Eastern Conference Preview

The East... Everything crazy that happens in the playoffs comes out of the East... A 7 vs 8 in the Conference Final, the Flyers coming back from 3-0 to beat the Bruins. Every year it's something different from the East. But one thing remains the same every year... It's going to be one entertaining postseason.

With all the wild and crazy Hockey that goes on in the East, predicting this mess is going to be tricky... but damn it sure will be fun! Let's have at it, shall we?

Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers: Capitals in 6
A pretty interesting 1-8 matchup, Rangers got the last spot over the Cam Wards and as their reward, they get the Alexander Ovechkin's. I stated in another blog that I usually go for the team with the better goaltender... but I can't pick against the Caps (yet.) They're peaking at the right time. Henrik Lundqvist is one of the leagues best and is capable of stealing games, but is he good enough to steal the series? Yes, but not this one. The Caps offense is too strong.
Key Matchup: Capitals Powerplay vs Rangers Penalty Kill/ Lundqvist
Washington had one of the best powerplays... last season. This year it inexplicably struggled. Ovechkin struggled running the point, then they traded for Dennis Wideman and Jason Arnott, which was supposed to allow Ovechkin to no longer need to run the point. But with an injury to Wideman, Ove finds himself right back on the blue line. The key here is can they get the powerplay going or will it continue to struggle. The Rangers have a solid penalty kill (10th in the league at 83.7%) and if they can shut down the Caps powerplay, they have a chance.

Philadelphia Flyers vs Buffalo Sabers: Flyers in 6
To be honest, I am completely unimpressed with the Flyers. They're a solid team, a good team. Jeff Carter is a damn good player, and they've been playing good most of the year. But who's in net for them? Seriously? Which goalie are they going with? Bobrovsky? Leighton? Boucher? Worst goalie situation in the playoffs. Then we look at Buffalo, who has the best goalie in the NHL between the pipes. But they have zero offense. They made a great turn around, but they aren't good enough to make it past the first round. Miller will steal a few games.
Key Matchup: Bobrovsky vs Miller
Bobrovsky doesn't have to out perform Ryan Miller, because he won't but if he struggles the Flyers will lose. As for Miller, if he doesn't stand on his head and play like the best goalie in the league then the Sabers will lose. One goalie needs to be average, the other needs to be amazing.

Boston Bruins vs Montreal Canadiens: Canadiens in 6
I told the boys at the OU hockey show I liked Boston to win the East, but I was mostly sticking to my preseason prediction. Now that we have the match-ups, I have to go with the Habs. Despite my feelings of Carey Price he has had a fantastic year, the I love the Habs style of play. This one is mostly a gut feeling, no big reason why besides I like the way the Habs have been playing and don't think the Bruins are good enough lines 1-4.
Key Matchup: Tim Thomas vs Carey Price
Will Tim Thomas be able to keep up the play? Will Carey Price crumble under the pressure like usual. Whichever goalie maintains their solid play will determine the winner of the series.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Tamba Bay Lightning: Lightning in 7
This is probably going to be the best series of the first round. Both offensive minded teams with a young core, this should be a series filled with exciting action and a lot of goals. Why am I picking Tampa? No Crosby, No Malkin. Oh and that Steven Stamkos guy is pretty good.
Key Matchup: Pittsburgh Defense vs Stamkos line
THe Penguins only shot at winning this series depends on how their defense handles the Stamkos line. If that line is allowed to get rolling and start scoring. Game Over.