First-round Stanley Cup Playoff predictions

Western Conference

#1 Vancouver vs. #8 Chicago: Won’t be easy, but Canucks will find a way to contain Blackhawks big-game players over the long-haul. Vancouver will win in seven

#2 San Jose vs. #7 Los Angeles: Sharks were one of the hottest teams in hockey over final six weeks. Kings are banged-up. San Jose will sweep

#3 Detroit vs. #6 Phoenix: Red Wings aren’t feared the way they have been in the past, but should have enough to eliminate Coyotes. Take Detroit in six

#4 Anaheim vs. #5 Nashville: High-powered offense against stingy defense. Ducks will find a way to win. Anaheim in seven

Eastern Conference

#1 Washington vs. #8 New York Rangers: Capitals won’t fall victim to first-round upset for second year in a row. Rangers don’t score enough to win. Washington will advance in five games

#2 Philadelphia vs. #7 Buffalo: Because there’s bound to be an upset somewhere, the Sabres will surprise the Flyers. Ryan Miller will shine as Buffalo edges Philly in six

#3 Boston vs. #6 Montreal: The Bruins have goaltending, a strong defense and size and skill up front. That combination will prove too much for the Canadiens. Boston will win in five

#4 Pittsburgh vs. #5 Tampa Bay: Penguins goaltending is better than Tampa’s. That will be the difference in a long series. Pittsburgh prevails in seven