First Round NHL Playoff Predictions – Eastern Conference
With the Eastern Conference regular season done and dusted, George Royle has taken a look at the first round playoff matches and predict the outcome of each.
Read George’s Western Conference predictions
Pittsburgh Penguins (1st) vs New York Islanders (8th)
Like many other people, I can only see this series going in favour of the Penguins. It has been a pretty routine regular season for them, racking up 36 wins and 72 points. They worked hard in the trade window, bringing Jarome Iginla, Brenden Morrow and Jussi Jokinen to the club, signalling their high hopes of winning the cup.
The Islanders, on the other hand, have surprised many by making the post season for the first time since 2007. New York is a team with a lot of young talent, and to make the playoffs this season is certainly the start of some good years to come.
Pittsburgh has a scary amount of talent going forward. I think their superior playoff experience will show with an easy series win.
Prediction: Pittsburgh Penguins win in 5 games.
Montreal Canadians (2nd) vs Ottawa Senators (7th)
This is a tasty all-Canadian affair. I have liked the look of both teams throughout the course of the regular season and I think either team has a chance at winning this series.
Goaltending is going to be massive in this series. Carey Price of Montreal recorded a save percentage of .905 in 39 starts. In contrast, Craig Anderson has had the season of his life in net for the Sens, recording a save percentage of .941. When it comes to playoff hockey, no one is more important than the goalie.
Prediction: Ottawa Senators win in 7 games.
Washington Capitals (3rd) vs New York Rangers (6th)
Washington went about their business quietly in the regular season. After getting off to a very slow start they managed to turn things around and grab the third seed. They are a team going into the playoffs with confidence and momentum.
The Rangers failed to live up to expectations. A lot of people thought that Rick Nash was the missing piece of the puzzle, but it took a while for the team to gel and in doing so they managed only the 6th seed.
Washington is my shout for the Stanley Cup title. I believe this is one of the best teams in DC for a while.
Prediction: Washington Capitals win in 5 games.
Boston Bruins (4th) vs Toronto Maple Leafs (5th)
For the first time in 7 seasons the Toronto Maple Leafs are in the post season. I am very excited for this tilt between two very physical teams.
It is tough to pick a winner in this series. Both teams come into it with shaky finishes to their respective campaigns. Boston offers the crucial playoff experience and can beat any team put in front of them on their day. However, with a very excited crowd behind them, I think the Leafs have got what it takes to advance.
Prediction: Toronto Maple Leafs win in 6 games.
