Pittsburgh Pirates - Free Agent Targets

Ahh yes, free agency.

The best part of any off season. 

The Pirates have a lot of needs this off season and plenty of targets to go after.  Of course, they have a bevy of free agents themselves they need to think long and hard about before keeping them (I'm looking at you Frankie).  Here's a short list of Top 10 Free Agents that fit the Pirates needs.  

Also, this list takes into consideration that the Pirates are not able to outspend pretty much anyone when it comes to salaries.  

#10: Emilio Bonifacio - 2B

On the not so off chance that Neil Walker does not stay in Pittsburgh (an option that will become increasingly more likely if #1 on this list is signed) then the Pirates will have to look for another option at second base.  Sadly, I have no faith in Pedro Alvarez being able to reclaim his place at third base, meaning that Josh Harrison will have to stay there and not slide over to a possibly departing Neil's spot. Which means there is really no in house option, at least for another 2-3 years.  Bonifiacio, who you might remember who hit .700 against the Pirates in their opening series against the Cubs last season, is a reliable player who has fits any lineup nicely.  His numbers are not staggering - you can only expect a .250-.270 hitter during a good year and maybe 5-7 HRs.  He would be a downgrade over Walker, a pretty significant one, but in terms of bang for your buck second basemen, Bonifacio is one of the best available.  

#9: Justin Masterson - SP-RH

Oh Justin Masterson.  I've saw Masterson show flashes of brilliance during his time in Cleveland.  The guy eats innings.  He's a 3/4 starter, not an ace by any stretch.  If he's having a good season, he'll probably have around a 3-3:50 ERA.  That being said, if he can stay healthy he can, like I said, eat innings like no other pitcher in the MLB.  Pirates starting pitchers last year often had a problem of not going late into games, wearing down the bullpen which defiantly started to show later in the season. Masterson had a terrible season last year, both in Cleveland and especially in St. Louis. Perfect.  Just the kind candidate Ray Searage specializes in - older pitchers who have lost their way.  There's plenty of upside to Masterson...but also plenty of risk.  That being said, there was even more risk with Edison Volquez last year and look how that turned out.  

RAY SEARAGE MAGIC POWERS ACTIVATE!

#8: Josh Johnson - RP-RH

Two seasons ago, Josh Johnson was the best closer in baseball, leading the league in saves with 51 for the Baltimore Orioles.  Clearly the Orioles saw a storm coming because that's exactly what happened with Johnson last season in Oakland.  It was so bad in fact, that Josh was chased out of Oakland and eventually signed a minor league deal with Detroit - but never actually made it back to the majors after being dropped by the As.  This is all good for the Pirates.  When Josh Johnson is healthy, he's in the Top 10 relievers in baseball.  When he's not, he's really really really really bad. (Think Ernesto Frieri but with much more upside).  Due to his putrid last season, he'll come cheap for the Pirates....with the hope that Jedi Master Searage can work his Jedi powers on him and turn him into the guy who saved 50+ games for the Orioles two seasons ago. 

#7: Jason Hammel - SP-RH

Ray Searage. Project.  Lots of upside.  Lots of risk.  Seeing a pattern here? Hammel was one of the best pitchers in the league last year before his trade to the As about a month before the trade deadline. And that's when the wheels fell out.  It's clear that Hammel prefers pitching in the NL and a switch back will be a very welcome reunion between Hammel and which ever team signs him.  Hammel is still relatively young for a pitcher for what you can get him for.  If he can keep that form he had at the beginning of last year for just 3/4 of a season, he'll be well worth the price of a contract.  

#6: Brett Anderson - SP-LH

The biggest wild card in the free agent market this off season, Anderson is a fireball throwing southpaw who I'm sure couldn't be happier that he no longer has to pitch in the ERA black hole that is Coors Field.  With so much upside I think Anderson could be the big steal of this free agency period.  The guy has never pitched anywhere else in Colorado.  I can guarantee that no matter where he goes his ERA will plummet compared to any of his seasons in Colorado because black hole. 

