Hey BTSH,

Welcome to one of the best times of the year!  The weather is getting warmer, a new BTSH season is underway and the NHL Playoffs kick-off today.  In honor of this magnificent occasion the league brass and a couple misfits decided to huddle up to make predictions on how the first round will play out.  The person with the most accurate guesses will be granted one wish from Rich.  Without further ado:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

The verdict: the Capitals are the only unanimous favorite to make it out the first round.  While the Penguins-Rangers clash is a toss up, it appears that the other NY team, the Islanders, might have a chance against the Florida Jagrs.  The wounded Lightning limp into a contest against the sad Red Wings in an series that could go the distance with the Bolts eventually prevailing.    

Potential Second Round Match-ups: Capitals vs. Penguins and Lightening vs. Islanders

WESTERN CONFERENCE

The verdict: the Ducks are the Western’s unanimous pick (could this be foreshadowing of a Finals showdown?  Caps vs. Ducks?  Cherie vs. half of BTSH?).  It seems the Stars should tame the Wild easily.  The Blues will attempt to give Blackhawks fits but not enough to be a serious threat.  The Sharks-Kings battle looks to be the series to tune-in to with Diane & Zach (and probably new league ref Brian C.) giving the Kings the slight edge. (Ignore Chadwick and the Caps.)

Potential Second Round Match-ups: Stars vs. Blackhawks and Ducks vs. Kings

NOTE: not sure why, but Sam thinks the first round is a best of five.  He was very proud of his selections and we didn’t have the heart to explain the format to him.  So if any of these match-ups have a game six or seven, just gently pet him and let him believe that it is bonus coverage. 

NOTE-NOTE: Rachel G. failed to submit her predictions in on time and is now shunned for a day. 

So, BTSH, what are your first round predictions?  Let us know on the Facebook page!

Please submit any corrections to Derek@btsh.org.
(Just kidding. If you care about my physical well-being you will let Derek enjoy his retirement by staring out the window to complain about the squirrels conspiring against his plan for natural nut selection. If you do not, then he will hulk-out into D-Tags to wait atop the Tompkins Square Park fence to ‘Jimmy The-Super-Fly Snuka’ me from the top link. #WRESTLING.)