Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers

The Washington Capitals had one of the stranger seasons this year. They started off very slowly, and then went on an 8 game losing streak that was featured prominently on the highly touted HBO series “24/7”. They looked like a team about to implode as coach Bruce Boudreau went on a televised tirade. Then they started to win during the series which culminated in defeating the Penguins during the Winter Classic. It was the turning point of their season, as they devoted their game to a more defensive one, a style that should help them in the playoffs, and will help them beat the Rangers. As the season winded down the Rangers needed every win, yet in the second to last game they were shut out by the Atlanta Thrashers at home which would have cost them a playoff spot if Carolina had not lost their last game of the season. That should tell you everything you need to know about the Rangers. The East is such a mess, especially the bottom seeds, the only way the Rangers have a hope is behind the stellar goaltending of Henrik Lundquist who has a big advantage over Michael Neuvirth, but it shouldn’t be enough to beat a motivated Alex Ovechkin.

Prediction: Washington in 6


Philadelphia Flyers vs. Buffalo Sabres

There are a lot of question marks with Flyers as they head into the playoffs this year. Their first half was very strong following their Stanley Cup appearance, but finished the year poorly going 3-4-3 in their last 10, while losing the top seed to the Washington Capitals. The Sabres meanwhile had to fight tooth and nail with the other low-lifers at the bottom of the Conference just to get in the position they are. One of their top scorers Derek Roy will be out for this series, so they’re going to have to rely on Ryan Miller to get them through. The problem with this Eastern Conference is someone’s got to win; will it be the Sabres to upset the struggling Flyers? As Rammstein would say…Nein! Buffalo will make it interesting, but Philly has too much talent to let the Sabres rattle them.

Prediction: Philadelphia in 7


Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadiens

In the series that is bound to see just as much blood in the stands by opposing fans as it is on the ice, this one will be fun to watch but it might not last long. Boston outmatches Montreal in almost every category. The only one that comes close is in goal where Carey Price will have to do his best Jaroslav Halak impression to even give them a shot. At the other end Tim Thomas is playing the best hockey of his life at 36 years of age. Boston looks like they might be the strongest team in the Eastern Conference, there are some that might be doubting Thomas and his ability to carry this team, but after coming off hip surgery, he looks rejuvenated, and should roll over the injury depleted Habs no problem. Boston is too big, too fast, and they have an actual giant playing on defense.

Prediction: Boston in 5


Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

Out of all the series in both conferences, this one is the toughest to prognosticate. There are so many question marks on both sides, but there are so many positives as well. Pittsburgh has sparkled with their new commitment to defense in the absence of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. They were 8-2 in their last 10 to secure home ice in this match up and they might just need it, because this does have the potential to go long. Tampa will test Pittsburgh’s defense with two of the top scorers from the regular season in Martin St. Louis and Steven Stamkos. Stamkos did slow down towards the end of the season, but Vincent Lecavalier picked up his game (13 points in his last 10). The X factor may be if Tampa can get some secondary scoring from the likes of Ryan Malone, Steve Downie, and Simon Gagne. Pittsburgh are battle tested, and are led now by Jordan Staal, Pascal Dupuis, and Kris Letang, who have all been there before, and they’ll most likely continue on into the second round.

Prediction: Pittsburgh in 6


Michael Unger is a regular contributor for Betfair.net