Why is it that this sort of thing only happens in hockey? I remember several years ago the #1 seed St. Louis Blues losing in the first round to the #8 seed (don't remember who it was).
Cause hockey's tough. A more physical team can wear down a "more talented" team over a seven game series. So much rides on momentum and a lucky bounce here or there.
Also, the rules are called (not called, rather) in such a way to encourage physical play. Plus, in hockey most of the players play. In basketball if your starting 5 are better than the other teams, you should win.
In hockey, you can have two great scoring lines, but if your 3rd and 4th line guys aren't up to the task of mucking and grinding, you can still get beat.
SD