#5: Tom Gorzelanny - LHP

I've always liked Gorzy.  Now that he's a free agent, despite his struggle against lefties last year (which was an exception in his career, not a norm) I think he has plenty left in the tank for a bullpen that desperately needs to fill the void between the starter and closer. If key here is if he can stay healthy.  If he can I feel like he can be a huge piece to any bullpen, which will hopefully be the Pirates.

#4: Michael Morse - 1B
Right now, first base for the Pittsburgh Pirates is an empty shell.  A black hole where careers go to die and batting averages go to plummet.  Ike Davis needs to go and Gabby Sanchez only deserves to stay around as a bench player at best.  Right now, the starting first baseman for the Pirates would be the epic crapstorm of last season - former third baseman Pedro Alvarez.   Projecting how he will do is almost impossible.  Will we get the Pedro who took the NL home run crown two seasons ago, or the one last season who couldn't hit water if he fell out of a boat.  Or throw a ball to first base.  I have no idea.  Enter Michael Morse.  Morse started last year on fire, hitting his 10 of his 16 home runs in the first 2 months of the season.  Then he dropped off a cliff, which could have had something to do with injures he sustained during the season.  Morse is a much better hitter than Pedro, average wise (is anyone worse?) and his power has right handed bat would complement Pedro's left handed power very nicely.  I'm not exactly sure what his market price will be due to his terrible second half - but power is always a highly sought after piece for any team.  And power is something Morse has defiantly shown he has.   

#3:  Like Gregerson -RHP
The one two punch of Gregerson/Doolittle in Oakland was a pretty formidable combo.  Doolittle got all the saves, and therefore all the recognition. Set up guys never get too much time in the spotlight.  Which is good for the Pirates because Gregerson has the stuff to be one of the best set up men in baseball - or one of the best closers, which ever one the Pirates need more.  The best thing about Gregerson is his consistency.  You can put him out there and you know exactly what you're going to get night in and night out, a top tier reliever with a low to mid 2 ERA.  Much of this depends on the Pirates decision to retain current closer Mark Melancon, who has been pretty consistently great in his own regard since joining the Pirate. That being said, a the combo of the two of them would be pretty hard to stop.  And a four punch combo of Holdzkrom, Watson, Gregerson and Melancon......that would be just terrifying.

#2: Brandon McCarthy
After being traded to the Yankees, McCarthy was simply one of the best pitchers in baseball last year. His strikeout/walk ratio was excellent, he gives up very few home runs (only 25 last year) and is a ground ball machine.  The risk you take is, which Brandom McCarthy do you get.  The one who was absolutely terrible for the Diamondbacks with an ERA over 5, or the one for the Yankees with and ERA under 2.5.  The last couple players the Pirates pilfered form the Yankees have done very well, Russell Martin being the prime example.  McCarthy will be a little more expensive than all the other pitchers on this list and stands to reason that the Pirates might not be able to afford him - but if they can he can be a great piece to a rather underwhelming starting rotation.

#1: Russell Martin
He's been the second most important player on the Pirates the past two seasons next to Andrew McCutchen.  You could argue that he's even more important.  He can hit.  He has power.  He's the best in the the majors at stopping the running game.  He's a great veteran presence in the locker room and he handles a pitching staff better than any other catcher in baseball.  He's the most important piece for the Pirates to go after this off season and they need to throw as much money at him as possible in the hopes that he stays.  Because the next best catcher on the market is Geovany Soto...who may as well be Rod Barajas compared to Martin.  

