Playoff predictions set

Well I've made my playoff selections (see below) for the Eastern and Western conferences.

I'm not sure why I stuck my neck out on the line this year by making my predictions public. Last year I avoided such predictions by claiming that as "the hockey history blogger" I only concerned myself with the past, not the future. This year no such cop-out, however. And I'm sure that will come back to haunt me and make me look foolish, like all "experts" this time of year.

Here's a late add on - my choices for the 2008 NHL regular season awards:

Hart Trophy (MVP) - Alexander Ovechkin, WSH

Norris Trophy (defenseman) - Niklas Lidstrom, DET

Vezina Trophy (goalie) - Martin Brodeur, NJ

Calder Trophy (rookie) - Carey Price, MTL

Selke Trophy (defensive forward) - Mike Grier, SJ

Adams Trophy (coach of the year) - Bruce Boudreau, WSH

Byng Trophy (gentlemanly play) - Pavel Datsyuk, DET