2ITB first-round predictions

After going just about o’fer on my regular season predictions, here is a look at who I think will advance in the first round of the NHL Playoffs.

East

1. Washington Capitals vs. 8. New York Rangers

This is an interesting series. If Ryan Callahan was healthy and the Rangers had better scoring depth they could really give the Caps a run. However, they don’t have those two things. The Rangers have Henrik Lundqvist and block a lot of shots. It ends there. The Caps play good defense and can score in bunches. Their goaltending is quite suspect but Alex Ovechkin has been heating up over the last half of the season. Plus, Jason Arnott and Scott Hannan were two fantastic acquisitions by George McPhee. Caps in five.

2. Philadelphia Flyers vs. 7 Buffalo Sabres

Here are two teams going in different directions as the regular season ended. Buffalo is riding the wave of good fortune created by Terry Pegula. Ryan Miller is playing stronger and defacto captain, Thomas Vanek is lighting it up. Still, the powerplay is suspect and the defense corps is spotty. Philly took a backslide into the playoffs and have started to see some cracks in their goaltending. They have crazy depth and an awesome set of defense. I think the Flyers overall skill level will decide this series. Flyers in six.

3. Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadiens

These guys hate each other, that much we know. Carey Price has proven to be pretty clutch. However, the Habs are a pretty soft bunch with a lot of injuries. The Bruins are big, bad and deep. They play a physical, almost dirty, style that makes it very difficult to score. I think Tim Thomas deserves all the credit he is getting. However, I don’t know how well his style lends itself to the playoffs, I guess we will see. Bruins in six.

4. Pittsburgh Pengiuns vs. 5. Tampa Bay Lightning

Dwayne Roloson has done wonders for the Lightning. He hasn’t turned in outstanding numbers. But he has made them a better team. If Tampa is going to win a series they will do it by outscoring teams. If Stamkos, St. Louis and co. get their legs, they will be tough to beat. If the Pens get Sid the Kid back, kiss it goodbye folks. They have done well since losing their best players and if they get Sid back it will fuel their fire. Without him I don’t think they will have the guns to keep up Lightning in six.

West

1. Vancouver Canucks vs. Chicago Blackhawks

There couldn’t have been a worse first-round match up for Vancouver. The Hawks have been the bane of their existence for the past two years. This is a different Hawks team. Corey Crawford is either really good or really bad. There is no in-between. Plus Chicago isn’t nearly as deep as they were last year. Vancouver will get their vengeance this season. Canucks in five.

2. San Jose Sharks vs. 7. Los Angeles Kings

I really like the Kings. However, they are without Anze “I need a damn nap” Kopitar. The Kings have also underachieved for most of the year. The Sharks, on the other hand, are red-hot and may be the team to beat in the West. The Kings are still a few pieces away from a deep run. Sharks in five.

3. Detroit Red Wings vs. 6. Phoenix Coyotes

A rematch of the best first-round series from last season. The Coyotes are playing with a lot of heart and deserve to be in this position. The Wings have a TON of injuries and Jimmy Howard has been a bit streaky. Still, the Wings have loads of playoff talent and the Coyotes are still Keith Yandle, Ilya Bryzgalov, Shane Doan and 15 other guys. Coyotes in seven.

4. Anaheim Ducks vs. 5. Nashville Predators

This series matches a team of really good players and average goaltending against a team of guys you probably haven’t heard of and a really good goalie. Pekka Rinne might end up being your Vezina Winner, he is really good at stopping pucks. Barry Trotz is also very good at getting the most out of his players and keeping the scoring low. Anaheim has a Hart Trophy candidate and a 50-goal scorer in Corey Perry and their style lends itself well to scoring and winning in the playoffs. Dan Ellis and Ray Emery may not be enough to get the Ducks deep into the playoffs. If Jonas Hiller comes back this could be a scary team. Ducks in six.

There will be plenty more as the playoffs inch closer. We are merely hours away from the first games today and just over 24 hours away from the Sabres’ first game. Stay tuned for more.