Jimmy "The Greek" here checking in with my 1st round predictions for the NHL playoffs. I know you might only think of me as a football genius but I am also a God at picking hockey so pay attention.

First let's start in the weak western conference where perennial 70 point man Joe Thornton can go and break out with 125 points to win the scoring race. If Jagr played in the West this year he may have broken "The Great One's" single season point record.
-Detroit over Edmonton in 5. Edmonton complained for the last ten years that with an even playing field (cap) they could make things happen. However, they still looked like the same Oilers fighting for eighth place once again.
-Dallas over Colorado in 5. Turco could win this series himself. A big mismatch in nets in this one.
-Calgary over Anaheim in 7. Every game will be 1-0 or 2-1 but give the Flames the edge in nets.
-Sharks over Nashville in 6. Youth and speed with good goaltending - this is a team built for the new NHL. Only question is if "Big Joe" can get rid of his playoff demons - a switch to the weaker Western Conference may just be what he needs.

Next lets go to the East.
-Against my better judgement I have to say Tampa over Ottawa in 5. My better judgement says that they will sweep the Sens. but with all their talent Ottawa might get one game at home. When it comes to playoff choking The Sens. are the Scott Norwoods of the NHL. If they could not get by a shitty Leaf's team 5 times in the playoffs what hope do they have of beating the defending champs who will step up their game come playoffs.
-Habs over Carolina in 6. Crystal Ball Huet will get the Canadiens out of one round. (Hardest pick I ever had to make but I wanted this column to be honest).
-Rangers over Devils. A lot of talk about the Devils great play of late and people are taking them to win the East - these people are fools. Rangers in 6.
-Buffalo vs. Philly. If I could take a series to be tied it would be this one. Buffalo in 7 with the final game going to overtime (flipped a coin and the Sabres will win) - this will be the best series of the 1st round.