NHL Quarterfinal Playoff Prediction Review

The NHL Playoffs have arguably had the most evenly matched series in recent memory. All but one matchup went at least six games with two series headed to a final game seven. Before the NHL quarterfinals we did a prediction and breakdown of each series much like the one below.

Let’s see how accurate Shaft Sports playoff predictions were.

We’ll begin in the East:

In the Washington/Montreal series, we said Washington would win and that they would do it in five games. I didn’t realize Halak was so good, game seven is this Wednesday night!

We took a big swing in the New Jersey/Philadelphia series and struck out terribly. We choose Martin Brodeur and the Devils in five games. The Flyers would prove us wrong winning the series in five behind goaltender Brian Boucher brilliance.

In the Buffalo/Boston series, we said Sabres in seven but the Bruins spoiled our prediction closing out the series in six.


Finally we thought the Pittsbugh Penguins had lost a step in the regular season. So we picked Ottawa in seven but the Penguins flexed their muscle and won the series in six.

Now to the West:

In the San Jose/Colorado series, we predicted the #1 seed San Jose Sharks to win in six. Both of which were correct.

Over in the Chicago/Nashville series, we predicted the Blackhawks to edge the Predators in five. We picked the right team but wrong number of games. Chicago closed out the series in six.

Then in the Vancouver/Los Angeles series, we predicted the Canucks to win in five games. Vancouver did in fact win the series but in six games not in five.

Finally we predicted the Phoenix/Detroit the Red Wings to end the series in five games. The game is headed to a game seven tonight, the Wings can make my selection half true.

Adding up our total we selected 3 out of 4 teams correct (with a possible 4 of 4 if Detroit wins tonight). We selected 1 of 4 series correct(Sharks in six games). In the East we didn't correctly select a team or series. (1 of 4 is possible if Washington wins game seven)

Crosby, Penguins Back on Track

Crosby helps Pens get back on track, 2-1 series lead.



After the Ottawa Senators spoiled a much-anticipated debut on home ice for the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Pens have battled back and won the past two games of the series. Penguins captain Sidney Crosby scored the game-winning goal in game three; to give the Pens the 2-1 series lead.

Pittsburgh seemed to settle down and play the brand of hockey that many of us are used to seeing during game three, highlighted by Crosby’s third straight multi-point effort. In fact, Crosby currently has the most points of any player in the playoffs with seven (two goals and five assists).

"It's impossible to stop him, especially every night," Senators coach Cory Clouston said about Crosby, after Ottawa’s 5-4 win in game one. "He was the best player on the ice and he showed what he is able to do. When they needed a goal, he made a big play.” If the Senators have any chance at brining this series back to Ottawa after game four, they will have to try to eliminate Crosby’s second chance opportunities.

To add insult to injury the Senators will be without two of their premier forwards Alex Kovalev and Milan Michalek. Kovalev and Michalek tore their ACL’s during Ottawa’s 5-4 win in game one. Oh, did I forget to mention defenseman Filip Kuba will also be out for the remainder of the playoffs? Yikes!

"We have to pull together right now," Senators right-winger Daniel Alfredsson said. "It helps that we're so comfortable with our system.” They will have to get better production out of goaltender Brian Elliot who has looked shaky during the series posting a 3.39 gaa and an atrocious .868 save percentage. Many predicted the Penguins to falter in the playoffs including myself, however one thing we did not take into account for would be injuries. Game four is scheduled for Tuesday April 20 at 7 P.M.

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