NHL Season Preview - Atlantic Division

Atlantic Division

1. Tampa Bay Lightning 

2. Boston Bruins

3. Montreal Canadiens  

4. Florida Panthers

5. Detroit Red Wings

6. Ottawa Senators

7. Toronto Maple Leafs

8. Buffalo Sabers 

Tampa Bay

Additions: Brenden Morrow (F), Brian Boyle (F), Jason Garrison (D), Anton Stralman (D), Evgeni Nabokov (G)

Subtractions: Teddy Purcell (F), Nate Thompson (F), Matt Kostka (D), Kevin Aulie (D), Anders Lindback (G)

Key Player: Ben Bishop 

Dark Horse: Jason Garrison

Most Likely to be a Bum: Evgeni Nabokov

Final Take:  Flat out one of the deepest teams in the league and their off season moves just amplified that fact.  If Bishop can stay healthy and if Drouin can have a breakout rookie season, look for this team to not only challenge the Bruins for the Atlantic crown but also take a serious shot at capturing the Stanley Cup this postseason. 

Boston Bruins

Additions: - 

Subtractions: Jarome Iginla (F), Andrej Maszaros (D), Shawn Thornton (F), Chad Johnson (G), Johnny Boychuk (D)

Key Player: Torey Krug

Dark Horse: Reily Smith

MLTBAB: Gregory Campbell

Final Take: The Bruins will be good and they will make the playoffs again. Shocker. The question will be if whether or not they can make up for the players they lost with the players they already have, a question I honestly cannot answer.  Also, Torey Krug and Dougie Hamilton better not have sophomore slumps...or get hurt...or take a game off, because the Bruins are putting a lot of faith in those young D-Men and no longer have the luxury to replace them if they go down.

Montreal Canadiens

Additions: P-A Parenteau (F), Manny Malhotra (F), Tom Gilbert (D)

Subtractions: Thomas Vanek (F), Josh Gorges (D), Brian Gionta (F), Daniel Briere (F), Devan Dubnyk (G)

Key Player: P.K. Subban

Dark Horse: P.A. Parenteau

MLTBAB: Brandon Prust

Final Take: The Habs are basically the same team they were last year.  Much of their success will come from whether or not Carey Price can stay healthy and whether or not Subban can live up to his new, humongous contract. Either way I see the Habs making it back to the playoffs - whether they get very far is a story in and of itself. 

Florida Panthers

Additions: Jussi Jokinen (F), Dave Bolland (F), Derek MacKenzie (F), Shawn Thornton (F), Willie Mitchel (D), Al Montoya (G), Aaron Ekblad (D - Draft Pick)

Subtractions: Tom Gilbert (D), Jess Winchester (F), Scott Clemmensen (G)

Key Player: Roberto Luongo

Dark Horse: Aaron Ekblad

MLTBAB: Shawn Thornton

Final Take: They threw money at every free agent available and will hope they somehow fit together to create a winning team.  Around the free agents, however, are plenty of great young players including 2014 #1 overall pick Aaron Ekblad.  If the young guns on Florida can produce and take major strides during the season than Florida will end up being pretty solid. If not....well ya they will probably suck.  

Hey, at least they finally have a goaltender worth a damn. 

Detroit Red Wings

Additions: - 

Subtractions: David Legwand (F), Corey Emmerton (F)

Key Player: Pavel Datsyuk

Dark Horse: Tomas Tatar

MLTBAB: Jonas Gustavsson

Final Take: This team is old as balls. Seriously.  Somehow, they keep making it to the playoffs, probably because they have the best coach in the game. I think, however, that that will catch up with them this season as I can't see this team scoring enough goals to win day in and day out.  And their defense is......well it's just not good enough to win low scoring games all the time. 

Ottawa Senators

Additions: David Legwand (F), Alex Chiasson (F)

Subtractions: Jason Spezza (F), Ales Hemskey (F)

Key Player: Craig Anderson

Dark Horse: Kyle Turris

MLTBAB: David Legwand

Final Take: This team better hope Erik Karlsson scores 5 goals a night because looking at their lineup of forwards, with the exception of Bobby Ryan, is absolutely horrendous - especially down the middle.  The fans in Ottawa better hope Anderson finds his form from two years ago as well because if he has another season like last one, combined with the loss of Jason Spezza, could result in a disastrous season for the Sens.  Side note: When Kyle Turris is your number one center, you can only expect so much from your team - mainly that you're going to blow chunks. 

