Eastern Predictions

The playoff matchups are finally set, and today I will preview the Eastern Conference first round series...

(1) Washington vs. (8) New York

-This isn't the best possible matchup for the Capitals, as they have struggled against the Rangers this season.  That being said, the Caps have been one of the hottest teams in the league of late and are a different squad than the one who lost 7-0 at MSG earlier in the season when Ovi dropped the gloves with Dubinsky.  These teams went the distance in the first round two years ago, when the Caps came back from a 3-1 deficit to win in 7 games.  New York definitely has the edge in goaltending, and Lundqvist will have to be at the top of his game if the Rangers are going to compete in this series.  The pressure is all on Washington, as this team can't afford to lose to an eighth seed in the first round for the second year in a row.

Prediction: Washington in 6

(2) Philadelphia vs. (7) Buffalo

-The Flyers struggled down the stretch in the regular season, and eventually lost their number one seed to Washington.  Up front, the Flyers may very well be the deepest team in the league.  Their biggest question mark is in net, but don't read too much into this as they made it all the way to the finals last year with Michael Leighton between the pipes.  On the other side, Ryan Miller has proven to be among the NHL's elite in net over the last couple of seasons.  In my mind, he is the key to this series and I think he is going to have a big performance.

Prediction: Buffalo in 7

(3) Boston vs. (6) Montreal

-This is the series all hockey fans were hoping to see.  It is no secret that these original 6 rivals do not like each other one bit.  These two teams seriously went at it in the regular season, and played in some high scoring games filled with brawls.  This could be one of the most entertaining series of the first round.  As both teams play different styles, it will come down to who can impose their style on their opponent the most.  For Boston to be successful, they need to play a physical game and use their size to their advantage.  The line of Lucic, Horton, and Krejci will have to keep up their solid play for Boston to be successful.  For Montreal, the key to winning this series will be playing a disciplined game and capitalizing on their powerplay.  The Habs PP went 9/28 against the Bruins this season, and it is one of their greatest strengths.  As Boston has the size advantage, Montreal has an advantage in skill and speed, and will try to use that to their advantage.  Both goaltenders are key in this sries, and whoever outplays the other will go a long way in deciding this matchup.  Though I would like to see Montreal advance, the big bad Bruins are designed to win in the postseason.

Prediction: Boston in 6

(4) Pittsburgh vs. (5) Tampa Bay

-The Penguins proved to everyone that they are a much deeper team than everyone thought, as they locked up the 4th seed with 106 points, tied with Philly for the division lead and only 1 point out of first place in the conference.  And they did this without their two superstars, Crosby and Malkin.  Though Malkin is done for the season, Crosby could return in this series but it still remains unclear.  The Lightning are a streaky team, but if they can get Lecavalier going he would provide some much needed secondary scoring behind St. Louis and Stamkos.  In my mind Marc Andre Fleury is one of the most underrated goaltenders in the league, and is the main reason they are sitting where they are today.  Pittsburgh's edge in depth, playoff experience, and goaltending will be the deciding factors in this series.

Prediction: Pittsburgh in 5


Western Conference predictions tomorrow....