NHL First Round Playoff Matchups
With the regular season over and the playoffs set to start Tuesday let’s look at the first round matchups.
Eastern Conference
New York Rangers (1) vs Ottawa Senators (8)
Now since the Tampa Bay Lightning failed to qualify for the playoffs my next favorite team is the Rangers, so take this with a grain of salt. Ottawa is electric on offense, scoring plenty of goals but they also allow their fair share. The Rangers coached by a real mans man John Tortorella have one of the top two goalies in the league, Henrik Lundqvist. As well as proven winner and previous Conn Smyth winner Brad Richards. A great blend of scoring and gritt the Rangers should move on to the next round with relative ease.
Rangers in 6
Boston Bruins (2) vs Washington Capitals (7)
It’s true, I’m no fan of the Boston Bruins after they won razor thin heart breaker in the Eastern Conference Finals game seven last year but this series shouldn’t even be close. Washington unfortunately is missing the top two goalies on its roster. Unless one of the two make a recovery soon this series is over before it starts. Boston scores at will and physically abused opposing teams. Suck it, Ovechkin.
Bruins in 5
Florida Panther (3) vs New Jersey Devils (6)
The Panthers are having a bit of a goaltending controversy heading into the playoffs. Trying to decide whether to start Scott Clemmensen or Jose Theodore. On the other side New Jersey has Martin Brodeur on the back end of a HOF career. Considering the regular season series was split two-two it remains an interesting series. The Devils riding a hot streak and the Panthers limping in it should be fun to watch.
Devils in 6
Pittsburgh Penguins (4) vs Philadelphia Flyers (5)
This series should prove to be the most interesting if not the most anticipated. These teams hate each other no doubt about it. Pittsburgh’s offense is near unstoppable. Led by two of the top players in the league, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. The Flyers have their top tier players as well Claude Giroux and Scott Hartnell both have been great all season long. The Penguins have an amazing offense that as far as I can tell can’t be contained but if any team is going to hope to do it it will be the edgy play of the Flyers who also have balanced scoring.
Pittsburgh in 7
Western Conference
Vancouver Canucks(1) vs Los Angeles Kings (8)
Vancouver is the better team on paper. This series comes down to if Jonathan Quick can steal enough games. I don’t think that will happen.
Canucks in 6
St Louis Blues (2) vs San Jose Sharks (7)
My love for Dan Boyle is well documented and also I need a sweep so here it goes. The Blues aren’t flashy on offense but boast a great defense and goaltending. The Sharks have plenty of playoff experience but haven’t made it to the big dance.
Sharks in 4
Phoenix Coyotes (3) vs Chicago Blackhawks (6)
I’m pulling for Mike Smith in this series. The guy was hot and cold in Tampa Bay but has played near lights out for Phoenix. Although Pheonix does have that SON OF A BITCH Radim Vrbata… The Blackhawks would like to have Jonathan Toews back for the playoffs but it won’t matter
Coyotes in 7
Nashville Predators (4) vs Detroit Red Wings (5)
This should be a fun series. Both have solid defense and goaltending. The Red Wings are obviously as playoff tested as any team in the league. It’s hard to bet against the Wings.
Detroit in 6
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