By: Hayes Richardson
Let me say one thing first…hockey gets ZERO love in the state of Indiana. I don’t understand it. I know that “basketball means more in Indiana” and all of that stuff, which is great, but hockey is an awesome sport. It’s a sport that is easy to watch on TV, play on the ponds, and attend in person. I know there are isn’t a pro team in this state, but nobody watches the Pacers until the playoffs (except this year) anyway so may as well flick on some puck.
Hockey fans are a different breed. Blue collar guys that are thrilled to get out of the house and down a few brews with the boys. Maybe I’m just a hockey guy because I”m from the East coast. Whatever.
Since our blog hasn’t given any love to the NHL all season, I figured I at least owed one blog to predict our first round match ups. For anyone that hasn’t watched playoff hockey before: buckle up. It might be the best tournament of any major sport in our country. Without further adieu, here are my incredibly educated, surefire locks in the first round of the NHL playoffs. We’ll take two locks from each conference, as well as one upset pick each.
Eastern Conference:
Lock #1 – (1) Boston Bruins over (8) Detroit Red Wings
First off, I am completely biased towards the Bruins. Huge B’s fan and always have been. That’s while I’ll make this short. Bruins in 4. Brooms
Lock #2: (2) Pittsburgh Penguins over (7) Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets have been a nice little surprise this year after adding guys like Nathan Horton and Jack Johnson. Too bad they are about to get absolutely steam rolled by the Sid the Kid and the ‘Guins. Not much Columbus could do here. Just kind of sucks that they drew Pittsburgh. The Penguins move on in 5.
Upset Pick: (5) Philadelphia Flyers over (4) New York Rangers
Two words. Vincent Lecavalier. The former Lightning captain is seeking vengeance against his former teammate Martin St. Louis. King Henrik will tough between the pipes, but I like Vinny and the Flyers. I’m saying this because I literally don’t know one other player that plays for them. I like the Flyers in 7 on Lecavalier’s back.
Western Conference:
Lock #1: (4) St. Louis Blues over (5) Chicago Blackhawks
“Wah wah wah” – every single Blackhawks fan. Half of me says the Blackhawks are going to win this series, half of me says they beat the Bruins in the cup last year and I have no choice to pick against them. In my opinion this is by far the most interesting first round matchup. On a serious note, the Blues are legit. Oshie and Backes can straight up ball and now that Ryan Miller is in net I think the Blues could make a serious run. Toews and Kane will be back in the lineup, but I’m not totally buying they’ll be 100% and I think the Blues will grind it out. The pick: Blues in 7.
Lock #2: (1) Anaheim Ducks over (8) Dallas Stars
Some people may react and say, Hayes, this is by far the most obvious pick in the playoffs. What do I have to say to that? You’re absolutely right. Gotta pad those stats. Ducks in 5.
Upset Pick: (7) LA Kings over (2) San Jose Sharks
For some reason I have never been able to buy into the Sharks’ hype. They have all the talent they need, but for some reason they haven’t been able to get it done. The Kings have been there before and if Quick gets hot they can win the whole thing. And Jarret Stoll has been Instagram official with Erin Andrews for months now so I gotta roll with the Kings. LA moves on in 6.
Lock it in. I don’t know if all of these picks will hold up, but I do know if the B’s get taken out in the first round I probably won’t watch another second of the playoffs. Seriously though, the NHL playoffs are as good as it gets in sport, and everyone who has any interest in hockey should tune into as many games as they can.
There's Always Next Year 
