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Playoff Hockey :: Eastern Conference Matchups

From: Mike Ginnitti | April 13, 2010 | Comments(0) | Print | Share |

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The 09-10 regular season has concluded in the NHL, which means for 16 teams, a new begins. As limited and unwatched as the long regular season of hockey may be, very little entertainment can match that of NHL Playoff Hockey. We'll take a few days to break down each first round matchup, starting here with the Eastern Conference.


(8) Montreal at (1) Washington
The Caps have been resilient this year despite shaky goaltending and sporadic injuries/suspensions to their superstar players. The President's Trophy winners will have all they can swallow though with a Montreal team that underachieved all year long. Playoff hockey in the Bell Centre is chaotic and advantageous to the home Canadians. But in the end, speed still kills.
Spotrac Picks: Washington in 7


(7) Philadelphia at (2) New Jersey
New Jersey has been a fixture in the playoffs for the past decade. Their slow, strategic style of play has been transformed into a wide-open offense in 2010. The mid-season addition of Kovalchuk, and the veteran backing of Brodeur make the Devils a serious cup contender. Man-for-man this series is no contest.
Spotrac Picks: New Jersey in 4


(6) Boston at (3) Buffalo
After a two year hiatus, the Sabres creep back into the playoffs with relative ease. They won a Northeast division that underachieved greatly, with only Ottawa, shockingly, contending. Boston's series chances lie heavily on netminder Tuuka Rask, a potential top-tier goalie. But injuries to Savard and Seidenberg leave the Bruins well under-matched against a slightly banged up Sabres squad. Buffalo packs a tight core of young talent, and oh by the way, the best goaltender in the world.
Spotrac Picks: Buffalo in 4


(5) Ottawa at (4) Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh found a way to fall from grace in the past few months of regular play. It's safe to say they suffered from post-Olympic fatigue, and never put together a good stretch of games. The Senators, a surprise contender in the East, have shown time and time again that their superstars are the backbone of their core. And with a 7-game series at stake, and a more physical presence than Pittsburgh can offer, this matchup is Ottawas to lose.
Spotrac Picks: Ottawa in 5