Stanley Cup Playoff Preview: Eastern Conference

(1) Montreal (47-25-10, 104 pts)


(8) Boston (41-29-12, 94 pts)

REGULAR SEASON SERIES Canadiens lead 8-0 Oct. 22: at Canadiens 6, Bruins 1 Nov. 8: Canadiens 2 at Bruins 1 Nov. 17: at Canadiens 7, Bruins 4 Dec. 6: Canadiens 4 at Bruins 2 Jan. 10: Canadiens 5 at Bruins 2 Jan. 22: at Canadiens 8, Bruins 2 Mar. 20: Canadiens 4 at Bruins 2 Mar. 22: at Canadiens 3, Bruins 2 (SO)

The Canadiens owned the Bruins all season long, and I see no reason why they shouldn't take care of business against them in the playoffs as well. Huge advantage on specialty teams for Montreal. Habs in 5.

(2) Pittsburgh (47-27-8, 102 pts)

(7) Ottawa (43-31-8, 94 pts)

REGULAR SEASON SERIES Senators win 3-1 Nov. 22: Penguins 6 at Senators 5 (SO) Dec. 13: Senators 4 at Penguins 1 Feb. 23: Senators 4 at Penguins 3 (OT) Mar. 1: at Senators 5, Penguins 4 Ottawa has been in a free fall for quite some time now, but I think they will give Crosby and company a good challenge here. Specialty teams are a wash here, but the big equalizer will be the health of Daniel Alfredsson and Mike Fisher on Ottawa and Sidney Crosby on Pittsburgh. Perhaps the Pens are still too young to go all the way, but they certainly can get out of the first round. Penguins in 7.

(3) Washington (43-31-8, 94 pts)

(6) Philadelphia (42-29-11, 95 pts)

REGULAR SEASON SERIES Tied 2-2 Nov. 2: Flyers 3 at Capitals 2 Nov. 23: Capitals 4 at Flyers 3 (OT) Jan. 13: Flyers 6 at Capitals 4 Feb. 6: Capitals 4 at Flyers 3 Washington has the best record of all NHL teams since January. In the same time span Philly has really struggled, but they do hold the specialty teams advantage. If Cristobal Huet's back holds up, I think Washington should get through round one. Washington has won 7 in a row to head into the post season. Expect the Flyers to get an early lead, but with Sergei Fedorov's influence expect the Caps to get the job done. Capitals in 6. (4) New Jersey (46-29-7, 99 pts) (5) NY Rangers (42-27-13, 97 pts) REGULAR SEASON SERIES Rangers lead 7-1 Oct. 25: at Rangers 2, Devils 0 Nov. 3: at Rangers 2, Devils 1 (SO) Nov. 14: Rangers 4 at Devils 2 Dec. 9: at Rangers 1, Devils 0 (OT) Feb. 1: Rangers 3 at Devils 1 Mar. 19: Rangers 2 at Devils 1 (SO) Mar. 27: at Rangers 3, Devils 2 Apr. 6: at Devils 3, Rangers 2 (SO) Although the Rangers dominated the regular season matchup, I think this series is the closest of Eastern clashes. I really don't know who to take, but I think maybe the Rangers will surprise some people this spring. They've flown under the radar somewhat this season. The Rangers have a slight edge on the special teams, and a goalie capable of dethroning Martin Brodeur. Rangers in 6. Tell me you're playoff predictions! Post it in the comments!