Toronto Maple Leafs

Additions: Leo Komarov (F), Mike Santorelli (F), Matt Frattin (F), Stephane Robidas (D), Roman Polak (D), Petri Kontiola (F)

Subtractions: David Bolland (F), Carl Gunnarsson (D), Nikolai Kulemin (F), Tim Gleason (D), Jarred McClement (F), Mason Raymond (F)

Key Player: Jonathan Bernier/James Reimer

Dark Horse: David Clarkson

MLTBAB: Colton Orr

Final Take: They Leafs will never win.  This team has so many problems, starting from its terrible core of players all the way to its terrible ownership. The only way I could see this team doing anything is if one of its goalies stands on their heads, something that has a very little chance of happening considering who's in net. Plain and simple, the Leafs suck. And will suck for many years to come. 

Buffalo Sabers 

Additions: Matt Moulson (F), Sam Reinhart (F - Draft Pick), Brian Gionta (F), Cody McCormick (F), Josh Gorges (D), Andrej Maszaros (D)

Subtractions: Christian Ehrhoff (D), Cory Conacher (F), Ville Leino (F), Alexander Sulzer (D), John Scott (D)

Key Player: Cody Hodgson

Dark Horse: Sam Reinhart 

MLTBAB: Chris Stewart 

Final Take: This team is absolutely terrible and will be a front runner for the Connor McDavid sweepstakes following this season. It's going to be a rough year to be a Sabers fan but hey, at least you have Ryan Miller in goa.........oh ya.  

Wow this team is bad.  

What WE ARE

Ok, let's get this out of the way first.

I am, currently, a Penn State student and I am, and will be, spending my next few years in the cheerful land of Happy Valley.  

So those of you who read this article and say; "Man, he has no idea what it's like to be a Penn Stater.  He just doesn't understand" - would be completely wrong.  

I know what it's like to be a "Penn Stater", I've spent the better part of the past 2 years of my life in State College and in that time I've taken in what Penn State has to offer.  I've seen the way things are up here.  I've seen the passion so many alumni are proud of when speaking of their alma-mater. 

At times, I've found myself standing along side them, whether it be shouting "WE ARE" at the top of my lungs in an effort to rally my beloved Nittany Lions back to life on the football field or singing the alma-mater with my father at the end of a victorious hockey game, I've seen and felt what it's like to be apart things here. 

It is, at times, is awe inspiring. 

But then again, 

It's also gut wrenching.

The difference between many of my fellow students and I is that I did not come to Penn State a Penn State fan. 

Quite the contrary. 

I came to this university hating it, with every inch of my being. 

I hated everything thing PSU stood for.  I hated the mob mentality of the students.  I hated how the university tolerated their underage students acting like drunken fools every weekend a football game was on. And, above all, I HATED Penn State football.  

More specifically, I hated Joe Paterno (as the two are one in the same).  

You see, I respected Paterno as a coach.  To this day I think he is the greatest college football to ever live.  But the man had too much power, too much influence. No one man should have that kind of influence on a university - especially not a football coach.  Joe Paterno was, and to a certain extent, still is Penn State.  He embodied everything Penn State stood (stands) for.  

Mainly, football above all else. 

This includes the safety and well being of children. 

As I'm writing this, I can hear the sounds of the mob, and yes I do mean mob, drumming up football fight songs and yelling WE ARE at the top of their lungs.  This is, of course, due to the fact that today the NCAA lifted the postseason game (or bowl game) ban on Penn State football.  

As of today, Penn State can play in a bowl game or the newly instituted football playoffs.  The full ban will be lifted next year when Penn State's football scholarship's are completely restored.  

Funny how we seem to forget the events that transpired only two years ago. 

Two years. 

That's it. 

That's how long it took for Penn State and the NCAA to regain some illusion of a conscience.  Some illusion of morality. Some illusion that Penn State had paid it's dues for the horrible acts it had allowed to happen under its roof two years ago. 

