The Prairie Puck: PRAIRIEPUCK'S PREDICTIONS ALL THE WAY TO JUNE

Hello to all, and as Benji said, we apologize for our tardiness in updates. As our treat to you, we have provided a series of predictions as to what will happen, both expected and surprises right until the month of June. Kicking it off:

1. JAY BOUWMEESTER WILL BE TRADED, BUT WILL NOT BE PLAYING IN MONTREAL.

-For many years, there has been talk of Florida defenseman Jay Bouwmeester being traded, and this WILL be the year. As the trade deadline approaches, Bouwmeester seems to be packing his bags each day. There was speculation that Bouwmeester may be heading to Montreal, but mark our words: HE WILL NOT BECOME A HAB. The addition of Mathieu Schneider has sidelined many discussions, and a team that desperately needs his services is the New York Rangers. They have some cap room to fit him in, and if the Blueshirts want to make a serious run at the cup, Bouwmeester is a good place to start. Watch for a trade to New York in the next week or so.

2. THE MONTREAL CANADIENS WILL NOT MAKE IT ANY FURTHER INTO THE PLAYOFFS THAN LAST YEAR

-In a year when the expectations couldn't be higher, the Habs will not win the cup in their 100th season. Speculation of Lecavalier coming to Montreal, the recent benching of Alex Kovalev, the recent scandal involving the Kostistyn bro's love for drugs and hookers....the list goes on of negative press that the team has received, and it is crippling the club's ability to buckle down and focus on the task at hand. A 1st or 2nd round exit in the playoffs is going to crush the Habs' fans dreams, forcing them to riot in the streets once again.

3. MIIKKA KIPRUSOFF WILL BREAK MARTIN BRODEUR'S SINGLE SEASON WIN RECORD

-The Flames are playing extremely well as of late, finding ways to win, even if they are down on the scoreboard with 2 minutes to go. A big reason for this, is the play of Miikka Kiprusoff, who has earned every single win for the Flames, (35), which is leading the league in goaltender statistics. With 23 games to go, the Flames will click at the best possible time en route to the playoffs, and will win 13/20 games. It is probable that Curtis McEhlinney will get a few games in this span. A scenario that could prevent the record from being broken is if the Flames plan to add a secondary keeper to help out Kipprusoff by the trade deadline, which is very possible.

4. A SK-BORN CAPTAIN WILL HOIST THE STANLEY CUP THIS SEASON

-Really, there are only 2 SK-born captains in the league. One his currently hurt, (and possibly able to play in the playoffs if his team makes it), and the other is the captain of the league's best team. Of course I am talking about Brendan Morrow and Patrick Marleau. Make no mistake about it: We said at the beginning of the season that San Jose will win the Stanley Cup. Not the Red Wings, not the Bruins....the SHARKS, and Patrick Marleau will hoist the Stanley Cup in June.

5. THE TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS WILL NOT MAKE THE PLAYOFFS (NO SURPRISE)

-It's not going to surprise anyone when the Leafs don't make the playoffs yet again. Something significant will happen for the Leafs in June, as their 1st round selection in the NHL Entry Draft in Montreal will be Brandon Wheat Kings' forward, Brayden Schenn, brother of Leafs defenseman Luke Schenn. As of right now, draft rankings has pinned Schenn at 5th overall, and the Leafs currently sit 5th last in the league. It would be smart for the Leafs to throw every single game from here on in order to have a better chance at the Jon Tavares sweepstakes, but Brian Burke WILL draft Brayden Schenn at either 4th or 5th overall.