Tuesday, April 14, 2009

NHL playoffs: EAST

Boston (1) vs. Montreal (8)

This will be a roller coaster ride. Sure the Bruins have dominated the season series (5-0-1), but if you know the history of the Bruins-Habs in the playoffs then you know season records mean nothing. No doubt that the Bruins dominate in offense, defense, goalie and special teams - though they are close in special teams. That being said, Boston should win the series. And I am predicting Boston to win in 6 games, but it will not be easy.

Boston in 6.

Washington (2) vs. New York Rangers (7)

Rangers are weak offensively and defensively. They do have a goalie - Lundqvist - that can easily steal games, but how many? Definately not 4 against Washington. How do the Rangers stop Ovechkin? By putting defenseman paul Mara on him? Maybe Derek Morris? Don't make me laugh harder than I already have. And, say hypothetically, that the Rangers do shutdown Ovechkin, Washington has a handful of weapons - Semin, Backstrom, Green,Laich, etc.

Washington in 6.

New Jersey (3) vs. Carolina (6)

This should be a dandy. Brodeur vs. Ward. We all know what Cam Ward did several years ago - bring the Canes to the promised land. However, since that special run Ward has struggled in goal. I'm going with the upset here.

Hurricanes in 7

Pittsburgh (4) vs. Philadelphia (5)

In my opinion, this is the second best series behind the Bruins-Habs. Both teams have weapons in the attack and defense. What it comes down to is the goalies: Fleury vs. Biron. Fleury has been pretty consistent this year and did have a strong run in last years playoffs; Biron, on the other hand, has been inconsistent.

Pittsburgh in 6

1 comment:

Panda said...

Go HABS go :D

I like your predictions, and I agree about Penguins / Flyers. That's going to be one hell of a series o_O Definately catching THAT game tomorrow!!! :)