in the finals for the second time in 3 years…different team too.
-Jonathan Quick – amazing season, incredible playoffs, would be a great sports story if he wins the Cup.
-The New Jersey Devils are David Puddy’s favourite team – who doesn’t love a Seinfeld reference? Honestly.

Potential Game Breakers/Conn Smythe Favorites:

Jonathan Quick (LA):
He’s been the team MVP since September, and will win the trophy if they are the last ones standing.

Dustin Brown (LA):
A distant second, but definitely worth consideration for playoff MVP if they win. He has been tremendous, and it’s ironic given the trade rumors that swirled around him at the trade deadline. Some of which were even to Vancouver! He’s no Samuel Paulsson though…

Zach Parise (NJ):
Close to a point per game in the playoffs, and has captained this team throughout a roller coaster season. He’s been great.

Ilya Kovalchuk (NJ):
Has demonstrated the ability to elevate his game in the playoffs and is now leading the scoring race.

Martin Brodeur (NJ):
You have to assume that if they win the Cup, they will give the MVP to Marty just because…

It hasn’t been my best year in terms of predictions, but I refuse to pick the “unlikely” teams to win still. This madness has to come to an end at some point. If the Stanley Cup Finals are between New Jersey and Phoenix then history will be made, since two of the least financially stable teams in the league would do battle. If they make it that far, both owners will still lose money as bankruptcy is essentially the situation in each case. It’s ironic really, since NHL players make their salary during the regular season and the playoffs is where owners are supposed to make all their money. Winning aside, if you observe hockey/NHL from a business standpoint, then playoffs is a must every year for most U.S. based teams if they want to make any profit. By the way, Commissioner Gary Bettman and the NHL is one of those owners (Phoenix). On to the predictions.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(3) Phoenix vs. (8) Los Angeles

Winner: Los Angeles in 7

Reasoning:
The Kings are a team built for the playoffs. They have the right mix of grit, skill and experience. If you don’t believe me, take a look at their 8-1 record in this year’s playoffs. That one loss came at the hands of the Canucks, just thought I’d remind everyone…speaking of Vancouver, I’m picking the Kings in this series (and to win the Cup) because of history. Multiple times, the team that has beaten Vancouver in the playoffs has gone on to win the Stanley Cup. Colorado did it in 2001, Detroit in 2002, Chicago in 2010, and most recently Boston in 2011. Albeit, not a full proof system to base predictions on but the way things are going Columbus will be the best team in the league next year and R.J. Umberger will lead the NHL in scoring.
Anyways, Phoenix has overachieved in a big way and Mike Smith is obviously the reason. He will finally meet his match, as Jonathan Quick has been playing tremendously all season long, and has been winning tight, one goal games every step of the way. The firepower potential on Los Angeles is superior to the Coyotes and I don’t think Dave Tippet’s coaching will be enough in this matchup.

Potential Game Breakers:

Jonathan Quick (LA): The team MVP and will likely win the Conn Smythe Trophy if they go all the way.

Mike Smith (PHX): It’s all about the goalies in this series. Mike Smith will have to play even better than he has, which is no easy feat.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

(1) New York vs. (6) New Jersey

Winner: New York in 7

Reasoning:
Despite the fact that New York came within a goal of being eliminated at the hands of the Capitals, I still believe they are too strong a team to lose to the lowly Devils. New Jersey is another surprise story, as they easily defeated the offensive juggernaut Flyers in just 5 games. However, I’m still not convinced they have the personnel to make it to the Finals. Zach Parise, Elias and Kovalchuk have all played extremely well, but the role players beyond them (as much as I love Steve Bernier…)do not match up well against the ones the Rangers throw on the ice. As Washington demonstrated, the supporting cast is vital to winning in the playoffs and New York wins that matchup easily. As nice of a story it would be for Martin Brodeur to make a long run at age 40, he’s now the inferior goalie (unfamiliar territory to him) to Lundqvist. On defense, the likes of Girardi, Mcdonough and Del Zotto were work horses last series, and are exemplifying that desire to win that New Jersey’s Volchenkov, Zidlicky and Greene won’t match.

Potential Game Breakers:

Ilya Kovalchuk (NJ): Now that Giroux and Briere are both out of the playoffs, Kovalchuk is the leading scorer remaining. He’s been extremely good so far, and will have to elevate his game once again if this overachieving (a trend in this year’s playoffs) team has any chance.

Henrik Lundqvist (NYR): Arguably the best goalie in the league this year, and is the reason they are here. Will have to help win a defensive series once again.

Preview?

