Why the expectation to see the Preds fall so low? Only 3 wins in their last few games? I think it’s more likely to see Colorado sink a bit as the season trails to an end.

It’s not so much about the Preds falling as it is the potential of the Wings rising. But I did say it would come down to the last game of the season whether they’re 7 or 8. Also, this is a very loose premonition. I have no idea what’s really going to happen. (I did look at everyone’s remaining opponents, though, and kind of played through the sequence of games in my mind — for what that’s worth…)

speaking of baseless predictions…i’d much rather see the first round match-up with the canucks, and for no real reason other than that’s just what my gut tells me. phoenix is going to be a shitty hockey atmosphere except under one circumstance…the chance to beat l.a. nothing warms the cockles of arizona residents’ blackened hearts more than the chance to beat l.a. in anything. the ‘yotes are white-hot right now, and i really don’t care to face them in an unusually amped up and packed hand-jobing arena. conversely, i think it’s to the kings’ advantage to start out on the road in vancouver, where the canucks (as canada’s only viable shot at a cup champion this year) will be under a lot of pressure to win on the site of canada’s olympic glory. and really, the canucks were shite in last year’s playoffs, despite the first round sweep. the ‘nucks collapse under the pressure in 6 games as memories of their ’93 series with the kings are re-lived, leaving all of b.c. to cry in their molsons, eh. now if you’ll excuse me, i have to reach further into my ass to find a winner for this year’s ncaa basketball tourney.