Nothing has changed up here.  Nothing.  Don't let the illusion fool you.  Don't let it consume you just like it has so many, if not all of, my Penn State classmates.  Don't buy into the notion that Penn State has somehow paid it's debt to society (or the NCAA for that matter) in just two years.  It's fault.  In fact it's not just false - it's bullshit.   

What happened at Penn State two years ago was the worst failure of an academic institution in the history of college sports.  Neigh, in the history of collegiate existence.  To this day, I still feel ashamed that I attend the institution that allowed such treachery to happen right under it's noses.  

But apparently - no one else does.   

Not my classmates

Not my teachers 

Not the NCAA

And this all goes back to what it truly means to be a Penn Stater.  What it truly means to dawn the blue and white.  

It means that you cherish football - a simple, nonsensical game - above all else.

And it's pathetic. 

Penn State should not have had it's bowl game privileges reinstated today.

Penn State should not even have a football program left for it to reinstate privileges to anyway.

I stick by my belief that the death penalty was the only proper punishment for the program that allowed what happened to those boys to happen.  And even then, that wasn't enough.  Nothing would be enough. Nothing could or can ever be enough penance for this institution...nothing can ever be enough for the innocence it help destroy.  

Penn State deserved every sanction it got. 

It deserved that and more.  Much more. 

But instead it got off with a slap on the wrist.  

A timeout.  

And that makes me sick.

And it should make you sick too. 

But hey, at least we get to play in bowl games again right.  That's all that really matters.

Plunder the Minors

The Pittsburgh Pirates are once again in the thick of the NL Central pennant race.

Some how.

It's still weird to even write something like that, especially after their stomach wrenching April, but here they are, the door to the Central wide open.

Time to take advantage.

 It's up to the Pirates to win and win now.  To take advantage of all the hardships that have befallen their Central foes and grab the Central title while they have the chance.  In order to do that the Pirates must improve, and despite what Neal Huntington says, that improvement cannot come from within.

It can't because it's just not there.

The Pirates have one of the best minor league systems in baseball.  Years of finishing in last place have allowed the Pirates to stock their system with a bevvy of young, talented players who will most certainly help this club, or another, in the long run.

They can't help now.
Well, they can, but not on the field.

The Pirates need to take a long look at what they need now and weigh it with what they think these kids will bring in the future.  I'm always a fan of trading prospects for proven talent, in any sport, but especially baseball. Prospects in baseball are such a crap shoot that you're lucky enough if 3 of your top 10 prospects see the MLB one day in some fashion.  That's not a knock on these players, it just a very realistic look at how hard it is to make it in this game and how many things can, and usually do, go wrong on the pathway to the big leagues. No one really knows how these prospects are going to do, that's why they're called prospects.  Getting a proven player for an unproven one is always an upgrade, whether it hurts you in the future or not. When you need to win now, you do what you have to get the pieces you need, and that means trading some of your farm. (Pay attention Penguins, as this is directed at you as well)

Now I'm not suggesting the Pirates have a full blown fire sale and sell the farm, but the fact of the matter is that the Pirates have too many prospects and not enough spots for them on the big league ball club. Trading some of the excess skill to improve your ball club now wouldn't be the end of the world, in fact, it would be the right thing to do. Not just for your team but for these kids as well.  If you don't have spots for them, another organization probably does.  It's a win win.

Here's a quick look at the most recently updated list of the Pirates Top 10 Prospects:
1. Tyler Glasnow RHP - MLB Top 100 Prospects Rank: 20
2. Jameson Taillon RHP - 32
3. Josh Bell OF - 33
4. Austin Meadows OF - 50
5. Nick Kingham RHP - 55
6. Alen Hanson SS - 80
7. Reese McGuire C - 81
8. Harold Ramierez OF
9. Cole Tucker SS
10. Mitch Keller RHP

Now let's look at the Pirates needs this season:
1. Relief Pitching
2. First Base
3. Starting Pitching

The nice thing is that the Pirates top need this season if usually something that does not require that much in return for. Relief pitching is something that is commonly undervalued in baseball and, with the exception of an elite closer, is not going to cost you an arm and a leg.  This is an area that needs to be addressed and needs to be addressed now.  It's clearly not 2013 anymore.  The shark tank has more holes in it than a block of Swiss cheese and it needs to be plugged quickly if the  Pirates are going to make a serious run at this division title.  The main issue right now is the 7th inning.  You need someone who can pitch before Watson and Melancon that is reliable...or at least more reliable than what we have now.

