NHL Eastern Conference playoff matchups

As we approach mid-April, sports fans around North America are rejoicing. The NBA play-offs are underway, the MLB season is just beginning and football fanatics gear up for the draft. Most importantly, the middle of April marks the long-awaited NHL Stanly Cup Playoffs.

With games already underway, let’s take a look at the matchups in the Eastern Conference.

Washington (1) v Montreal (8)

The President’s cup winning Washington Capitals not only boast the best record in the NHL this season, but also amassed the most goals scored by any team. Their blue-line is strong, anchored by D Mike Green and upfront they have one of the best players in the NHL, Alexander Ovechkin. But goal-tending remains a huge question mark. If Montreal’s G Jaroslav Halak can stand on his head throughout the series and Canadian scoring can test Washington’s goal-tending early and often, the Canadians just may have a chance to make this a series. It’s difficult to count out the Habs with all that rich history.

Prediction: Washington in 6.

New Jersey (2) v Philadelphia (7)

The Devils have looked good down the stretch and hope to carry that momentum into the playoffs. Picking up Kovolchuk at the deadline certainly helps, not to mention having Olympic hero Zach Parise on the team. Martin Brodeur looked average in his Olympic run with Team Canada, so concerns are merited on that end. That being said, the Flyers have had New Jersey’s number all season winning 5 of 6 in the 2009/2010 matchups. The Flyers are a good, young team many predicted at the beginning of the year to make a deep cup run this post-season. Yet, injuries to both their starting and backup goaltenders have forced them to use the some-what ancient Brian Boucher.

Prediction: Devils turn it around and take the series in 5.

Buffalo (3) v Boston (6)

Without Marc Savard, the likelihood of the Bruins scoring is slim. One of their biggest threats is the 42 year-old Mark Recchi. If the Sabres can play a physical game and keep the turnovers in their own end to a minimum, Boston will be out on the golf course in four games. However, if Bruins rookie goaltender Tuukka Rask plays like a seasoned veteran and shakes the mentally fragile Sabres forwards early, Boston could have a shot. It should be tough against US pride and joy G Ryan Miller of the Sabres though.

Prediction: Miller’s too good. Sabres sweep.

Pittsburgh (4) v Ottawa (5)

In a rematch of the 2008 series in which the Penguins swept the Senators, Ottawa looks to redeem themselves. The Penguins have been cold of late and several Penguins themselves say they have not been playing with any heart. Ottawa had a chance to catch the Sabres for the division but failed to create enough momentum heading into the final weeks and stalled at the 5th seed. Goal-tending will be crucial. If Brian Elliot is as good as he’s looked in the regular season, Pens duo of Sidney Crosby and Evgani Malkin could have a tough time. The Senators have the clear physical edge which can go a long way in a seven-game playoff series. The also have one of the stronger penalty kill units in the league.

Prediction: The Penguins fatigue shows after back-to-back cup runs. Senators win the series in 6.