Playoff Time!

Since the NHL playoffs being tomorrow, now figures to be the time to do an analysis of each series and to pick a winner in each one.  Let's go.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

New York Rangers vs. Washington Capitals

No team was better in the second half than the Capitals, who overtook the Lightning in the last month of the season to win the division.  However, Mike Green must show up in the playoffs this year or it could be Bruce Boudreau who takes the fall for the Caps' failures.  The Rangers almost didn't make the playoffs thanks to their stinker against Atlanta in their next to last game of the season.  However, they won their last game and got help from the Lightning.  The Rangers need a healthy Marian Gaborik, since their best player (not named Henrik Lundqvist) Ryan Callahan is out for the playoffs.

Prediction: Capitals in five

Buffalo Sabres vs. Philadelphia Flyers

Philadelphia's goaltending is in disarray right now.  Sound familiar?  The difference here could very well be Chris Pronger, if he's healthy.  He's a big game player who plays a lot of important minutes on the blue line.  Buffalo rode a hot streak to make the playoffs when as of February, it seemed impossible.  Ryan Miller is the reason why, and given the Sabres' struggles to find consistent offense, Miller just might have to be that guy again.

Prediction: Flyers in seven

Montreal Canadiens vs. Boston Bruins

The hatred is back, and this series looks like it will be one to watch.  If you've followed the two teams' matchups this season, then you know about fight night in Boston back in February, or the Zdeno Chara hit on Max Pacioretty, so neither team is lacking for motivation.  Carey Price and Tim Thomas will have to step up big for either team to advance.

Prediction: Boston in six

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

Tampa Bay fell off during the stretch, going from a potential top three seed to a fifth seed.  Pittsburgh fell off primarily due to injuries to Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.  It will be interesting to see how Steven Stamkos does in his first playoffs.  Crosby is also worth watching, if only to see if he can be the Crosby of old or if the concussions have taken away from his game.

Prediction: Lightning in seven

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Vancouver Canucks

Chicago has owned the Canucks the last two postseasons, but things have changed dramatically since last season.  Dustin Byfuglien is in Atlanta, and no one is sure who will be that big body in front of the crease.  Not having the likes of Andrew Ladd also hurts because he could be counted on to provide secondary scoring.  Dave Bolland and Viktor Stalberg have to step up if Chicago hopes to have any chance of defending their championship.  Despite injuires, Vancouver hasn't been slowed down by it.  All eyes are on Roberto Luongo to see if he can finally take that step forward.  Vancouver will miss Manny Malhotra, but they are too balanced to be taken down by the Blackhawks this year.

Prediction: Canucks in six

Los Angeles Kings vs. San Jose Sharks

Any hopes for the Kings to make a deep run in the playoffs are practically gone with Anze Kopitar out for the playoffs.  Dustin Penner has to be the guy on offense if Los Angeles even hopes for advancement.  San Jose is a number two seed despite down years from Joe Thornton and Dany Heatley.  Guess what?  Those two still have to step up in the playoffs because any failures on the Sharks' part will have fans pointing the fingers at those two.

Prediction: Sharks in four

Phoenix Coyotes vs. Detroit Red Wings

Rematch from last season's first round, Phoenix is a defense first team who will struggle on offense.  However, having Ilya Bryzgalov in net makes everything work.  Keith Yandle was the leading point producer in the regular season, and he will be counted upon to do the same in the postseason.  Detroit has everything except goaltending.  Jimmy Howard was rather inconsistent in the regular season, and it remains to be seen if he can be the guy in net in the postseason.

Prediction: Red Wings in seven

Anaheim Ducks vs. Nashville Predators

Quite possibly the most boring matchup in the playoffs, if only because the Nashville Predators are in it.  All kidding aside, this looks like an MMA fight with many holds being exchanged, with the Ducks relying on its suddenly hot offense against the stout as usual defense of the Predators.  Interesting for the Ducks will be seeing how the likes of Cam Fowler and Luca Sbisa handle the playoff pressures on the blue line.  The Predators need offense, and Patric Hornqvist must be that guy to do it.

Prediction: Ducks in six