Also you need to call up Vin Mazzaro right now.  Why the man isn't up here in the first place is a travesty.

After you solve your bullpen problems, you need to take a long hard look at first base. I know this problem was supposed to have been addressed in the beginning of the season with the acquisition of Ike Davis but it's clear that that acquisition is not working.  The platoon of Ike and Gabby is by far the weakest spot we have in our lineup on a daily basis (well, depending on if Pedro is playing) and it needs to be improved upon before the trade deadline.  I know Huntington won't of course as it would be admitting that acquiring Davis was a complete failure but, none the less, it SHOULD be addressed.

Then you come to the big question mark of the whole Pirates team, the starting pitching.  The starting rotation has powered much of the Pirates rush up the standings, once again proving that good pitching always beats good hitting (just ask Colorado).  The reemergence of Jeff Locke has been a welcome sight as well as the dominance of Vance Worley, who I pegged as the Pirates best off season pickup at the beginning of the season.  As it sits now, I'm completely comfortable with the Pirates starting rotation. It's not a weakness but it's also not a strength either.  Now if Liriano can find just a sliver of his 2013 form and the Cole Train pulls back into the (healthy) station, then you have something to brag about.  If one of those two things doesn't occur, another solid starter would always be a nice trade target.  As the saying goes, you can never have too much pitching.

Clean House

I was waiting to write this article till after Coach Dan Bylsma was fired, which after the Penguins most recent meltdown I thought was all but a certainty.

Clearly I was wrong.

What happened to the Pittsburgh Penguins this year, neigh, the past five years in the postseason is unforgivable from a organizational standpoint.  Post Stanley Cup victory in 2009, the Penguins have flamed out each year in the postseason in spectacular fashion, each year more spectacular than the last.

The Pens need to clean house.  Flat out.  Firing Shero was a good first step - but stringing Bylsma along has me scratching my head as to just how much the leaders of this organization (Lemieux, Burkle, Morehouse) truly think change is necessary.

Don't kid yourself people, this organization is on the decline.  Serious change is needed in order to regain some semblance of organizational structure.  That means everyone must go.  The coaching staff, the GM and even some key players.  No one should be safe in this situation.

Crosby, Malkin, Kunitz, Neal, Letang, Fleury.
No one.    

This is a key moment in this organizations history.
Change now, or fall back into irrelevance.

That means letting all our UFA's walk.

That means actually bringing up some of the great defensive products this organization has in it systems and actually using them on a regular basis.

That means trading James Neal.

That means buying out rapidly declining defenseman Rob Scuderi and equally rapidly declining forward Craig Adams.

That means taking a long hard look at Malkin and Letang and seeing if trading them would fix the many holes of the team's roster.

That means signing upcoming UFA Ryan Callahan to play on Sid's right wing.

That means firing Dan Bylsma.  Right now.

Serious change needs to happen.  Right now.  As a fan of another organization which was also once at the height of the hockey world, the Vancouver Canucks, I know what it looks like when an organization is at a turning point.  The aging roster.  The missed playoff opportunities.  The serious lack of organizational depth.  The terrible drafts.  I've seen it all before.  And unless the Pens make some major changes right now - their fate will be the same as the Canucks - league wide irrelevancy.  

Pittsburgh Pirates Drinking Game

Horrible play of the Pirates getting you down?

Spice up this stretch of horrible play by the Buccos by introducing a little alcohol to the situation.

Take a shot if:

1. Pedro strikes out

2. Pirates leave bases loaded

3. Pirates don't score with man in scoring position and less than 2 outs

4. When someone says: "Marte Party", "Cole Train", "Real Deal Neil Walker", "El Toro", "Grilled Cheese", "Mark the Shark", "We Like Ike" or "Mercer Me". 

