I suppose starting soon I will put out that I will do a playoff prediction faceoff. I will try to think of a way to make it as entertaining and simple as possible so people might do it. Many of those that initially did it last year do not post in this thread much anymore.

Avatar bets seem fun too. I might have to pick opposing teams of say Kenny, or Max for beats just for the greater cause of hilarity.

@AMP After years of seeing the Nuggets go down in the first or second round my expectations are pretty moderate though this is the best team they ever have had.

At the risk of sounding cocky, (which, if you know me, you know I'm anything but that when it comes to my teams), but the only team that even remotely scares me as a Hawk's fan going into the playoffs are the Penguins (maybe Anaheim a bit as well but not nearly as much) But Pittsburgh is a great team that got even better with the addition of players like Iginla. Luckily we wouldn't have to play them until the Cup Finals though, assuming we made it that far.

It sounds right on paper that the finals should be Penguins and Hawks again. The thing is that the Canucks usually looked on paper like the should win and have never done it. Upstarts like Los Angeles, Phoenix and New Jersey did really well last year. So going in this year it is anybodies game. Especially those with the best goalie.

Iginla is a good player, but his offensive production has been down for many years. I am sure he still plays good defense.

I remember lasts years play off predictions I did terrible the first round then won all the remaining rounds.

I'd like to see the Hawks go far but, as Choco said, I'd probably bet against them just to be that guy.

If Columbus can slip in and Islanders keep their playoff spot, I'd probably bet on them being the upset winners first round.

You are too young to remember Alex English, aren't you?

About the Hawks, they should at least make the conference finals if there aren't any injuries. 

Blackhawks clinch conference.

3 more wins and Blackhawks win the presidents trophy.

You know, with the Blackhawks points percentage if you extrapolate that for 82 games they would be at 135 or so points. And the Penguins would be at 125points. Even if they lose the rest of their games then they would be 123points in a regular season (140points if they win the rest of their games). That's crazy freaking good. If Blackhawks get 77points this season then they match the Canadians' record for point percentage. Unfortunately the season is short they don't have a chance to beat the most points (132).

Oh, and I forgot. The real reason I came in here is because I wanted to talk about the other teams.

The Ducks were 2 points away from the Blackhawks at one point. They were challengers for the Presidents Trophy. Now they are at risk of sliping to 5th seed if they keep losing. Would be funny but would give the Blackhawks a bigger chance of seeing them sooner. And I don't want that because they are still a great team.

Vancouver NEEDS to beat the red wings tonight. I want their streak ended. I also want the Rangers to miss the playoffs and the Blue Jackets to make it. Would be funny because of the guy who abandoned the Blue Jackets. If he had stayed the Blue Jackets would probably be closer to clinching a playoff berth.

I also want the Jets to make it in the playoffs. Canada deserves all the chances they can get for another cup (Anyone but Vancouver please) and I also have a soft spot for Ladd and Byfuglien. The Jets are also pretty much the only team left that has a shot to eliminating the Rangers and I want that.

With a loss tonight the New Jersey is done and 'yotes are pretty much done.

Okay so, my month long monthly Avy bet is over. Kenny your final loss of the season is against olorado if you want to bet again.

Post in the thread if you want to predict playoff results this year as they start soon.

Since Amp and Kenny said they were interested the group is:

chocoloco
Amp316
Hollabacklenny