2008 Round 2 NHL Predictions

Montreal vs Philadelphia

Montreal is a young team that almost lost to the 8th seed after they finished first. They rebounded in game 7 against Boston and if they play to their potential they can sweep the flyers.

Montreal in 4

Pittsburgh vs NY Rangers

The Penguins steam rolled over the Senators and likely will dominate the Rangers just as much. The Rangers lack a no.1 defenseman that can play 30 minutes a night and shut-down Crosby and Malkin.

Pittsburgh in 5

Detroit vs Colorado

Detroit faced a challenge from the Predators but finished them off after shaky goaltending from Hasek. Colorado has become over reliant on Theodore and it is doubtful that he can duplicate his performance against the Wild on a stronger Red Wings team.

Detroit in 5

San Jose vs Dallas

The closest matchup in the second round is almost a toss-up. The Dallas Stars defeated the Stanley Cup champions in the first round while the Sharks almost were defeated by the 7th seed. That gives the Stars the lead.

Dallas in 7

Will the Conservatives win all the seats in Alberta in the next federal election?

Last provincial election the tories had an untested leader whose personal support was lukewarm but running under a conservative banner guaranteed them a massive majority. This spring there could be a federal election and is there any chance there will be a non-conservative Alberta MP heading to Ottawa?

The only two seriously contested ridings in Alberta are Edmonton-Centre and Edmonton-Strathcona. Edmonton-Centre is Anne McClellan's former riding and if the Liberal's national campaign is strong this riding could move back to the Liberals. Edmonton-Strathcona is Alberta's most progressive riding and the progressive vote is divided between the Liberals and NDP. If there is one strong progressive candidate this riding can move to the NDP or the Liberals.

Beyond those two ridings Alberta is Tory blue. The incumbent candidates easily win their ridings with over 50% of the total vote. In theory a strong local candidate could organize an upset but with no signs of conservatism wavering in Alberta this doesn't sound plausible. The best alternative to the conservatives may one day be the green party. The Green Party's support was strongest in Alberta last federal election but without a recognizable candidate they still aren't ready to win a seat a general election.

Conservative dominance can't last forever. The longer there is a conservative provincial and federal governments in power the conservatives stranglehold on Alberta will weaken. Conservatives won't be able to blame the provincial or federal governments for policy errors. The more Conservatives assume they are Alberta's only political party, the more Albertans will turn from them. Dynasties don't last forever and if Albertans are united in their rage, the conservatives could lose the majority of their seats in provincial and federal elections.

Conservatives Introducing Pro-Canadian Policies Before Expected Election Call

Last week, Jim Prentice rejected a foreign takeover of the Canadian company that controls the Canadarm. Foreign takeovers are part of Canada's business scene with HBC and CN both falling under American control during the past decade. Before Friday Canada's governments have not intervened to prevent foreign takeovers of key Canadian companies and even encouraged American investment. This minor change represents a dramatic shift. Now it appears the Conservatives are willing to intervene to prevent key Canadian companies that don't benefit Canadians when they fall into foreign hands.

Combined with the Conservatives aggressive plan to protect Canada's arctic sovereignty, the Conservatives are appealing to Canadian nationalists with policies that the liberals ignored when they were in power. During the next election the Liberals will find it difficult to portrait the Conservatives as anti-Canadian on foreign takeovers and arctic sovereignty.

2008 First Round NHL Predictions

Boston vs Montreal

Both Boston and Montreal weren't surefire picks to make it to the playoffs this year. But thanks to comeback players like Kovalev and Sturm both teams are still playing hockey in mid April. Montreal's playoff hopes rest on Carey Price who won the Calder Cup last year and even without Captain Saku Koivu the Canadiens depth should allow them to make it to the second round.

Montreal in 7 games.

Pittsburgh vs Ottawa

The Senators collapsed in the second half and barely made it to the playoffs after an explosive start. Pittsburgh has the NHL's top 2 most explosive centers (Crosby and Malkin) and will be very difficult to be stopped. But the Senators are more experienced than the Penguins and could surprise them.

Pittsburgh in 7 games.


Washington vs Philadelphia

The Capitals squeaked into the playoffs by riding a 7 game win streak. Ovechkin was the league's top player this year and with the addition of Huet the Capitals will make a mark in the playoffs.

Washington in 6 games.


New Jersey vs New York Rangers

Both teams are very evenly matched and the Devils get the edge because Brodeur is one of hockey's most consistent goalies.

New Jersey in 7 games.

Detroit vs Nashville

The Predators surprisingly made the playoffs despite losing their top goalie, top defenseman, and top 2 forwards. But the Cinderella story ends here where the Red Wings (my choice to win the Cup this year) are vastly superior to them in every category.

Detroit in 4 games.

San Jose vs Calgary

Calgary has consistently faltered and failed to live up to their potential. Kipper had his worst regular season ever as a Flames starter and if he's great he could beat a tired Nabokov who played in 77 out of 82 games this year. Despite the Flames struggles this year they did score more goals than the Sharks this season.

Calgary in 7 games.

Minnesota vs Colorado

Backstrom proved last year's season wasn't a fluke and he'll need to be spectular to shutdown a healthy Avalanche team.

Minnesota in 6 games.

Anaheim vs Dallas

The Ducks are the defending Stanley Cup Champions and are in the race with the aid of veterans like Selanne and Niedermayer returning for lower pay half way through the season. Richards is a great addition for the Stars but without Zubov they are without their most talented player.

Anaheim in 6 games.