By JIMMY D / Jimmy's Stanley Cup playoff picks revealed | Jimmy's archive

SPRING IS FINALLY HERE, which means fantasy poolies are eagerly awaiting Jimmy’s sharp Stanley Cup playoff picks for this year’s post-season festival of puck.

Here’s a look at the first-round matchups:

Boston (1) vs. Montreal (8)

The latest instalment of this historic playoff rivalry will have Bruins fans hoping for redemption but fearing yet another playoff exit at the hands of the Habs. Boston is clearly the better team this time around, and Montreal has had trouble with consistency. Jimmy sees dynamic scorer Phil Kessel emerging as a decisive factor in this series, along with regular-season stalwarts Zdeno Chara and goalie Tim Thomas.
Bruins prevail in six bitter games.

Washington (2) vs. NY Rangers (7)

Two words make Jimmy very nervous when looking at this series: Jose Theodore. Ovie is electric, Alexander Semin is slick and Mike Green is a game-breaker, but playoff success is built on airtight goaltending. It wouldn’t surprise Jimmy one bit to see untested Russian prospect Simeon Varlamov in the D.C. cage before this tale is told.
Capitals in seven.

New Jersey (3) vs. Carolina (6)

Picking a first-round upset against the Devils may be sheer folly, with Martin Brodeur back in form and the likes of Jamie Langenbrunner (sizzling since January) and nifty Zach Parise lighting it up on offense. But that’s exactly what Jimmy is doing. The Hurricanes have been on fire since Erik Cole rejoined the team at the trading deadline, thanks largely to the scoring of Eric Staal and outstanding goaltending by Cam Ward. Shades of 2006, especially with Paul Maurice behind the bench.
Hurricanes in five games.

Pittsburgh (4) vs. Philadelphia (5)

This one is personal for Jimmy, as readers well know about his blind spot for all things Philly. And, of course, after predicting Evgeni Malkin would get pushed around all season and fold his tent, the big Russian went out and won the Art Ross. Mike Richards, Jeff Carter and Simon Gagne give the Flyers a fighting chance in this series, but the Pens are playing much better hockey overall under Dan Bylsma. Both teams have erratic goaltending, making this a high-scoring series. A perfect setting for the Wizard of Croz to work some spring magic.
Penguins in seven games.

San Jose (1) vs. Anaheim (8)

Sharks against Ducks, sounds like a real mismatch. And it should be. San Jose has seemingly been in cruise mode all season as they waltzed to the best overall record in the NHL. They’ve been picked as dark horse Cup contenders for years now and have learned from past disappointments. The Ducks are a formidable recent champion and have been playing well down the stretch but will be mere chum for the Sharks. Grab Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, Devin Setoguchi, Dan Boyle and Rob Blake for your pool and hang on for the ride.
Sharks in six games.

Detroit (2) vs. Columbus (7)

Columbus? In the playoffs? Yes, welcome to the party, with your gaudy Blue Jackets and your impish puck-stopping prodigy. This series is actually a bit of a head-scratcher, with the Red Wing juggernaut devoid of reliable goaltending, and the Blue Jackets clearly a franchise on the rise under the shrewd coaching of Ken Hitchcock. Tons of Cup-worthy talent wearing the winged wheel, with Pavel Datsyuk, Zett the Jet, Marian Hossa and Nik Lidstrom all legitimate playoff pool producers. Can young Steve Mason silence the guns for an entire series? Not quite, not this year.
Red Wings in seven games.

Vancouver (3) vs. St. Louis (6)

Hands up everyone who picked the Blues to make the playoffs? Chris Mason is on a roll and the young snipers in St. Loo (T.J. Oshie, David Perron, Patrik Berglund, David Backes and Leaf cast-off Brad Boyes) are an exciting collection of scorers.
Meanwhile, out on the left coast, the Canuckleheads have twin Sedins, an aging Sundin, and a consensus Conn Smythe favourite in Roberto Luongo. Gritty guys Ryan Kesler and Alex Burrows could tip the scales for Van City. This should be an entertaining series, one to watch into the wee hours of your playoff spring.
Canucks in six games.

Chicago (4) vs. Calgary (5)

The Flames have a deep team on paper, but a resurrected Blackhawks franchise has plenty of motivation and younger hunger throughout the roster. Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Martin Havlat, Kris Versteeg and blue-liners Brian Campbell, Duncan Keith, Cam Barker and Brent Seabrook should all be on your fantasy radar. Kipper and the Flames are spent, and while Jarome Iginla won’t go quietly into the Western Conference night, Jimmy likes Chicago to outgun Calgary in a tough series.
Hawks in seven games.

Jimmy D
jpoole@herald.ca