Predictions are always a tricky thing in sports. You can go with your heart or your head, look at the stats or look in your crystal ball.

For a heartfelt prediction, I offer this: the Montreal Canadiens will make a surprising run to the Eastern Conference final, riding the emerging goaltending talent of their young call-up Jaroslav Halak. Christopher Higgins will regain his scoring touch, leading the playoffs with the most short-handed goals, and Michael Ryder will score two series winning goals.

For an actual prediction, here is my analysis:

* Probable Eastern Conference champion: New Jersey Devils
While I think the Pittsburgh Penguins could do some serious damage, I think their goaltending will let them down in the long run. New Jersey just has too many weapons, Martin Brodeur will turn it on in the playoffs, and Claude Julien will have the entire team humming along that they will be difficult to stop.

* Probable Western Conference champion: Nashville Predators
Now, before you start bashing me for this pick, they've got a balanced scoring attack and good enough goaltending that they could just do it. I think Detroit will give them a run for their money, but in the end Nashville will prevail.

*Probable Stanley Cup champion: New Jersey Devils
That's it, and that's all.

Learn more about this author, Julia Borgini.
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