NHLteamsgearuptor StanleyCupplayoffs

by Nicholas Burch assistant news editor

With key injuries, teams that mortgage their future to win right now, and the inevitable dark horse who surprises everyone, the NHL Playoffs are about to begin. So where will each team match up in their chance to raise Lord Stanley's Cup?

The always tough New Jersey Devils bring their first place record (47-24-11, 105 points) to the table against a surpnsmg Pittsburgh Penguins (38-30-14, 90 points).

With Darius Kasparitis and Niel Wilkinson out for the rest of the season, the Penguins face an up-hill battle that not even Jararnir Jagr can overcome.

The Devils must rely on the fact that Martin Brodeur will lead them into the Eastern Conference Finals. If Scott Stevens plays in the playoffs the way he has played during the last five games, then the Penguins will be lucky to win one game.

Sergei Nemchinov must come back strong from his hip injury, and Jason Amott has to decide if he will play consistent hockey.

Devils win series 4 -1.

Ottawa vs. Buffalo

The Ottawa Senators (44-2315, 103 points) try to bring their speed and offensive ability against a Dominik Hasek led Buffalo Sabres (3 7-28-17, 97 points). Alexie Yashin, leads his Ottawa team against the greatest goaltender ever.

Shawn McEachern must come back from his groin injury, and Janne Laukkanen needs to lead a very shaky defense.

Buffalo has Hasek, and a team with inconsistent scorers. This game will go at least six, but Ottawa wins the series 4-2.

Carolina vs. Boston Carolina (34-30-18, 86 points) has been in a funk the last month and must hope that Boston (3930-13, 91 points) does not have great goaltending from Byron Dafoe. Ray Sheppard and Keith Primeau should be back for game one and with a veteran Ron Francis Carolina can hold their own. The only question is Carolina's defense, which is very inconsistent.

Any team that trades for Paul Coffey to help boost their defense is clearly insane. Boston has Sergei Samsonov, Joe Thorton, and Ray Bourgue. Boston wins easily in five games. Boston win series 4 - 1.

Toronto vs. Philadelphia

This is a match-up of free agent goaltenders who both have something to prove.

Toronto (45-30-7, 97 points) will rely on goaltender Curtis Joseph to show the same kind of playoff intensity he did as an Edmonton Oiler last year. Philadelphia (37-26-19, 93 points) hopes that John Vanbiesbroke will regain the form he once had when he led the Florida Panthers to the Stanley Cup a few years ago.

Steve Thomos has had a great season and Mats Sundin has raised his game to another level. Unfortunately, to win in the playoffs you must have great defense, which Toronto does not have.

Speaking of defense, the sparatic defense of Philadelphia must step up their game in order to compensate for the loss of Eric Lindros. Mark Recchi has been cleared to play for the playoffs but will his concussions come back?

With the win, the Flyers will finally establish the confidence that was lacking last year. Philadelphia wins series 4 - 2.

The Western Conference

With the recent trades made by the Redwings and the Avalanche everyone seems to have written off the Dallas Stars· (51-19-12, 114 points) playoff chances.

They have the best record in the league and will wipe away Edmonton's (33-37-12, 78 points) chances. Doug Weight is healthy but without Bill Guerin (knee Sprain, out for 1st round) their scoring chances are greatly diminished.

Even without Darian Hatcher (suspended for first five games) and Pat Verbeek (out two weeks knee) Dallas still has an arsenal of weapons on the team.

Dallas wins series 4 -1.

Colorado vs. San Jose

Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, Theo Fleury, Sandis Ozlinsh, enough said. The Colorado Avalanche (44-28-10, 98 points) have a powerful core of offensive talent and Patrick Roy dominates in goal.

San Jose (31-33-18, 80 points) is a team that has turned their game around late in the season and have a veteran core of quality players. It could be an upset if Colorado takes them lightly, but do not look for it to happen.

Colorado wins series 4 - 0.

The Detroit Redwings (43-327, 93 points) have mortgaged their future in trading away young players and draft picks for Chris Chelios, Wendel Clarke and U1f Samuelson. They have enough to make it to the Western Conference Finals and will face a first round challenge in Anaheim (35-34-13, 83 points).

Temue Seleane and Paul Kariya will lead a team of speed and with the surprise play of Fredrik Olausson they have a great team. Unfortunately, they are outmatched against Detroit. Detroit wins 4 - 1.

The Phoenix coyotes (39-3112, 90 points) try to overcome the loss of one of their team leaders, Jeremy Roenick, and win with an injured defensive blue-line. Can Rick Toccbet relive his old form and be a force in the playoffs?

Injuries have hurt St. Louis's chances for success this season. Marc Bergevin (Abdominal strain) and Jim Campbell (Groin) will be missed greatly. St. Louis has found a true player in Pavo! Demitra and he should lead the team of veteran players to a seven game series with Phoenix.

Phoenix wins series 4 - 3.