Hope all but lost in Boston, but there's plenty more in the playoffs

A second straight shutout, albeit not nearly as bad as Saturday's disaster, likely put an end to any hope of a postseason birth for Boston. At the very least, I hope Tim Thomas has secured the starting position in goal for next season. He was once again left out to dry and take away some great saves and some even better luck, and the Canadiens win that game by three or four goals. The Bruins also have Tukka Rask and Toivonen, both of whom have plenty of potential. So, I don't want to hear anything about goaltending this off-season. It's the offense and defense, but more specifically, the lack of leadership and thus the lack of consistency.

Regardless of how the Bruins end the season, and it's not looking good, this postseason has about as much potential as I can remember.

In the East, Buffalo will likely retain the top spot and face perhaps the defending Cup champs, the Smyth and Dipierto led Islanders or the Leafs. All would present an interesting series, certainly no gimmes due to the Sabres recent rash of injuries. Jersey could end up playing one of their crosstown rivals in the Isles or Rangers. Division rivals Atlanta and Tampa Bay are currently locked up, and the offensive firepower that these two teams would display would be unmatched in any other series. But perhaps the most interesting current pairing is playoff failure Ottawa and a much-improved Pittsburgh. With Crosby, Malkin, Stall and co. flourishing and having brought the Pens from worst to, well almost first, the Sens may once again find themselves on the short end of what was a pretty darn good season. My prediction: Sidney Crosby proves he's already a better leader than Daniel Alfredson, who is shipped out following the Sens first round exit.

In the West, we are currently looking at a Nashville/Calgary first round series. These teams are only separated by 14 points and as far as playoff experience and overall leadership, the Flames have to be the favorite. But Nashville plays a fast brand of hockey, one that might be too quick for any of the bottom seeds. The same can be said about Anaheim and Dallas. The Stars are very accustomed to making the playoffs, and Mike Modano and co. are among the league's best leaders. That being said, Teemu Selanne is scoring at will and has a big and fast Ducks team ready for a Stanley Cup run. Not to mention, Pronger and Scotty N., a three-time Cup champ, on the blueline. The Ducks are my clearcut favorite to take it home this year.

A Vancouver/San Jose matchup would be a battle between a great overall team in San Jose against a Roberto Luongo led Canucks team. Luongo would have to be great to win this series, but I think that's pretty much expected at this point? Joe Thornton needs to lead, not just assist, if the Sharks are to finally make it to the Western Conference finals. And the current No. 4 vs. No. 5 matchup, the Wings would meet the Wild in a matchup that would surely come down to the wire. The Wings surprised everyone this year with yet another 100+ point season and of course have that much valued playoff experience. Minnesota has been there recently too, and Marian Gaborik is healthy and playing well, but this would be a tough series to win as Detroit has home-ice advantage (26-4-5) at home.

I'm dissapointed about how things are shaping up in Beantown, but that's life. It's nice to have my team, but it's better we have a good postseason to look forward to. I never want to have another 2004-05. We have our hockey and that's what really matters.