5. The Pirates gain a lead

6. The Pirates lose said lead

7. The bull pen gives up a run

8. Grilli / Melancon blows a save 

9. Someone ways "Sea-rage" or "Shark-Tank"

10. Sanchez / Stewart throws the ball into center field

11. Someone reminiscences on how well the Pirates did last season

12. Pirates ground into an inning ending double play

13. Someone says Gabby, Wandy, Stolmey or Jeanmar (only the first time)

14. One of the Pirates is hitting under .200 - take a shot for every player doing so

15. Clint Hurdle is seen chewing bubble gum

16. A Free Shirt Friday is advertised 

17. Jared Hughes looks like he's going to kill someone

18. A player starts a "Yes" chant

19. A player flashes either the "Z" or "Pistols" when they get a hit
20. Pirates fail to bunt a man into scoring position 

21. Bob Walk mentions banning the DH

Playoff Preview - First Round

A little late - but the games that have been played have not changed my picks at all.

East

Most Likely to be Conference Champs: New York Rangers
Most Likely to Disappoint: Boston Bruins
Dark Horse: Detroit Red Wings
MVP: Ryan McDonagh

Tampa Bay vs. Montreal
An interesting match up on paper is not on the ice.  Going into the playoffs, the Lightning are beat up and in a state of flux.  Loosing St. Louis to the Rangers at the trade deadline, which is weird to say because they got a hell of a player in return in Ryan Callahan, really hurt the team.  Everything on the team, contrary to popular belief, ran through him.  Taking such a important cog out of a team so close to playoff time is never good for chemistry...and add in the fact that their MVP and should-be Vezina Trophy winner goalie Ben Bishop is hurt starting the playoffs.  That, most of all, is the reason the Lightning will struggle heavily going into this series.  Look out for them in the future though - this team has a wealth of young talent, some of which is not even in the NHL yet (Jonathan Drouin, cough, cough) but as of right now they are just too hurt and too much in a state of flux from the St. Louis trade to battle with a pretty strong Canadiens squad.  Montreal plays a very tight, structured game and the trade for scoring winger Vanek at the trade deadline seems to be paying off big time.  Montreal takes this one relatively easily.
Winner: Montreal Canadiens - 5 Games

Philadelphia vs New York Rangers 
Philly got the short end of the stick as they drew the one team they truly struggle to beat in the Metropolitan Division for their first round opponent.  I liked (and I say that with a scorn on my face) the Flyers coming into the postseason and I originally had them as my dark horse team coming out of the East....until they got locked into a match-up with the Rangers.  The Flyers are a good team...but much like the Lightning they do not have their starting goaltender to start the postseason and I have very little faith in goalie goon Ray Emery to pick up the slack from Steve Mason who has had a tremendous first full season with the Flyers.  The Rangers on the other hand are a very healthy team and have the most consistent goaltender in the NHL in Henrik Lundqvist.  The style the Rangers play, as well as their deep defense core, has always done to the Flyers what the Flyers do to the Penguins - basically get them out of their comfort zone and make them go out of their minds with frustration.  This series will come down to the Flyers not being able to score enough on a pretty strong defensive Rangers club - but then again this is all a moot point because the Flyers are not going to go anywhere with Emery in net.  Wow is he bad.
Winner: New York Rangers - 6 Games

Pittsburgh vs Columbus 
The easiest pick of all the first round match-ups, East or West.  That's not me being biased to my favorite team either.  The Pens style of play matches up extremely well against a very young Blue Jackets squad who has yet to register a postseason win for their franchise in their 14 year of existence.  The Pens take this series very easily - leaving the Blue Jackets still win-less in the postseason.
Winner: Pittsburgh Penguins - 4 Games

