NHL Conference Semifinals Predictions

Last night was a great night for hockey, as Boston came back from a 4-1 deficit in the third period to take the game and the series against Toronto in overtime while the New York Rangers just dominated the Washington Capitals on their way to a date with the Bruins in the next round.  Another interesting thing about this year's playoffs is that both the two and three seeds were knocked out, already making this year's playoffs interesting.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (7) Detroit Red Wings

The Blackhawks had little trouble with the Wild on their way to a rather easy five game series win while the Red Wings clawed their way to a 4-3 series win at Anaheim.  The Blackhawks remain the best team in the league, and having a confident Corey Crawford is a dangerous thing, especially with the third and fourth liners producing when the likes of Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa had not (prior to game 5).  Detroit is hot at the right time, and Jimmy Howard is on the verge of being an elite goaltender.  Offense will need to step up, as their defense still isn't with a true number one guy.

Prediction: Chicago in 5

(5) Los Angeles Kings vs. (6) San Jose Sharks

The Kings had a bit of a struggle getting warmed up for the playoffs against the Blues, but reeled off four straight wins en route to a 4-2 series win.  The Sharks had little trouble with the Canucks, sweeping them out of the playoffs.  The Kings will need their offense to step up, and certainly, Jeff Carter will be the one to lead the way there, as goaltender Jonathan Quick has found his game after early struggles.  The Sharks still lack the necessary offense, but Antti Niemi has played lights out, and in the process, earned his first (and well deserved) nomination for the Vezina Trophy.

Prediction: Los Angeles in 7

EASTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (7) Ottawa Senators

Pittsburgh had some issues in putting away the Islanders, needing six games and a goaltender switch to do so while Ottawa handled Montreal in five games.  Sidney Crosby is playing his best hockey yet, and if all of the offensive pieces are on, it may very well overcome a shaky goaltender situation, as Marc-Andre Fleury has not been well and has needed Tomas Vokoun to bail him out.  The Senators need offense more consistently, as they won't be able to hang a six spot on the Pens like they did the Canadiens twice.  It's unrealistic to expect Jason Spezza back this series, but if this series goes seven like I think it will, it's possible.  Craig Anderson is the team's backbone and will be needed again to keep the team in every game.

Prediction: Penguins in 7

(4) Boston Bruins vs. (6) New York Rangers

Boston was on the verge of blowing a 3-1 series lead against Toronto before a furious comeback in game 7 was capped off by a Patrice Bergeron overtime goal.  The Rangers took every game at home against the Capitals before winning on the road for the first time in the playoffs, good enough to make it to the next round.  The Bruins need to find more consistency, as they largely struggled to put away the Maple Leafs in potential elimination games, and that begins with Tuukka Rask, who almost ended up on the wrong end of a comeback again (he was the goaltender of record in that 2010 series against Philadelphia).  Offense has been an issue with the Rangers, and Rick Nash needs to find some luck.  Goaltending is no issue, as Henrik Lundqvist has been his usual sterling self, gaining yet another Vezina Trophy nomination in the process.

Prediction: Bruins in 6