Stanley Cup Playoffs Conference Quarterfinals Predictions

The Stanley Cup Playoffs might be the most underrated sports event. Nothing matches the intensity of playoff hockey except for overtime playoff hockey. This is the sport that always seems to have the most upsets and is the hardest to predict. I'll do my best. And remember: a hot goaltender can trump everything. Kinda like having a hot girlfriend.

Eastern Conference

[Editor's Note: Due to my extreme bias, I am not picking a winner of the Rangers-Caps series]

(2) Philadelphia Flyers vs. (7) Buffalo Sabres
Stone's take: The Flyers have struggled recently and Sergei Bobrovsky is a question mark in net. Ryan Miller is not. UPSET ALERT!
Prediction: Sabres in 6

(3) Boston Bruins vs. (6) Montreal Canadiens
Stone's take: These teams just plain don't like each other. The Habs have extra motivation playing for fallen teammate Max Pacioretty.
Prediction: Canadiens in 7

(4) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (5) Tampa Bay Lightning
Stone's take: The Lightning have a lot of scorers, but the Penguins have the experience. With or without Sidney Crosby.
Prediction: Penguins in 6

Western Conference

(1) Vancouver Canucks vs. (8) Chicago Blackhawks
Stone's take: The defending champs snuck into the playoffs while Roberto Luongo and the Sedins have been masterful all year. The Canucks want this after being eliminated by the Hawks the previous two years.
Prediction: Canucks in 6

(2) San Jose Sharks vs. (7) Los Angeles Kings
Stone's take: The San Jose Sharks always...quick, help, I'm choking!
Prediction: Kings in 7

(3) Detroit Red Wings vs. (6) Phoenix Coyotes
Stone's take: Not having Henrik Zetterberg hurts, but the Wings are still too much for the young Coyotes and their 18 fans.
Prediction: Red Wings in 5

(4) Anaheim Ducks vs. (5) Nashville Predators
Stone's Take: This should be a good one. The Quack Attack has the firepower and the Preds have great D and goaltending.
Prediction: Ducks in 7