The real season begins!

While the Capitals are on a tear, the Rangers seem to always have their number. If the Rangers can keep the games low scoring and more of a grinding type of game (y’know, playoff hockey) then I think they have a good chance to take the Capitals into a long series and beat them. I think the Capitals have learned somewhat how to play defensively. I don’t think they’ve done enough work, though. I also think their numbers are inflated by being in a weak division. I honestly think the Capitals have enough want and skill to make it past the first round, though.

Capitals in 5, Rangers shit the bed.

Flyers vs. Sabres
Who I’m cheering for: Sabres

Goaltending. Ryan Miller will play. He can steal a game by himself. Bobrovsky isn’t used to a season this long, let alone the playoffs. He also hasn’t achieved one shutout this year. I think this series goes to who can get to the goaltenders. Buffalo has great depth in scoring. They have small forwards that can get around defenders like Pronger (that’s even if he’s playing) and then the Flyers don’t have the goaltending to stop it. The Flyers crash the net but a goalie like Miller can handle that better than most. Buffalo is also playing great hockey right now. I think if there’s one big upset that comes in the first round in the East. This is it.

Sabres in 6, Flyers bring back Ron Hextall next year.

Bruins vs. Canadiens
Who I’m cheering for: Bruins

Man, I hate both of these teams. The Canadiens always seem to beat the Bruins. I really hate this Canadiens team and that doesn’t come from last year’s playoffs. I just can’t stand a lot of those players. I never thought I would ever hope for Tim Thomas to do something good… but I want the Bruins to win in four with no goals allowed.

Canadiens in 7.

Penguins vs. Lightning
Who I’m cheering for: The Pens, duh.

I can see the Lightning winning the first few games and scaring the Penguins’ fan base. St. Louis is a force and the Lightning should be rallying behind their assistant coach being diagnosed with a brain tumor. However, I think the Penguins’ defense is just too consistently good to lose a whole series to the Lightning. While the Lightning score a lot of goals, they also give up almost as many. Winning 6-5 games in the playoffs doesn’t work. The Penguins have the depth to get 2-3 goals a game while their tremendous depth on defense should be able to shut down St. Louis and Stamkos.

Another element of this is goaltending. Fleury wins games (36-20). Roloson went 24-25 this year.

Pens in 7.
if Crosby comes back, Pens in 5.

Agree? Disagree? Discuss it on the forums!