NHL Preliminary Round Predictions

The NHL Stanley Cup playoffs begin tomorrow night with three preliminary series games. Here are my predictions on those series.

The Eastern Conference team with the second most points, the Pittsburgh Penguins, are my choice, but in a tough series (say six games) vs the upstart Columbus Blue Jackets.

The other Eastern Conference series beginning tomorrow night is between the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning. My pick: Montreal, a slight underdog, in six games.

Out in the Western Conference the top points team, the Anaheim Ducks, take on the Dallas Stars. My upset prediction is the Stars to win in seven games.