Eastern Conference playoff Preview

First Round:

1. Boston Bruins vs. 8. Montreal Canadiens:

It is fitting that this would be the 1 vs 8 matchup for the second straight year, however last year Montreal was 1 seed. Considering recent history (the Bruins won the season series 5-0-1) and the well rounded play of Boston this series should be over quick. I wouldn't be surprised to see Boston goalie Tim Thomas only allow three or four goals this series.

Prediction: Boston in 4

2. Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers

This should be a generally easy series on the Capitals, while Sean Avery may put on his usual antics it shouldn't take away from the Alexander Ovechkin lead offense outburst by the Capitals. Expect Washington to storm into the second round in winning handily the whole time.

Prediction: Washington in 5

3. New Jersey Devils vs. 6. Carolina Hurricanes

We had a preview of this series earlier today as the Devils beat Carolina 3-2 to close out the regular season.  Devils fans, like myself, should be a little worried considering the Hurricanes won the season series 3-1. However New Jersey has a rejuvenated goalie in Martin Brodeur after missing most of the season due to an elbow injury and I'm expecting confidence to be brimming from today's playoff prelude.

Prediction: New Jersey in 5

4/5 Philadelphia Flyers vs. 4/5 Pittsburgh Penguins

While the home team in this series is yet to be determined in tomorrow's Flyers/Rangers game, this series should be the most physical of any of the first round series. The Battle of Pennsylvania will ultimately come down to which team can stop the other teams potent offense, or simply outscore them. Either way I think the Penguins, combining last seasons Stanley Cup playoff run and their recent success will win the title as the states best.

Prediction: Penguins in 7

Round Two:

Boston Bruins vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

Unfortunately for Pens fans the dreams of another Eastern Conference championship end at the TD Banknorth Garden. Boston is simply to deep and strong of a team, in order for Pittsburgh to make it to the second round they'll have get a breakout series from either Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin.

Prediction: Bruins in 6

Washington Capital vs. New Jersey Devils

This series pits a strong offense against a great defense and the best goalie in the history of the NHL (Vladislav Tretiak the best in the history of hockey never played in the NHL). I'm expecting this series to go the full seven games and I bet at the end it's the winningest goalie in hockey to be moving on to the next round.

Prediction: Devils in 7

Conference Finals:

Boston Bruins vs. New Jersey Devils

Now comes my most difficult pick of the Eastern Conference, the Bruins are the favorite in this round and they deserved it during their regular season play. However in this round records only matter if it comes down to game seven in the higher seeds building. Fortunately for the Devils I don't see this series going past game six, Boston hasn't proven its mettle down the stretch as a playoff team, with their younger roster (Yes, I know Mark Recchi is still around) while New Jersey is a team of veterans who knows how to get it done. Expect Zdeno Chara to be shaving his playoff beard after this series.

Prediction: Devils in 6

Be sure to check back for my Western Conference preview once the final playoff pairings are determined.