It happens every year. The stunning opening-round upset is such a standard feature of the Stanley Cup playoffs that you can hardly call it stunning anymore.
Most years the potential upsets stand up and announce themselves. Last season, for example, it was easy to pick the Canadiens to knock off the first-place Bruins because Montreal had the best goalie in hockey. This year, nothing is quite so obvious.
As many as seven or eight teams harbor realistic hopes of winning the 2003 Stanley Cup, making this one of the most intriguing and baffling Stanley Cup opening rounds in many years. With that butt-covering excuse firmly in place, we begin with...
The Eastern Conference
(1) Ottawa Senators vs. (8) New York Islanders
The Islanders are said to be Mike Peca’s team, but they look more like Alexei Yashin: They can play hard and score in bunches, just don’t expect it every night. Yashin has been good lately, but Peca is scoreless since February and the rest of the Islanders are awful. The Senators are deeper and more talented at every position. New York cannot stop the Ottawa attack. If Alfredsson and Hossa don't get it done, lesser lights like Bonk and White will finish the job.
Senators win in four games.
EV (Entertainment Value) Rating: Watch Ottawa respond to the Islanders' pounding by playing better every game.
(2) New Jersey Devils vs. (7) Boston Bruins
Jersey can't score much. But the Bruins are a charitable opponent, allowing the most goals of any playoff team. At the other end the Devils play their usual style, digging a moat around goaltender Martin Brodeur. Joe Thornton and Glen Murray are as dangerous as any forward pair, but only their finest effort will give the Bruins any chance. In net, the Devils have an Olympic champion and Vezina candidate, while Boston is still looking for someone who can stay healthy and put together a few good games.
Devils win in six games.
EV Rating: Unless it gets dirty or the Bruins steal an early game, wait for the highlights.
(3) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (6) Washington Capitals
The Lightning are quick, skilled and... tiny, which does not bode well. But they're resilient, which is more than you can say for Washington. As usual, the Capitals have oodles of talent. As usual, it never seems to add up to much. Jaromir Jagr could beat Tampa by himself, but who knows if he'll show up? Both teams are defensively suspect, so it will likely come down to goaltending, and Tampa's Nikolai Khabibulin has been at his best in the last six weeks. Great timing by him.
Lightning win in seven games.
EV Rating: This could be a shootout. definitely worth keeping an eye on.
(4) Philadelphia Flyers vs. (3) Toronto Maple Leafs
Just about every player in Toronto has taken a turn in the infirmary lately, including Mats Sundin and Alex Mogilny, who have to dominate if the Leafs are going to win. The Flyers are more sound defensively and the arrival of Tony Amonte helped the scorers break out of a season-long slump. The only place the Leafs have a clear edge is in net, where Ed Belfour might be the best in the league. But can he cover for Toronto's porous blueline?
Flyers win in seven games.
EV Rating: Should be close, physical and nasty. Watch this series.
Next page: The Western Conference Preview.