Boston vs Detroit 
Here is is, my pick for biggest playoff flop this postseason.  Boston is the clear cut favorite to come out of the East - and for good reason.  Looking at the Bruins' roster, there are no real holes in it - it's kind of scary in fact.  But Detroit is Detroit.  For some reason the Red Wings, and by some reason I mean their coach Mike Babcock, perform well in the postseason year in and year out.  Detroit has been in a very similar situation to the Pens all season in that they have been riddled with injuries, so it's been hard to really judge how good this team is since they haven't played together all season.  Also like the Pens, they are getting healthy at the right time and this sets up the perfect storm for a first round upset.  Don't get me wrong though, this won't be easy.  This series is up for grabs and it will be a defensive battle till the very end for two of the best coached teams in the NHL - but I take Detroit in this one simply because I believe Boston's luck has to end sometime and I believe that time is now.
Winner: Detroit Red Wings

West

Most Likely to be Conference Champs: Anaheim Ducks
Most Likely to Disappoint: San Jose Sharks
Dark Horse: Dallas Stars
MVP:  Ducks Goaltending Trio - Hiller/Andersen/Gibson

St. Louis vs Chicago
The best mach-up of the first round.  These Western Conference powerhouses both have about the same chance to go to the finals and both teams are about as deep and stacked as you could possibly be.  St. Louis has a slight edge in goaltending in late season pickup Ryan Miller but besides that these teams are pretty evenly matched.  This series should and will come down to the wire and whoever comes out on top will reach the conference final.  I have St. Louis taking this one, simply because I think their style of play is a little bit more suited for the playoffs, and they have Ryan Miler - but the defending Stanley Cup champions Blackhawks have just about as much chance as the Blues do to win this.
Enjoy this one folks, it has all the makings of an instant classic.
Winner: St. Louis Blues - 7 Games

San Jose vs Los Angeles 
It's pretty cut and dry - until the Sharks prove to me that they can win in the playoffs I will not pick them to win anything.  The Kings are the best defensive team in hockey and I believe that, if they can score enough, they will shut down the Sharks high octane offense and take this series relatively easily.  
Winner: Los Angeles Kings - 6 Games

Colorado vs Minnesota 
I'll be honest, I don't know a lot about either of these teams.  I've never a been a big fan of Minnesota though - they're a team built 100% from free agency and I don't believe that breeds success for a franchise.  Also, going into the playoffs, their goaltending situation is about as grim as anyone's in that they have......wait for it....Ilya Bryzgalov starting for them.  No I'm completely serious - the Bear guy is back.  Colorado has surprised me all season and I don't expect them to stop now - just don't expect them to get past St. Louis or Chicago in the next round.  The Avalanche take this one without breaking a sweat (quickly prompting Wild GM Chuck Fletcher to acquire every free agent on the market in hopes of buying a winning team)
Winner: Colorado Avalanche - 5 Games

Anaheim vs Dallas
It was great to see such a hard working team like Dallas finally get back to the post season after being a bubble team for the past couple years.  The Stars are led by Bruin's throwaway (nice going Boston, didn't think that one through, did you?) -Tyler Seguin and the most underrated, unappreciated player in the league - Jamie Benn.  If you haven't been following hockey in Texas this year, and why would you, it's Texas, let me just say that the combination of Benn and Seguin has simply been the best combo in the NHL - bar none.  No two combination of players were more important to their team this year then them and, keeping with the trend of undervalued players, Dallas's goaltender, Kari Lehtonen, is one of the biggest work horses in the NHL and tends to go unnoticed because of where he plays.  That should change as this is one of the best goalies in the NHL.  Despite all of that though the Ducks are the most evenly spread offensive team in the NHL and boast the best goaltending trio, yes trio, probably in the world.  Also, Teemu Selanne.  No one is really giving Dallas a chance here but I could see a possible upset in the works if the Ducks can not solve the dynamic duo of Benn/Seguin in time.  I'm giving this one to Anaheim - mainly because I can't see Teemu going out in the first round in the last playoffs of his career.  Keep an eye out for Dallas in the future though - this team has the potential to be a player in the West in the seasons to come.
Winner: Anaheim Ducks - 6 Games