Our annual high-dive act

Apparently, the show must go on, so we make playoff predictions

Eventually every baby boomer came to realize Bugs Bunny/ Looney Tunes cartoons can be enjoyed by all ages, but were really more for adults than kids.

My all-time favourite is ‘High diving Hare’ where Yosemite Sam is determined to see a vaudeville show mainly because it includes Fearless Freep, a high diver. Sam buys a huge amount of tickets — “I’m a-splurging!” — but shortly after entering the tent, he and the rest of audience are informed by emcee Bugs Bunny that Freep couldn’t make the show.

Sam will have none of this and insists, at gunpoint, that Bugs take the place of the star — “I paid to see a high-divin’ act, and I’m going’ to see a highdivin’ act!’

There is a similar (comical?) air to The Telegram’s annual NHL playoff predictions.

We have mostly proven through the years — especially in these days of salary cap-induced parity — be something less than stellar in our choices; fair to middling may be the best description. B

ut there seems to be some sort of Sam in the background who insists, despite the promise of amateur hour, that the show must go on.

Your participants are once again the two present and one former (Kenn Oliver) members of the Sports Department. And has been the tradition, we’ve added one other from the newsroom.

This year’s guest prognosticator is reporter Glen Whiffen, who is known as the best hockey player at the Tely (at least that is what he tells us).

It may be worth your while to pay attention to Whiffen’s choices since he has no real dog in the fight. Glen has no particular favourite NHL club — it used to be whatever team featured fellow Bonavistan Michael Ryder.

And so, as we prepare to dive into it, the rookie will be first on the springboard.

Glen Whiffen EAST Devils-lightning

The devil is in the details — there’s too much talent and scoring ability on the Lightning for the Devils to answer to.

Tampa Bay in 5

Blue Jackets-capitals

No one can dispute the talent and ability of Alex Ovechkin, but it’s just not enough to take the Capitals deep into the playoffs.

Columbus in 7

Bruins-maple Leafs

The Leafs will conquer the Bruins this time around. They will redeem themselves for that disastrous third-period flop in Game 7 against the Bruins in the 2013 playoffs.

Toronto in 7

Flyers-penguins

The Crosby-giroux battle will be exciting to watch, but Giroux has had a great season, so he might have the edge in this series. But Malkin has stepped it up this year, and Crosby can explode in the playoffs.

Pittsburgh in 7

WEST Avalanche-predators

Can’t see the Avalanche advancing past Round 1 this year. Though, I’d say the same for the Predators if they weren’t playing the Avalanche.