Round 1 was full of surprises and if anyone actually correctly predicted every series then they are freakishly psychic and kind of weird. By the way, if you have any trouble sleeping in the next few weeks, turn on a playoff game from the Western Conference. Anyhow, here’s some predictions for round 2.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

(2) St. Louis vs. (8) Los Angeles

Winner: St. Louis in 7

Reasoning:
Round 2 in the west will be about goaltending. All four teams excel in that position and have had enjoyed success up until now because of it. Jonathan Quick is a Vezeina trophy finalist, but the Blues have two high quality number one goalies in Elliott and Halak. I’m going with the Blues in this series since the system that Hitchcock has employed has been tremendously effective and every young player on their roster has bought into it. To supplement that, veterans Langenbrunner and Arnott provided leadership while Patrick Berglund scored 7 points and Mcdonald contributed 8. The only chance the Kings have is if Mike Richards, Carter and Kopitar execute in the offensive zone and live up to the potential they have. But, I don’t think they will. To steal a word from the always articulate Don Cherry, the Blues have the advantage because they “Youthanized” their roster.

Potential Game Breakers:

Mike Richards (LA): As I said before round 1, he carried the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2010 and showed signs of the old Richards in round 1. He’ll have to be more consistent and do more than “show signs”.

Andy Mcdonald (STL): His impressive 8 points in 5 games is no fluke. Andy knows what it takes in the playoffs and has the Cup ring to prove it.

(3) Phoenix vs. (4) Nashville

Winner: Nashville in 6

Reasoning:
The Predators are my pick to make to make it to the finals from the West. They bolster two of the best defensemen in the league, one of the best goalies and their offense was given multiple boosts with deadline acquisitions and the return of KHL superstar Radulov. That being said, I don’t give the over-achieving Coyotes much of a chance. Phoenix coach Dave Tippet has something in common with Nashville’s Barry Trotz, he can make a lot out of nothing. The Phoenix roster is not that impressive on paper, but they’ve managed to find a way to win games. I give them two maximum in this series. Mike Smith won’t be enough this round.

Potential Game Breakers:

Alex Radulov (NSH): He scored 5 points in round 1 and seamlessly transitioned back with his old team and the North American style of hockey. If he continues to progress, the Predators will be even tougher to beat.

Ray Whitney or Shane Doan (PHX): Either one or both will need to heighten their game in a big way for the owner-less franchise to have any chance.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

(1) New York vs. (7) Washington

Winner: New York in 7

Reasoning:
I discounted the Capitals too quickly in round 1, but still do not have enough faith in them to predict a conference final appearance. Braden Holtby shut all of us up with playing incredible against the defending Champions, and the secondary scoring/role players were very good. However, their top end talent of Ovechkin, Semin, Backstrom and Green were good but not great. They need to be better or this team isn’t going anywhere. It’s been two years now of this debate, and nothing is going to change over night for this once high powered offensive juggernaut. The Rangers are deep, physical and strong in every position. Their stars Gaborik and Richards were good so far but both of them have another notch and have proved it. Lundqvist will once again prove his value, it’s almost a certainty. I know that Washington beat the bullying Bruins, but am still not convinced. Don’t get me wrong, it won’t be a quick series, and and I’ll bet we witness a Tortorella rant at some point.

Potential Game Breakers:

“King” Henrik Lundqvist (NYR): Clearly he’s the MVP of this team. As he goes, they go. Strong chance he steals games in this matchup.

Alex Ovechkin (WSH): There’s always the chance that I could be wrong. Maybe “the great 8″ CAN change overnight. If he decides to become one of the best players in the world again, I’m sure his organization would appreciate it.

(5) Philadelphia vs. (6) New Jersey

Winner: Philadelphia in 6

Reasoning:
The Flyers will win because they have Claude Giroux. Another reason they will win is due to the fact they have Claude Giroux. Finally, their number one centre is Claude Giroux. He had 14 points in 6 games in the first round. He has quickly become one of the top players in the world. I, along with many, underestimated his value all season long. Pablo de Guan kept telling me how good he would be and I wouldn’t listen…The bottom line here is that the Flyers are serious Stanley Cup contenders and the Devils can’t match them in any position. If the entire Devils team ditch their helmets for bear masks they might scare Ilya Bryzgalov into allowing more goals than he did last series. And that is no easy feat.

Potential Game Breakers:

Claude Giroux (PHI): I think it’s clear by now.

Ilya Kovalchuk (NJ): His 5 points in 7 games last round was good but he will need to become a man possessed and carry the Devils on his shoulders if they have any hope.

(1) New York vs. (8) Ottawa

Winner: New York in 6

Reasoning:
I’d love to sit here and claim that Vancouver won’t be the only Canadian team to advance to the second round, but unfortunately I cannot do that. Ottawa was predicted to be the worst team in their conference this season, but instead overachieved mightily because of a breakout season by Erik Karlsson and a magnificent bounce back year from Jason Spezza. The two of them, along with solid years from Alfredsson and Michalek, carried this team, but they have gone as far as they can. The Rangers are deeper in every position and most importantly in net where they will be led by all star goalie and always dressed to the nines, Henrik Lundqvist. Beyond that, young and upcoming defenseman like Ryan Mcdonough, Del Zotto and Marc Staal will be tough to play against, not to mention bruising two way forwards like captain Callahan, Brian Boyle, and Dubinsky. Offensively, Marion Gaborik is always a threat and is fresh of a relatively healthy season where he lit the lamp 41 times. New York looks primed for a long run and while the Senators won’t make this easy, due to their abundance of playoff experience, I don’t foresee this one going the distance.

