Eastern Conference Playoffs

Playoffs begin Wednesday, and today will mark a two part preview.  Today is all about the Eastern Conference playoffs, and the first round.

(1) NEW YORK RANGERS vs. (8) OTTAWA SENATORS


The Rangers' signing of Brad Richards paid off, as they not only earned the first seed, but also exceeded expectations in a brutal Atlantic Division.  Their defense still carries the day, and certainly, Henrik Lundqvist is a major reason for the Rangers' success.  However, the Senators are not intimidated, as they went 4-1-0 against the Rangers in the regular season.  For Ottawa to win, their offense must carry the day, and either Craig Anderson or Ben Bishop will have to be competent.  Want an upset?  I'll give you one right here.

Prediction: Ottawa in 7

(2) BOSTON BRUINS vs. (7) WASHINGTON CAPITALS


Boston is the defending champions, and they will not give it up without a fight.  That said, their defense must carry the team just like last year and Tim Thomas will have to be Tim Thomas from last year.  Washington is on a hot streak, but their main problem right now is finding a healthy goaltender.  When you have to rely on Braden Holtby to be your number one, your team has problems.

Prediction: Boston in 5

(3) FLORIDA PANTHERS vs. (6) NEW JERSEY DEVILS


Florida won the Souteast Conference by attrition.  However, they were also on a bad streak, and it is unknown how they will react to their first playoffs in over a decade.  Meanwhile, New Jersey is on a winning streak, and Ilya Kovalchuk has been playing complete hockey since arriving in New Jersey a couple of years ago.  Don't discount the experience of some of the Panthers' players, as Brian Campbell, Tomas Kopecky, and Kris Versteeg all have Stanley Cup rings and Ed Jovanovski participated in a Stanley Cup Final.

Prediction: New Jersey in 5

(4) PITTSBURGH PENGUINS vs. (5) PHILADELPHIA FLYERS


This will be war.  Nothing I can say about this series will even come close to describing how this will all go down.  The deciding factor will be goaltending, as in will Ilya Bryzgalov show up for the playoffs.  This series could go either way...and never mind a winner in the series, there will be only survivors.

Prediction: Pittsburgh in 7 (hard fought games)