The second most wonderful sports season begins tonight: the National Hockey League's playoffs. Over the years hockey, and in particular playoff hockey, has crept up in my estimate of entertainment value. Of course, having two of the best hockey players alive on the Pittsburgh Penguins, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, and winning the Stanley Cup three years ago, don't hurt.
The goal is to win 16 games, over four best-of-seven series. So in typical fearless style, let me make my predictions for the first round, and for the winner of the Stanley Cup finals.
Eastern Conference
No. 1 New York Rangers vs. No. 8 Ottawa Senators -- Rangers in six.
No. 2 Boston Bruins vs. No. 7. Washington Capitals -- Bruins in five.
No. 3. Florida Panthers vs. No. 6 New Jersey Devils -- Devils in five.
No. 4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. No. 5 Philadelphia Flyers -- Penguins in seven.
Team in Finals -- Pittsburgh Penguins
Western Conference
No. 1 Vancouver Canucks vs. No. 8 Los Angeles Kings -- Canucks in six.
No. 2 St. Louis Blues vs. No. 7 San Jose Sharks -- Blues in five.
No. 3. Phoenix Coyotes vs. No. 6 Chicago Blackhawks -- Coyotes in six.
No. 4 Nashville Predators vs. No. 5 Detroit Red Wings -- Predators in seven.
Team in Finals -- St. Louis Blues
Winner of the 2012 Stanley Cup -- Pittsburgh Penguins
Finals MVP -- Evgeni Malkin
You read it hear first. Go Pens!
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