No Shootouts in the playoffs and playoff predictions

Fans beware, the drumbeat is building to put the shootout into the playoffs, and YOU'RE UPSET ABOUT THE HEALTH CARE BILL? Instead of fighting over that, FIGHT WHAT REALLY MATTERS! HENRY VIII WOULD HAVE SUCH INDIVIDUALS BURNED AT THE STAKE FOR SUCH HERESY!!! (I admit, I've watched too many episodes of "The Tudors"), anyway, my feelings about the shootout match what Don Cherry said some years ago. The shootout is okay in the regular season, but NO WAY IN THE PLAYOFFS! My biggest concern is the slippery slope, because if you put shootouts into the playoffs, inevitably, someone will win the Stanley Cup in a shootout, and, since I am also a soccer fan and former referee, I have seen the World Cup decided in a penalty kick shootout, and frankly, It is the WORST way to decide a championship possible.


Eastern conference

Washington Vs. Montreal-The Habs have little chance, as Ovi is totally focused. The only bugaboo for the Caps would be a subpar preformance by Jose Theodore, or Jaroslav Halak standing on his proverbial head-Caps in Five

New Jersey Vs. Philadelphia-This is one of my upsets, as Philly had Jersey's number throughout the season(5-1 against the Devils)-Flyers in Six

Buffalo Vs. Boston-The other upset. The B's play Buffalo very well, and can take this series-Bruins In Six

Pittsburgh Vs. Ottawa-Many experts are expecting a Pittsburgh. I'm not. I think that the Sens will give the Pens much more than one might expect-Pens In Six

Western Conference

San Jose Vs. Colorado-Like Montreal in the east, I do not believe the #8 seed, in this case Colorado, is long for the playoffs-Sharks In Five

Chicago Vs. Nashville-This should be a good series. Both teams are relatively healthy, and they know each other well, since they play in the Central Division-Hawks in Six

Vancouver Vs. Los Angeles-La La Land is back in the playoffs after several years' abscence, but the Sedin twins and Roberto Luongo will end their stay-Canucks In Six

Phoenix Vs. Detroit-The Yotes are the feel good story of this year, but so is Jimmy Howard, who has carried the Wings, further the Wings are now healthy,and could have a long run in the playoffs-Wings In Six

P.S. Jay Leno said that Ben Rothliesberger will not face criminal charges in a sexual assault case, but he COULD face discipline from the NFL, including the ultimate punishment-he could be traded to the Detroit Lions!