Eastern Conference-
(1) Montreal Canadiens vs. (4) Philadelphia Flyers
Both of these teams played tough 7 game series. Montreal went on a roller coaster ride of inconsistency against their opening round foe the Boston Bruins. Young goaltender Carey Price has demonstrated that he can handle the playoff heat and played well against the Bruins in the opening round. The strong play from Captain Saku Koivu, and Alex Kovalev are all good omens for the Canadiens entering the second round. But if they want to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals they are going to have to demonstrate that they can consistently play at a high level, and not go into periodic lulls.
(Canadiens Hamrlik and Flyers Eager battle for a puck)
The Flyers are having an offensive explosion in the playoffs leading the NHL in goals scored (23) after their opening round triumph over the Capitals. Daniel Briere played outstanding hockey in the opening round, becoming the playoff scoring leader with 11 total points. The Flyers also have to be extremely happy with the play of goaltender Martin Biron, and veteran defenseman Derian Hatcher who may have saved the Flyers seasons by blocking some key passes late in Game 7. If Briere can continue his rate of offensive production and if role player like Hatcher keep chipping in Philly could be a dangerous opponent for Montreal.
My Prediction: The Canadians are the more talented team, but must play a more consistent brand of hockey if they want to beat a hungry Philly team who has to be coming off an emotional high after their thrilling overtime victory. With that said, it’s hard not to pick the more talented team and that is Montreal. But don’t underestimate the power of desire when it comes to playoff hockey. Canadians in 6.
(2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (4) New York Rangers
Both of these teams are coming off relatively short series so neither has a rest advantage. In my opinion the Penguins are the more talented team up front and on the blue line. Like I said in earlier posts they have a great mix of young talent and grizzled veterans. The most important development for the Penguins though, is not the play of Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin, or any of its young super stars, but rather the fantastic play of goalie Marc-Andre Fluery who has really stepped up his game in the playoffs posting a 1.26 GAA in their opening round sweep of the Senators.
(Sydney Crosby nets a goal against the Rangers Lundqvist)
The Rangers are a talented team as well, and seem to be hitting on all cylinders at the perfect time. After a disappointing regular season Jaromir Jagr has amped it up in the playoffs posting 8 points against the Devils. Scott Gomez also proved his worth putting up 7 points against his former team and scoring some key goals in the series. The Ranger’s defense also showed a penchant for blocking shooting lanes and aggressively attacking the puck in their own end, a theme they will need to continue to stop the skill of the Penguins forwards. I hate to say this but the so called X-factor in this series could be Sean Avery. He knows how to get under his opponents skin and put up some good offensive numbers against the Devils as well.
My Prediction: The Penguins seem to be the more talented team especially up front. The Rangers have played strong defensive hockey and are getting production from their key offensive players. If the Penguins can plug their ears and drown out the constant bickering of Avery as well as maintain their offensive production they should be the team moving on to the Eastern Conference Finals. Penguins in 6.
