NHL Eastern Conference Playoff Preview

This is the NHL’s Eastern Conference first round playoff matchups and predictions. The games are all best of seven game series.


#1: Washington Capitals (121 pts) vs. #8: Montreal Canadiens (88 pts)
Regular Season Record: 54-15-13 Regular Season Record: 39-33-10

Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals skate into the playoffs to take on the Montreal Canadiens. Washington posted the best record in the NHL (54-15-13) with 121 points, but had some difficulty with the Habs this season. They finished 2-3 in five contests against Montreal. The Capitals had Alex Ovechkin (109 pts), Nicklas Backstrom (101), and Alexander Semin (84 pts) place within the top 15 in scoring during the regular season. Add defenseman Mike Green (76 points) to the mix and the Capitals have the fire-power to outscore any opponent. Montreal’s only chance is if goaltender Jaroslov Halak can pull a bunny out of his hat because the Caps have been almost unbeatable at home.

Prediction: Capitals in 5 games



#2 New Jersey Devils (103 pts) vs. #7 Philadelphia Flyers (88 pts)
Regular Season Record: 48-27-7 Regular Season Record: 41-35-6

The New Jersey Devils have eight players with Stanley Cup rings and with future hall-of-famer Martin Brodeur steady form the Flyers might be in trouble. Devils sniper Ilya Kovalchuk led the team with 44 goals after coming over from Atlanta in a trade mid-season. The Flyers have two 30-goal scorers in Mike Richards and Jeff Carter but will need contribution from others if they expect to beat a veteran team like New Jersey. Another issue Philadelphia faces is goaltending. It’s been the Achilles Heel for the Flyers and journeyman Brian Boucher has drawn the hot hand. If Philly gets brilliant goaltending then they have a chance.

Prediction: Devils in 6 games



#3 Buffalo Sabres (100 pts) vs. #6 Boston Bruins (91pts)
Regular Season Record: 45-27-10 Regular Season Record: 39-30-13

This matchup is all about goaltending. In the blue corner Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller has played the best hockey on the planet (NHL and Olympics) and could win his first Vezina Trophy. In the red corner Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask who took over for starting net-minder Tim Thomas after early season falters. In 45 games, Rask has posted a 1.97 GAA with a record of 22-12-5. If the Bruins can increase their scoring in the playoffs (they were 2nd to last in scoring in the entire NHL with 206) they have a chance. This will probably be the best first round matchup because of the goaltending and uncertainty of which Boston team will show up to play.

Prediction: Sabres in 7 games



#4 Pittsburgh Penguins (101 pts) vs. #5 Ottawa Senators (94 pts)
Regular Season Record: 47-28-7 Regular Season Record: 44-32-6,

The defending Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins battle the Ottawa Senators and Daniel Alfredsson in a unique matchup. The Penguins are not as dynamic as last season and even with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin the Senators will give the Pens problems. Ottawa is the best defensive team in the playoffs and has the best fourth line at shutting down other opponents. If Danny Alfredsson can carry the Senators on his back they have a real chance at winning this series.

Prediction: Senators in 7 games