It’s Stanley Cup Time!

One year ago at this time, we were mourning the loss of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Now, on the eve of the 2006 playoffs, the stories continue to twist and turn down into the very last day of the season. The season has had more peaks and valleys than a Six Flags roller-coaster, with strong contenders from some of the usual suspects (Ottawa, Detroit, Dallas) and some big surprises (Carolina, New York Rangers). Let's take a look at some of the teams that are riding high and feeling low as we enter round one of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Look Out For...

New Jersey Devils — No one saw this coming back in January. A Hall of Fame goalie battling inconsistency, a top forward recovering from hepatitis, and a coach who was to ill to coach. How did the Devils go from floundering to challenging for the Atlantic crown? It could be the fear of Zeus that players felt when Lou Lamoriello stepped behind the bench, but it's most likely the dynamic duo of Martin Brodeur and Patrik Elias finding their game combined with Brian Gionta and Scott Gomez lighting it up. Even without Scott Stevens or Scott Neidermayer, the Devils went to the depths of Hades and came back, finishing the season with a hot streak that few achieved this season. Fear the Devils.

San Jose Sharks — A show of hands, please — who thought back in January that the Sharks would have Richard and Art Ross trophy candidates? The Sharks surge into the fifth seed is a perfect example of how things come together at the right time. The rookies have figured it out, the goaltending has stabilized, injuries are minimized, and the veterans are leading. Sure, the Sharks' roster is still a little green with playoff experience, but GM Doug Wilson is betting the fresh legs and good mojo will carry the team deep into the playoffs. When your backup goalie is the same guy who carried a team into the conference finals last season, chances are you feel pretty good about your squad.

Anaheim Mighty Ducks — Unlike the 2003 Mighty Ducks team that went to the Stanley Cup finals, this Ducks squad is built around speed and transition. During the Mike Babcock era, the Ducks succeeded by playing immense amounts of defense and relying on Jean-Sebastian Giguere. Giguere has returned to the form that earned him the Conn Smyth trophy, but this Ducks squad is much different — and much more dangerous. Speed and skill are the order of the day. Much like the San Jose Sharks coming together at the right time, the Ducks are gelling with a mix of youth and veteran presence, along with the unmatched play of Norris candidate Scott Neidermayer. Though the Mighty comes out of the name next season, Anaheim has one more chance to back up that description, and all indications are that they will.

Fading Fast...

Tampa Bay Lightning — Sticking with John Grahame in net was going to be a question mark all season. Grahame's hit-and-miss season probably cost the Lightning a 6-8 points, meaning that they would be battling for fourth place instead of just hanging on for dear life. Up front, the Lightning have struggled with intensity and defense — two key ingredients in their Stanley Cup victory. Still, you can never discount the defending champions, but a lot has to go right — like John Grahame finding consistency — in order for the Bolts to repeat.

Nashville Predators — It's easy to say that the Predators are still a great team, but let's be honest here. The drop off from Vezina candidate Tomas Vokoun to newly-crowned No. 1 Chris Mason is large. Yes, Steve Sullivan and Paul Kariya are dangerous, and yes, the Predators have one of the best bluelines in the league. It doesn't matter unless Chris Mason gets the job done. With Vokoun, the Predators had as good of a chance as any to make the Cup finals. Without Vokoun, the Preds will be lucky to make it past the surging Sharks in the first round.

Philadelphia Flyers — Will the real Philadelphia Flyers please stand up? Peter Forsberg certainly makes a difference in a lineup, but even his absence can't explain the inconsistent play of the Flyers. One game they look like Cup contenders, the next they look like they should be playing in the ECHL. If Forsberg is healthy and stays in the lineup, the Flyers look to go deep in the east. Without Forsberg, who knows what will happen?

The Pick

You heard it here first — the Carolina Hurricanes will win the Stanley Cup. From top to bottom, they're the perfect blend of youth, experience, grit, speed, and skill. And they forecheck like crazy with a transition game that can't be beat.