Here is a look at the Eastern Conference matchups and my predictions:
1. New York vs 8. Ottawa - This is an interesting series, the Rangers are by far the better team but have been dominated by the Sens this year (3-1 in the season series). The fact is that the Sens are scary good on offense, and Craig Anderson is capable of stealing a series. However, the Rangers didn't play well all year to be out first round, and Hank Lundqvist will certainly have a big role in making sure they don't get upset in this series.
Players to Watch: NYR - Marian Gaborik, Brad Richards, Henrik Lundqvist, Ryan Callahan, Marc Staal. OTT - Jason Spezza, Erik Karlsson, Daniel Alfredsson, Craig Anderson, Milan Michalek.
Prediction - While I think that an upset is certainly possible, Lundqvist will be too much for the Sens.
(RANGERS IN 6)
2. Boston vs 7. Washington - The defending champs start their quest for back-to-back cups with an opening round match with the Capitals. The Capitals won the season series 3-1, and have Alexander Ovechkin and Niklas Backstrom back from injury, but they will have their work cut out in taking out the defending champs. However, the Bruins are missing Nathan Horton, a key member of last year's run to the cup. This will be a physical, tough series and certainly entertaining
Players to Watch: BOS - Zdeno Chara, Milan Lucic, Brad Marchand, Tim Thomas, Tyler Seguin. WAS - Alexander Ovechkin, John Carlson, Niklas Backstrom, Jason Chimera, Troy Brouwer.
Prediction - The Bruins will be too much for the pesky caps, as Thomas caries them once again
(BRUINS IN 6)
3. Florida vs. 6. New Jersey - The Florida Panthers are in the playoffs for the first time since 2000, and they are coming in as a confident group after winning their first ever division title. The Devils had a very successful year, and with the 2nd half re-emergence of Marty Brodeur they look poised for a deep playoff run. This will be a close, tight series as both teams will fight for the mental edge. The Devils may be stronger on forward and in net (Brodeur vs. Theodore/Clemmensen), but the Panthers wow teams to sleep with their defensive trap. Devils coach Pete DeBoer will get a chance to take down his former team, as will goalie Scott Clemmensen who might end up as the Panthers starter (over Jose Theodore).
Players to Watch: FLA - Kris Versteeg, Brian Campbell, Stephen Weiss, Sean Bergenheim, Tomas Fleischmann. NJD - Zach Parise, Ilya Kovalchuk, Marty Brodeur, David Clarkson, Patrick Elias
Prediction - This series could go either way, ultimately Marty Brodeur will lead them onto the 2nd round
(DEVILS IN 5)
4. Pittsburgh vs 5. Philadelphia - By far the most anticipated matchup of the first round, this is surely going to be a memorable playoff series. In my opinion, one serious cup contender is gone once this series is over, as I believe whoever wins goes to the finals. The Penguins come in loaded upfront with a healthy Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, as well as supporting cast member's Letang, Neal, Kunitz, Staal and most importantly Marc-Andre Fleury in net. The Flyers come in as an equally offensive team, lead by the first line of Claude Giroux, Scott Hartnell and Jaromir Jagr as well as supporting cast member's Timonen, Simmonds, Briere, Talbot and Ilya Bryzgalov in net. The Flyers also have a trio of rookie forwards in Matt Read, Brayden Schenn and Sean Couturier, all who get their first shot at the playoffs. Former Penguins Max Talbot and Jaromir Jagr will certainly hear the boo-birds, as it will be a "blood bath" of a series. Who will win? The forwards will matchup perfectly, as well as Fleury and Bryzgalov in net, and it will all be decided on the ice.
Players to Watch: PITT - Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, James Neal, Kristopher Letang, Marc-Andre Fleury. PHI - Claude Giroux, Jaromir Jagr, Danny Briere, Scott Hartnell, Wayne Simmonds
Prediction - This series has the potential to go either way, and each team will take any advantage they can get.
(FLYERS IN 6)
This would have New York (1), Boston (2), Philadelphia (5) and New Jersey (6) moving on. The matchups would look the following:
1. New York vs 6. New Jersey and 2. Boston vs 5. Philadelphia
Western Conference Preview coming up next
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News (PLAYOFF EDITION)
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