Around NHL: playoff edition

The Eastern Conference was full of upsets as Montreal (8) and Philadelphia (7), who just managed to sneak into the playoffs, knocked off regular season power houses Washington (1) and New Jersey (2), respectively.

Philly, who developed a stranglehold against their division rivals in the regular season, disproved doubts that third-string goalie Brian Boucher could hold his own in a playoff series by beating the Devils in five games. Carried by some clutch scoring and smart defense, the Flyers go into the Boston series with a little bit of deserved confidence, considering their treatment of Devils legendary goaltender Martin Brodeur, who at times during the series looked like it was about time to consider hanging up the hockey skates for good.

Boston (6) surprised many, not with their disposal of Buffalo (3), but in the resilient style they were able to do it. The Bruins scored more than three goals twice in the series on the league’s best goalie in Sabres Ryan Miller. Twice the Bruins were able to erase two-goal deficits and came from behind often to knock out an over-achieving Sabres club.

Look for the scoring to continue as both power plays have been hot for Flyers and Bruins. This series is going to come down to toughness, and I think Boston possess the edge. It’s also hard to count out the experience factor. Boston takes it in seven.

On the other side, the Montreal Canadiens, who looked all but dead after surrendering 17 goals in Games 2-4, miraculously overcame a 3-1 deficit to send the much-favored Washington Capitals to the golf course early for the summer. Lead by FW Michael Cammalleri and G Jaroslav Halak, the Canadians were able to turn things around and drop the jaw of the collective hockey community with a 2-1 victory over the stunned Capitals in Game 7. But David never had to slay two Goliaths before, so in no way can anyone think that this Montreal club has what it takes to knock out 2009 Stanley Cup champions Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Pens take it in 5.

The Western Conference played out a lot more like everyone believed it would, though surprising performances by some young clubs like Phoenix (4) and Colorado (8) made it interesting.

Vancouver (3), led by the top scorer in the league (Henrik Sedin), his twin brother and Team Canada’s savior in their 2010 gold medal run (Roberto Luongo), got off to a slow start against the Los Angeles Kings (6). But a 7-2 walloping in a crucial Game 5 restored the faith of many. Chicago is going to have a tough time dealing with the Wonder Twins and finding a way get pucks passed a focused Luongo. Chicago’s blue-liners need to chip in big on the power play as well as being called upon to shut down the Canucks big scoring threats.

In the end, Vancouver’s still got Luongo. Canucks in 6.

San Jose (1) looks to shed its playoff reputation as the biggest choke artists in the NHL as defenseman Dan Boyle and forward Joe Pavelski pick up where Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, and Dany Heatley have left off. If goalie Evgeni Nabokov keeps up his .920 save percentage, the Sharks might not need any scoring in order to put away the Detroit Red Wings (5) hope of a rematch of the last two Stanley Cup finals.

If Thornton and Marleau continue to struggle, look for this to be a long series. Sharks prove they are a contender, win it in seven.