[UofTNick]

As much as it pains me to say it (being a Leafs fan), I think that the Sens are going to take it all this year. They have just been manhandling EVERYONE recently (even my Leafs ).

That line of Alfredsson, Heatley, and Spezza is by far the best line in the NHL - all 3 of those guys are in the top 5 in NHL scoring as of today. Incredible....

So, unfortunately, i have to pick the Sens to win it all this year - unless of course they meet the Leafs in the playoffs again Then they're going DOWN!

[JasonKirk]

If the Sens can go without too many players being injured, they're going to pretty hard to stop. Nashville was playing really solid until the injuries started - and they haven't won since.

I wouldn't worry too much about Ottawa come playoff time though - Toronto has absolutely owned them. :-)

[hayden1009]

why!!!! hockey was gone? hmmm guess I didnt notice ....

[BSgutshot]

Originally Posted by UofTNick

As much as it pains me to say it (being a Leafs fan), I think that the Sens are going to take it all this year. They have just been manhandling EVERYONE recently (even my Leafs ).

That line of Alfredsson, Heatley, and Spezza is by far the best line in the NHL - all 3 of those guys are in the top 5 in NHL scoring as of today. Incredible....

So, unfortunately, i have to pick the Sens to win it all this year - unless of course they meet the Leafs in the playoffs again Then they're going DOWN!

You better think twice about that prediction because the Flyers have absolutely owned the Senators this year. Maybe if the Flyers actually get healthy in the 2nd half and can stay healthy they can win it all. They've been on the brink of winning it the past few years, but haven't gotten over the hump.

Tampa Bay worries me again. They just have the Flyers number, even though, on paper, they are not very good. The Flyers have a lot of offensive weapons, the stats wouldn't show that because most of them have been injured at some point of this season. If Anterio Nittimaki plays in the playoffs and not Robert Esche, the flyers should be in contention with a chance to win it all.

PS Flyers > Leafs. :P

[Yearbookpoker]

I'm not a huge hockey fan by any means but since the topic has come up again I will give my tap on it. I want the Tampa Bay Lightning to win it all like they did before the strike. I grew up in tampa florida so thats the only reason I root for them. I sorta wish though that I didn't grow up there so I could be a bandwaggoner. Oh well

[doflovespoker]

While I am glad hockey is back I don't really get too involved in it until we see the playoffs begin. There is nothing like watching a tied game that will go into overtime soon to decide the winner.

I remember about 6 years ago I was watching a playoff game and they were in their 4OT. It was intense, but I had to go the bathroom. I think you can guess what happened next.....goal.

Hockey Night in Canada is great. I don't know how well OLN or NBC is doing with games in the US.

[UofTNick]

I agree Dof, and I know a that a lot of American ESPN writers have mentioned HNIC as being FAR superior to any american broadcast.

As for the playoffs this year, it looks like I may need to go watch my Leafs on the golf course instead..... They really need to pick it up - big win over Tampa last night. Hopefully that will get the ball rolling.

As for the FLyers, they are having some struggles of their own recently. Not in any danger of missing the postseason, but certainly hurting their standing. But, like you said BSGutshot, if they can keep guys like Nittymakki, Forsberg, Gagne, Knuble and the likes, they have a legitimate shot at taking it down this year.

I'm not feeling as confident about my earlier prediction, mainly due to the Red Wings. I assumed they would slow down due to their old age, but they certainly haven't, and must be considered as a cup favorite.

I just can't see Carolina making it to the finals - but I've been wrong, and surprised before.

[BSgutshot]

Originally Posted by UofTNick

I agree Dof, and I know a that a lot of American ESPN writers have mentioned HNIC as being FAR superior to any american broadcast.

As for the playoffs this year, it looks like I may need to go watch my Leafs on the golf course instead..... They really need to pick it up - big win over Tampa last night. Hopefully that will get the ball rolling.

As for the FLyers, they are having some struggles of their own recently. Not in any danger of missing the postseason, but certainly hurting their standing. But, like you said BSGutshot, if they can keep guys like Nittymakki, Forsberg, Gagne, Knuble and the likes, they have a legitimate shot at taking it down this year.

I'm not feeling as confident about my earlier prediction, mainly due to the Red Wings. I assumed they would slow down due to their old age, but they certainly haven't, and must be considered as a cup favorite.

I just can't see Carolina making it to the finals - but I've been wrong, and surprised before.

I'd love to see Philly and Carolina play in the playoffs, everyone of their games have been fantastic. Did anyone catch the latest game by them? Flyers tie it up with .2 seconds left and come from behind in the shootout to win! Too bad they couldn't keep the momentum going against the Sabres.