My picks for each match up in the first round along with how many games I think the series will go and a brief explanation on why I think that way. Let’s start with the Western Conference.

Western Conference

(1) San Jose Sharks v. (8) Colorado Avalanche

—Sharks are in a familiar spot. Number one seed in the conference. The problem? They can’t get past the first round. Colorado is young but skilled. I’ll take experience over youth in the playoffs. Sharks win 4-2 

(2) Chicago Blackhawks v. (7). Nashville Predators 

—A trip to the conference finals last year did great things for the ‘Hawks. Nashville is looking to pull an upset against a Cup favorite. I like Kane and Toews in an entertaining series. Blackhawks win 4-2

(3) Vancouver Canucks v. (6) Los Angeles Kings

—Very interesting match-up here. A very experienced Vancouver team against a first time playoffs Kings team. Can Luongo answer the bell after his performance in the Olympics? In this case I like skill over experience. Kings win 4-3

(4) Phoenix Coyotes v. (5) Detroit Red Wings

—Detroit might be the hottest team in hockey right now. Phoenix was easily the surprise of the season. Series will come down to Ilya Bryzgalov and Jimmy Howard. Both a new to the playoffs. Both will be tested and Bryz has stood on his head all year. I expect the same here. Coyotes win 4-3

Now, let’s take a look at the East…

Eastern Conference 

(1) Washington Capitals v. (8) Montreal Canadiens

—Washington is loaded with stars and won the President’s Trophy. Ask San Jose how much that means. Jaroslav Halak proved in the Olympics how good he can be. He will have to be even better against Washington to have any hope of moving on. If Theodore can hold Montreal to 4 goals or less the Caps will win. Caps win 4-2 

(2) New Jersey Devils v. (7) Philadelphia Flyers

—The Flyers were 5-1 against the Devils this year. The Flyers needed every point they got just to make it here. Martin Brodeur has looked shaky his last two playoffs. The Flyers can score and the Devils will play defense. Ilya Kovalchuck will have to show up. Can the Flyers trust Boucher? Devils win 4-3

(3) Buffalo Sabres v. (6) Boston Bruins

—Word is that Marc Savard could return for the playoffs. Word is that Ryan Miller is pretty damn good in goal. With him the Sabres could win a lot of close games in these playoffs. Boston is limping while Buffalo is healthy. Sabres win 4-1 

(4) Pittsburgh Penguins v. (5) Ottawa Senators

—Full preview for this series coming tomorrow. For the sake of this post…Pens win 4-1 

Those are my picks for the first round of the playoffs. Like I said my preview of the Pens/Sens series will becoming tomorrow.

I know Shannon has different picks than I do. Maybe if you ask nicely she will post them on here for you to see.

GO PENS!!!!