The Quest for Stanley

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are ready to begin Wednesday. Four games are scheduled for tomorrow, Flyers at Penguins, Rangers at Capitals, Devils at Hurricanes, Blues at Canucks. With the push for the Stanley Cup about to begin Hard Knox Sports makes its predictions along with help from our good friend John. Let us see who shall become the best.

Eastern Conference:

Canadiens @ Bruins: Montreal always give Boston fits when they are the lower seed, but this time it will not lead to a major upset. Despite what John says Habs didn't get in Boston's head enough.
Hard Knox: Bruins in 6 John: Habs in 7

Rangers @ Capitals: i would love the Rangers to pull the upset for a chance at four Original Six teams in the Conference Finals.....but I can not do it. Sorry John. At least Avery will make it interesting.
Hard Knox: Capitals in 6 John: Rangers in 6

Hurricanes @ Devils: The Devils have struggled lately, but that is still Martin Brodeur in goal for the Devils. Only thing to save the Canes is if they move back to Hartford NOW!!!
Hard Knox: Devils in 5 John: 'Canes in 6

Flyers @ Penguins: Great Keystone State battle. Crosby is every one's favorite pick, and the Penguins are on fire lately. However, it has to come to an end sometime, and the Flyers want revenge for last year's Conference Championship.
Hard Knox: Flyers in 7 John: Flyers in 5 (That's all upsets so far John.)

Western Conference:

Ducks @ Sharks: Sharks are always famous for collapsing early in the playoffs, and this year is going to be no exception. Maybe next year San Jose. I doubt it though.
Hard Knox: Ducks in 6 John: Sharks in 4

Blue Jackets @ Red Wings: Detroit is famous for either reaching the Stanley Cup or being upset in the first round against a no name team. This team is still good, and does not seem willing to start golfing early.
Hard Knox: Red Wings in 5 John: Blue Jackets in 6

Blues @ Canucks: An unimpressive 3 seed against an unimpressive 6 seed. A dud of a division got Vancouver there, and it can not keep them there for much longer.
Hard Knox: Blues in 5 John: Blues in 5 (Hey we agreed on one)

Flames @ BlackHawks: All year I have made the Flames my sleeper pick for the West. A man has to know when to cut their losses.The Flames are 2-7-0 in their last nine against playoff teams. Sorry Calgary, but there are no Stars or Avalanche in the playoffs.
Hard Knox: Blackhawks in 5 John: Blackhawks in 5

There it is, the first round picks. Keep an eye on the Stanley Cup playoffs, and feel free to call us idiots when the picks go horribly wrong. This shall continue in the Second Round.