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<font class="small">Code:</font><hr /><pre>
BUF &gt; NYI in 4
NJ &gt; TB in 5 BUF &gt; OTT in 5
ATL &gt; NYR in 5 NJ &gt; ATL in 5 BUF &gt; NJ in 6
OTT &gt; PIT in 6
SJS &gt; BUF in 6
CAL &gt; DET in 6
ANA &gt; MIN in 4 ANA &gt; CAL in 5 SJS &gt; ANA in 6
VAN &gt; DAL in 5 SJS &gt; VAN in 6
SJS &gt; NSH in 6
</pre><hr />

<u>FIRST ROUND MATCH-UPS</u>
BUFFALO vs NEW YORK ISLANDERS
I think this will be an easy sweep. The Sabres just dominates every aspect of the game. Since the Islanders won't be able to stop the Sabre's offense and definitely can't match it, expect really lop-sided scores after every game.
<u>X-factor:</u> DiPietro. If the Islanders hope to win, he will have to stand on his head to save the team.

NEW JERSEY vs TAMPA BAY
A classic match-up of pure defense vs pure offense. I don't think the Lightning will be able to overcome Brodeur. TB's D isn't exactly strong and the Devil's top lines should be able to get a few past rookie goaltender Holmqvist. A few goals is all the Devils will need. I expect mostly 2-1 games and a few going to OT in this series. It's going to be a lot closer than the "Win in 5" suggests.
<u>X-factor:</u> Devil's offense. If Gomez and Elias can't score, the Devils won't win. You can only keep the offensive juggernauts on the Lighting off the scorecard for so long.

ATLANTA vs NEW YORK RANGERS
I'm not seeing either of these teams going deep in this year's playoffs. They resemble each other a lot and are almost evenly matched. This game will come down to which team dictates the play. If the Rangers allow the game to open up and begin to play sloppy on D, then the Thrashers will make quick work of the Blueshirts. For the Rangers to move on, they will need to keep the game slow and play SOLID on defense.
<u>X-factor:</u> Jaromir Jagr. If he doesn't produce big points, I don't see the Rangers winning more than a game. I have a feeling he will either dominate or be VERY quiet.

OTTAWA vs PITTSBURGH
This will EASILY be the most exciting series to watch! Two fast-paced, high-scoring teams (both in top 4 of goals/game) going at it. The series can come down to which goalie plays better, but I believe the Senators will move on. The Senators D is much better and the team has more experience. The Sens are 4th in shots/game while the Penguins are in the bottom third of shots against. The Pens D will have a hard time stopping Heatley, Spezza, and Alfredsson.
<u>X-factor:</u> Special Teams. The teams are reciprocals of each other when it comes to PP/PK. Both teams need to focus on staying out of the sin bin... and this can be a more difficult challenge to the young Penguin team.

DETROIT vs CALGARY
Deja vu for the Red Wings? I think this will be the closest series in the West and will result in the #1 seeded Detroit being bounced early once again. While the Flames haven't been so hot recently, the physical play should wear down the Wings. The goaltenders for both teams will play great and the shallow offense of both teams will struggle.
<u>X-factor:</u> Todd Bertuzzi. If he can contribute offensively and throw his weight back at the Flames, the Wings will fly forward.

ANAHEIM vs MINNESOTA
The Ducks finished their stellar season seizing the Pacific Division title, the first team other than the Sharks and Stars to do so. They have offense, speed, size, and of course the two best defensemen in the world. The Wild feature a stingy defensive system and Slovakians. However, the Ducks D &amp; goaltending should be able to stop the shallow scoring depth on the Wild. The Ducks offensive size and speed will be too much for the Wild to handle. The Wild will be forced to open up the game if they fall behind early... which plays right into the strength of the Ducks.
<u>X-factor:</u> Backstrom/Fernandez. Although I really can't see the Wild pulling out 4 wins, if they do it then it's because of one of these goaltenders. If things don't go well in the first game, Ferndandez will be thrown in net and prove that he should stay.

VANCOUVER vs DALLAS
This will be the lowest scoring first-round series. Both teams have great goaltending, although question marks always surround Turco in the playoffs. The Canucks will spend most of the games cycling in the Stars' zone.
<u>X-factor:</u> Sergei Zubov. If the Stars hope to move on they have to get by Luongo first. To do that, the weak Stars offense will need to score on their powerplays vs the number 1 penalty killers in the league. Zubov will be the key to the Stars' powerplay.

SAN JOSE vs NASHVILLE
Offense:
SJ &gt; NSH Not in depth, but in quality.
Defense:
SJ &gt; NSH
The Shark's defense is much more experienced than the Predators'. Zidlicky and Timmonen will have too much trouble defending against giants.
Goaltending:
Even
Nabokov has been stellar while Vokoun has been shaky. However, this can easily swap... as we've seen Nabokov at his worst last season and we all know how great Vokoun can be.
<u>X-factor:</u> Forsberg. It's up to him and Vokoun.


Now feel free to rip me a new one.