Potential Game Breakers:
Jason Spezza (OTT): He finished 4th in the NHL in points this season and will have to continue on that pace, at the very least, for the Senators to make any noise in this series. The offense flows through him, and when he’s going so is this team. Despite having the nerdiest laugh on the planet (see bottom of page), he exemplified clutch abilities in the 2007 playoffs with 22 points in 20 games.

Brad Richards (NYR): A Stanley Cup Champion back in 2004 where he led Tampa Bay with 26 points in 23 games earning him the Conn Smythe Trophy. He’s capable of elevating his game to another level, and if he does then New York will be a tough team to beat.

(2) Boston vs. (7) Washington

Winner: Boston in 5

Reasoning:
This Capitals team has nothing left. Ovechkin is a shadow of his former dominant self, Semin is grossly inconsistent as he continues to mimic the career of Alex Kovalev, Backstrom just returned from injury, and the only thing imposing about Mike Green now is his mohawk. On top of all that, Washington enters this series with Braden Holtby as their starting goalie….he’s their 3rd stringer by the way. While I have no love for the Bruins, they are very much the same team they were a year ago. Their bullying and bruising style will make it tough for the Capitals, and I don’t see much push back. While I don’t think Boston will win the Cup in 2012, I see them having a long break between round 1 and 2. While not a prediction, I do hope that Mike Green pokes Brad Marchand in the eye with his porcupine hair.

Potential Game Breakers:
Alex Ovechkin (WSH): I’ve given up on trying to understand what’s wrong with this guy who should be a top 5 player in the world. He had a mediocre season and still ended up with 38 goals. If a miracle happens and he rediscovers his game then anything is possible. He might have to fly his mother in to cook him some borscht as he plays PS3 as seen in HBO’s 24/7 last year.

Tim Thomas (BOS): While I have little respect for him and his irrational and perhaps misguided political views, he’s still a top goalie in the world who was the MVP of the team in last year’s playoffs. I think he’s done too much damage in that locker room with his off ice antics, but he is still capable of stealing games and even a series.

(3) Florida vs. (6) New Jersey

Winner: New Jersey in 7

Reasoning:
Similar to the 3 vs. 6 match-up in the west I have little interest in this potential snooze-fest of a series. Neither team plays an exciting style, so viewer discretion is advised. As for who will win and why, I can’t fathom the idea of Kovalchuk, Parise, Elias and Brodeur allowing an overachieving team from the South get the best of them. Kovalchuk regained his form this season and appears to be very motivated. Elias has been there before and knows what it takes while one of the best goalies in history, Martin Brodeur, always poses a threat as he’s been stealing games since Brad Marchand was a young lad, punching kids in the face 6 times a piece in the playground. However, Florida does have a surprising amount of playoff experience with Campbell, Samuelsson, “Special Ed” Jovanovski, Bergenheim and even Jose Theodore. They have great coaching, and that’s why I believe it will come down to one game.

Potential Game Breakers:
Martin Brodeur (NJ): He doesn’t necessarily have to steal games or this series, but if the Devils are going to have any success in this year’s playoffs they need Marty to dig deep and find his former self, since his age is starting to affect his game.

Jose Theodore (FLA): I know! I can’t believe I labelled Jose a game breaker either! But let’s be honest, who else can I pick from this team? Say what you want about him, but he’s stolen numerous playoff series before, albeit back in 2004, but if he’s done it before, who’s to say he can’t do it again. After all, he led the team to a division title.

(4) Pittsburgh vs. (5) Philadelphia

Winner: Pittsburgh in 6

Reasoning:
They have Crosby, Malkin, Letang, Fleury, James Neal, Jordan Staal and more. Their team is incredible, and they are favorites to win the Eastern Conference. Aside from their stars, Dupuis finished the season with an NHL best 17 game point streak. Pascal freakin Dupuis did this! Chris Kunitz also had a career best season with 61 points, and new comer Steve Sullivan was a great addition with 48 points. Keeping all that offense in mind, I don’t see the Flyers being able to contain it. The mind games begun in the last two weeks, with coaches from the Atlantic division trying to potentially throw the Penguins’ Stars off their game, but that won’t work on these world class talents. The Flyers are limping into this with Giroux recovering from an illness that kept him out of the last game of the season, defenseman Meszaros and Grossman are still not ready for at least part of this series and the inconsistent play of Bryzgalov throughout the season has to be a concern. Also, the early season shut down of Chris Pronger really dampened the Stanley Cup aspirations of this squad, and that can’t be overlooked. They are still supremely talented and tough, but I don’t think it will be enough as Pittsburgh is superior in every position.

Potential Game Breakers:
Jaromir Jagr (PHI): The future hall of famer had a strong season, and it could have been more productive if it were not for a nagging groin injury. He’s one of the most gifted offensive players of all time and has played in many high pressure situations, and that experience is invaluable.

Sidney Crosby (PIT): Best player in the game today, who will dominate the majority of games he participates in. If he remains healthy, then Pittsburgh will be a force.