(2) Washington Capitals vs. (7) New York Rangers
The Caps have the best player in the world in Alexander Ovechkin. He’s also complemented with other extraordinary players like Alexander Semin and Mike Green. They won three out of the four games played between the two and look for that dominance to continue.
Prediction: Capitals in 5
(4) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (5) Philadelphia Flyers
This is the matchup I’m looking forward to most. Both teams scored the same amount of goals (264) and the Flyers gave up only one less goal all season. The flyers had six players score over 25 goals with Jeff Carter leading the way with 46, second in the league. The Penguins have the first and third leading point getters in the league in Malkin and Crosby. The Penguins have the better two players, but the Flyers have the depth and can score on every line.
Prediction: Flyers in 7
(3) New Jersey Devils vs. (6) Carolina Hurricanes
The Devils have the best goalie of all time on their side. What they don’t have, though, is winning streak. The Hurricanes have won eight of their last ten games and are the hottest team heading into the playoffs. I like the Hurricanes to maintain their momentum and advance to the second round.
Prediction: Hurricanes in 6
(3) Vancouver Canucks vs. (6) St. Louis Blues
In mid February the Blues weren’t even in the playoff discussion but here they are as the six seed facing the Northwest Division champs, the Vancouver Canucks. Neither of these teams really jump out at you on paper, but the Canucks are lead by the Sedin brothers up front and have the best goalie in the west in Roberto Luongo. With that said I give the edge to Vancouver.
Prediction: Canucks in 6
ok…1-3 isn’t too bad to start….is it?