NHL Playoffs First Round Analysis

Sharks 0
Ducks 2

You know that Leafs brass must watch this series feeling validated about their GM and Head Coach hires- Brian Burke's former flock continue to flourish because of his handiwork while it seems that the Sharks got rid of the wrong guy in their pond (Coach Ron Wilson).
Who saw this deficit for the Sharks coming? And with Jonas Hiller doing his best Giguere-of-six-years-ago impression in the pipes to boot!
All I know is that the way the Ducks got leap frogged by the Blues and Blue Jackets at the end of the season made it seem that they were destined for another one and done. Far from it, as the Ducks look to prove the Stanley Cup Winner hangover theory is true. They seem to be back to their 2007 form, playing smash mouth, defensive hockey with a brick wall of a goaltender.
Their style, coupled with Hiller's antics make it tough for the Sharks to really climb back into the series. Look for the Ducks to complete the upset, taking out the Sharks in six.

Red Wings 2
Blue Jackets 0

Unlike the Sharks-Ducks series, the battle of these double moniker Central division foes is playing out just as most thought it would. Perhaps, we expected some more from Jackets goalie Steve Mason, but they seem hapless against the powerful Wings and a suddenly renewed Chris Osgood.
Sorry Jackets fans, but you are getting swept. But you aren't the only ones...

Canucks 3
Blues 0

Once again, no surprise here.
Adam Proteau had a great article on thn.com about the Blues looking green this postseason against the grizzled vets from Gastown- and he's right. No knock on the Blues, half of their team can't even grow a playoff beard worthy of Sidney Crosby fuzz (save for Chris Mason!), the Blues have been playing all season with out their best defensemen (Erik Johnson) and Paul Kariya - it's a feather in their cap to just be here!
The future is bright for the boys from St. Loo, but Luongo and co are going to politely shove past on to the next round in four.

Blackhawks 2
Flames 1

After limping into the playoffs and playing as though they were late for a tee time through their first two playoff games, the Flames pugilistically reintroduced themselves to the upstart Hawks in game 3 - fulfilling the look that pundits drew of them as crashers and bangers.
It remains to be seen which Flames squad shows up in game four (Jarome who?) and it is for that reason - and the eventual return of Patrick Kane, that I think the Hawks will take care of business in five games to move on to the second round for the first time since the Cubs won the big dance.