The Devils do it in 60 minutes and the Wings do it in 84; both are moving on

Series Result: New Jersey Devils over Tampa Bay Lightning in 6
My Prediction: New Jersey Devils over Tampa Bay Lightning in 6

And so the East has been decided, and I've got to tell you; the New Jersey Devils are the perfect playoff hockey team. Think Tom Brady and the Patriots; Marty Brodeur and the Devils are their hockey equivalent.

Are they as dominant? Not necessarily. But both teams have one trait in common that almost always leads to playoff success; they hardly ever make mistakes, and they always make their opponents pay for theirs.

Both teams have in one man; Brady and Brodeur respectively; a guy that can single handedly steal a game on any given night. They also have a core of guys that just compliment each other so well that they look like a team or a unit rather then a bunch of individuals wearing the same jerseys.

But enough of that analogy, the point is simply that the Devils are bred for playoff hockey. They've got the goalie, they've got the defense, and they've got the pesky role players that can shut you down; and chip in goals as well. They've also got a few very talented players on offense, including Patrick Elias, Scott Gomez, and Zach Parise.

Their series against the Senators should make for some great hockey.

Series Result: Detroit Red Wings over Calgary Flames in 6
My Prediction: Detroit Red Wings over Calgary Flames in 7

I'm surprised that the Flames were able to win games 3 and 4 after the way they were completely crushed in games 1 and 2; but alas, they did all they could to make a series of it before falling. The Red Wings are a team to be reckoned with, but their next opponent; either the Stars or the Sharks; isn't going to make life very easy for them. That being said, the tough life will be mutual.

I was disappointed with the Flames lack of... well, flame, throughout this series, especially on the road. I'm not sure whether it was the Red Wings that got them off their game, or whether they just couldn't find it, but it was an extremely disappointing showing, and another early exit that will not be easy for these players to swallow.

Now all we can do is watch and wait, as the Stars / Canucks Game 7 will fill out the rest of the playoff picture for you; and let me get those winning predictions to you as fast as I can.