On Wednesday, the NHL playoffs begin, and we are graced with one of the most exciting time in sports.  There is NOTHING that compares to playoff hockey.  Not March Madness, not the World Cup, not anything.  Almost every matchup looks like it is going to be awesome hockey.  So here is my breakdown/predictions for each matchup matchup in the East.

 

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Bruins v. Redwings

When the Bruins won the President's Cup, I'm sure that they weren't expecting a first round matchup with the Red Wings.  Ignore the record and the seeding for a minute and look at the roster.  They are loaded with talent.  In fact, they beat the Bruins pretty consistently this season, going 3-1 versus the B's.  And they may have re-enforcements coming, as Henrik Zetterberg, out since the Olympics, has been skating and could be back by mid series.  With the emerging Gustav Nyquist, finally healthy Pavel Datsyuk, and veteran leader Daniel Alfredsson, the Red Wings could give the young Bruins defense (4 guys in their first or second year) some serious trouble.

So after all that, I'm obviously picking Detroit right?  Not all the.  The Bruins are the deepest team in the East.  They roll out four legitimate NHL lines, and have five 20 goal scorers (two of which hit the 30 goal plateau).  Not to mention the favorite for the Vezina trophy is young netminder Tuukka Rask.  The Bruins have been to the Stanley Cup finals 2 of the last 3 years, and I predict they will get back this year.

Predictions:  Bruins in 7

Rangers v. Flyers

This is going to be an AWESOME series.  This is one of the better rivalries in hockey, and when you add the intensity of the playoffs, I got a feeling we could see a bloodbath.  There are two keys too this series, at least in my opinion.  The first, the power play.  The Flyers are the most penalized team in hockey, so the Rangers are going to have plenty of power play chances.  Unfortunately, the Rangers convert only 18.2 percent of their power play chances, which is only 15th in the league.  If the Rangers can improve on that number, there is a good chance they can run away with this series.

The second factor?  Goaltending.  The Rangers have King Henrik, arguably the greatest goalie in the world.  The question is can Steve Mason keep up?  The Flyers goal is protected by an old, slow defense that is going to let up a ton of shots.  The Flyers better hope Mason can keep up with King Henrik, otherwise this is going to be a short series.  Although Mason has shown flashes of talent, I don't know if he can keep up with the King.

Prediction:  Rangers in 6

Canadien v. Lightning

The Lightning could be in some serious trouble this series.  The reason.  The status of Ben Bishop.  Bishop is hurt, and there are questions whether or not he will return.  And even if he does, who knows if he will be at 100%.  Pair that with his inexperience (zero playoff games), who knows that might happen.  If he isn't at the top of his game, the Canadiens top line of Vanek, Pacioretty, and Desharnais should have a field day, as they have put up 18 goals in 14 games together.  

The Lightning has some firepower as well, including superstar Steve Stamkos, averaging the most goals per game (remember limited by injury) in the league.   The difference between him and the Canadiens mentioned above is he is facing Carey Price.  Carey Price, the Olympic Gold Medalist and former All Star, who has 6 shutouts this season and is 4th in the league in save percentage.  

Prediction: Canadiens in 5

Penguins v. Blue Jackets

On paper, this one should be a blow out.  The Penguins were 5-0 versus Columbus, and employ the best hockey player in the world, recording over 100 points for the 5th time in his career.  Not to mention they should soon see the return of Evangi Malkin,  But hockey games aren't played on paper, they are played on the ice.  And even though the Pens swept the Blue Jackets, Vezina award wiiner Sergei Bobrovsky only played on of those games.  And even though Nathan Horton is injured, Columbus scored the most goals in franchise history this season, led by young superstar Ryan Johansen and his 33 points.  With the sporadic play of Marc Andre Fleury in net for Penguins, I wouldn't count Columbus out, but it isn't looking good.

Prediction:  Penguins in 6

So those are my predictions for the Eastern Conference.  Check in tomorrow for the Western Conference, and Wednesday for my 5 Players to Watch.

Big Country

Monday, April 15, 2014