Well I still have 2668 e-mails at work in my inbox, as well 42 saved messages on my phone. I plan on deleting everything in the near future. The subject of today's blog will be to give my playoff predictions for Round 1 of the NHL playoffs. That time of year is finally here. You will also find some advice below. Feel free to follow it to the letter, or discard it like an unwanted sweater.

In other news, I have decided to delay the purchase of a new comp system as I will be busy with other stuff. Maybe in the early summer. I do not envy the task that I will eventually face of transferring over all sorts of media files. I also need to figure out the best way to dispose of my old comp stuff that is environmentally responsible. I will have to pay to get it take care of properly. No free programs set up in Ottawa. But there is a gun amnesty program. I guess a lot more people own guns than people who want to get rid of old computers.



NHL predictions:

New Jersey vs. New York Rangers:
Probably the hardest series in the East to call, but the season series record shows New York as the clear cut favourite (7-0). Marty Brodeur and the Devils should go out again early. Boring, yawn!

Rangers in 6

Ottawa vs. Pittsburgh:
A disaster waiting to happen for Ottawa, not that they would have been any better off facing Washington. Ottawa is so discombobulated right now, it is hard to imagine that this team went to the finals last spring. They say that a shake-up could be on the way for this Senators squad, with Spezza likely to fetch the most in return. Can anyone say Spezza for Luongo, given the disgruntled time Roberto had facing the Vancouver media this year. Oh yeah, the reason I am giving the sweep to the Penguins is because Alfredsson and Fisher will both miss the entire series

Penguins in 4

Washington vs. Philadelphia:
The speed of the Capitals should prove deadly for Philly. Look for Ovechkin to regularly undress Martin Biron and Huet to shut the door. Washington is on a mission this spring.

Capitals in 5

Montreal vs. Boston:
Complete domination should be expected here, but I will give Boston the benefit of a doubt and give them at least one game.

Canadiens in 5



Anaheim vs. Dallas:
Hard to predict, but remember that Turco is traditionally shake come playoff time. Can Richards rise to Conn-Smythe form? This one should be a slobber-knocker with the Ducks coming out on top in the end. Lots of OT here!

Ducks in 7



San Jose vs. Calgary:
San Jose should obliterate the Flames and anyone who says differently is drinking the Canadian Kool-Aid. While the series won't last long, it should be a physical one.

Sharks in 4

Minnesota vs. Colorado:
The hardest series to predict since I am not familiar much with the Wild. There team seems mostly the same from previous years, but analysts are saying, watch out for this group. Forsberg probably will not play much, but there is Foote to play the big shut-down on Gaborik. Let's not forget about Smyth in front of the net. Should be a beauty of a series which also features OT.

Avs in 6

Detroit vs. Nashville:
Anialhation by the Red Wings. A rather boring series can be anticipated.
Red Wings in 4