Even without Sidney Crosby for a period of time, the Penguins still have talent. Evgeni Malkin is the reigning Hart Trophy winner and is complimented by the likes of James Neal, Kris Letang, and Jarome Iginla. Want toughness? Brenden Morrow and Douglas Murray provide that. Marc-Andre Fleury had a shaky playoffs last year and is out to prove that he is still an elite goaltender.
The Islanders are in the playoffs for the first time since 2007, and John Tavares is a candidate for the Hart Trophy this year. Having a good wingman in Matt Moulson gives the Islanders a one-two punch. Their defense isn't that great, but a lot of those deficiences can be covered by great goaltending, and that is what Evgeni Nabokov provides.
Prediction: Pittsburgh in 5
(2) Montreal Canadiens vs. (7) Ottawa Senators
Montreal's strength is in the back end, where Carey Price is the backbone. PK Subban is turning into a Norris Trophy candidate, and that makes the Canadiens a better team. Offensively, the Canadiens get contributions from the likes of Alex Galchenyuk, Michael Ryder, and Brian Gionta, but it is the team chemistry that has the Canadiens where they are.
Ottawa had injury issues throughout the season, but it now seems that the Sens are finally getting healthy again. Craig Anderson was having a Vezina Trophy winning season before injuries hit, and both Jared Cowen and Erik Karlsson were not supposed to be in the lineup for the playoffs, but both are here, and that gives the Sens a big body and an offensive dynamo. Jason Spezza could return soon, but in the meantime, the kids such as Jakob Silfverberg and Mika Zibanejad, as well as Kyle Turris, are filling in nicely. Leadership is no issue with Daniel Alfredsson around.
Prediction: Ottawa in 7
(3) Washington Capitals vs. (6) New York Rangers
Washington struggled early, but they turned it around when Alex Ovechkin became his usual self. For the Caps to win, he will have to put the team on his back, as Martin Erat and Niklas Backstrom are the only true options on offense. Defense was a work in progress, and certainly, the goaltending was an issue for a fair part of the season, but Braden Holtby seized the starting role, and the Caps are better for it.
The Rangers were less than the sum of their parts, as only Henrik Lundqvist played to expectations on a consistent basis. Rick Nash came on late in the season, but Brad Richards didn't play as well as last season. The Rangers are hopeful Marc Staal returns this series, as the blue line can never have enough warm bodies to block shots.
Prediction: Washington in 7
(4) Boston Bruins vs. (5) Toronto Maple Leafs
The Bruins struggled down the stretch, and it cost them a division title. Tuukka Rask played well for much of the season, but the playoffs are a different animal, but he did play well when he started in the 2010 playoffs. Offensively, Tyler Seguin, Nathan Horton, and David Krejci are good options, but a consistent Milan Lucic will be a key to everything. When he's on, he's the best player out there, but that isn't always the case, as he can disappear for stretches. Zdeno Chara will have to be the dominant defenseman that he's been if the blue line is to have a chance.
Much of Toronto's success this season can be attributed to James Reimer, who seized the starting spot in goal. Defensively, the Leafs are good, with Dion Phaneuf leading the way. Offensively, Phil Kessel and a healthy Joffrey Lupul are options, but they need Nazem Kadri to snap out of a recent funk if they want to advance.
Prediction: Boston in 6
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