EASTERN CONFERENCE
(1 Atlantic) Boston Bruins vs. (3 Atlantic) Montreal Canadiens
The Bruins put on a display of defensive power against the Detroit Red Wings on the way to winning that series in five games. Tuukka Rask is playing as well as he did last season, and now, the Bruins are once again finding clutch goals from different players. The Canadiens powered past the Tampa Bay Lightning in a sweep and are led by Carey Price. For Montreal to claim this series, they will have to outwork the Bruins and Price will need to continue to be the difference maker.
Prediction: Canadiens in 7
(1 Metropolitan) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (2 Metropolitan) New York Rangers
The Penguins had a little harder time than one anticipated against the Blue Jackets, but Evgeni Malkin found the net in time to close the series out in six. He will need to continue to score, as Sidney Crosby has yet to find the back of the net. Overall, the Penguins need someone to step up and score, as Marc-Andre Fleury still remains inconsistent. The Rangers needed all seven games to finally dispatch of the Flyers, and like the Penguins, finding someone that can score consistently is an issue. That falls on Rick Nash, who has not done the job he has been asked to do in the playoffs. Even when he is at his best, Henrik Lundqvist needs offensive help.
Prediction: Penguins in 6
WESTERN CONFERENCE
(4 Wild Card) Minnesota Wild vs. (3 Central) Chicago Blackhawks
The Wild pulled off a mild upset when they took down the top seeded Colorado Avalanche in seven games. Finding the right chemistry has been something of an issue, but the Wild seem to have their goaltender for the playoffs and the future in Darcy Kuemper. Zach Parise has stepped up in a big way, leading the offensive attack. The Blackhawks were down 2-0 to the Blues at one point, but they did what championship teams always do: they found a way to win, even with Brent Seabrook out three games due to suspension. They're getting healthy in time for a possible deep run, and they have a history of coming through when it counts the most.
Prediction: Blackhawks in 6
(1 Pacific) Anaheim Ducks vs. (3 Pacific) Los Angeles Kings
The Ducks made the next round despite some rather shaky goaltending, especially on the road. Offense is not much of a problem, though, but for the Ducks to take that next step, they do need to keep up the intensity from the last series. The Kings found something deep within to come back from a 3-0 series deficit to make it to this point. Offense was long an issue, and until they can consistently score like they did in the last four games, it will remain a question mark. Until game four, goaltending was also a question mark, but Jonathan Quick has shown that he is truly one of the premier goalies in the NHL.
Prediction: Kings in 6
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