Eastern Conference:Boston vs. MontrealIs there anyone out there who doesn't believe in the Bruins at this point? A dramatic 7 game win over the high-flying Florida Panthers move them into the 2nd round for the third time in club history. Will this be the year they finally make the Conference championship? With unheralded Mikael Backlund (4 goals and 6 assists) and power-forward Milan Lucic (4-4) leading the charge, they have a chance.
Of course, the defending champs will have something to say about that. After eliminating the pesky Buffalo Sabres in five games - three of which went to overtime - the Canadiens are rested and ready for round 2. Goalkeeper Tuukka Rask was sensational in round one, posting a 2.36 goals against average and a .916 save percentage in 4 appearances and defense man Duncan Keith (7 points) led the offense.
Prediction: Take the defending champions from Montreal in a tight six games. Of course, I could be the next in a long line of guys to underrate the Bruins.
NY Rangers vs. New Jersey DevilsThe Rangers made quick work of their cross-town rival Islanders, sweeping their New York cousins in four. Veteran centre Mike Fisher led the club in scoring with two goals and seven points in four games, while playoff performer extraordinaire, Justin Williams, led the Blueshirts with four goals. Goalkeeper Braden Holtby was the star, however, with four straight wins and a .920 save percentage in the series.
It was just the opposite for the Devils, who overcame series deficits of 2-0 and 3-1 to come back and win the series in seven. Remarkably the club trailed 5-2 in game six and 4-0 in game seven before rallying for two improbable victories. Centre Patrice Bergeron lead all playoff scorers with 8 goals and 13 points in round one, just ahead of teammate James Neal (4-7-11).
Prediction: Devils in seven. Look for Devils keeper Cory Schneider to rebound after a tough opening series.
Western Conference:St. Louis vs. DetroitThe Red Wings continued their strong second half run by taking out the rebuilding Hawks in five games. Wingers Corey Perry and Mike Cammalleri led a balanced attack with five points a piece, but it was netminder Jimmy Howard and the talented Red Wings defense who were the real story. The 30-year old goalkeeper led all puck stoppers with a 1.99 goals against average and a .923 save percentage.
It was a little tougher for the Blues who outlasted the vastly improved Minnesota Wild in six close games. Veterans Patrik Elias led all Blues with 8 points (2-6), while Jeff Carter had a club-high six goals. Goalie Carey Price had his ups and downs and will need to be a lot better if St. Louis is to have a chance against the Red Wings.
Prediction: Red Wings in five. The Detroit defense is built for playoff hockey and could be a key to the series.
Calgary vs. VancouverThe Flames survived a seven-game battle-royale with the super talented San Jose Sharks, after being down 2-0 and 3-2 in the series. Captain Serious, Jonathan Toews, enhanced his reputation as an elite playoff performer, leading the club with 9 points (2-7), while defenseman P.K. Subban led from the backend with two goals and 4 assists. The Flames will need a more consistent performance from netminder Sergei Bobrovsky to advance to the Conference Final.
Like the Flames, the President's Trophy winning Canucks were lucky to get past the upstart Anaheim Ducks in seven after also trailing 2-0 and 3 games to 2. Goalkeeper Semyon Varlamov was either great (2 shutouts) or average at best (.880 save percentage) and needs to be better. Logan Couture got hot at the end of the series to lead Vancouver with 7 points, one ahead of game seven overtime hero Zach Parise and defenseman John Carlson
Prediction: Somebody in seven games. Pretty certain one team will blow a 3-2 series lead. Just don't know which one.
Summary
Montreal over Boston in six
New Jersey over Rangers in seven
Detroit over St. Louis in five
Either Calgary or Vancouver in seven