Let's Start the Playoffs - Previewing the East

Even NHL.com thinks the Bruins-Leafs series will be done in three.

(1) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (8) New York Islanders

It's easy to see a sweep. Hell, it's easy to see Pittsburgh breezing by most teams in the East. What makes Pittsburgh more dangerous than last year (excluding the deadline deals) is that they have a great backup in Vokoun, so any shootout like last year seems unlikely. Although with Tavares playing the way he is and Nabakov in net, I see the Islanders being able to take at least one game. Pittsburgh in 5.

(2) Montreal Canadiens vs. (7) Ottawa Senators

It was tempting to pick Ottawa in attempt to jinx them. The Sens are coming in a hotter team, with Anderson having an MVP-like season. The Habs are hurting without Emelin out and Price not being able to stop a beach ball at times. Still, I just can't got against them. Montreal in 6.

(3) Washington Capitals vs. (6) New York Rangers

Round 3. With each team winning a series against the other in the last two years, this did seem like a tough series to pick. Washington is hot, with Ovi being the Ovi we all hoped for. New York needed to fight a bit to finish in the six spot. The Rangers did have a bit of a disappointing season by their standards and will be looking to prove they can get it done. I'm not too high on Washington, they could definitely win a couple games, but New York just seems like the better team. New York in 6.

(4) Boston Bruins vs. (5) Toronto Maple Leafs

It's really, really, really, really, easy to say Boston will crush Toronto (just see the picture above). But Boston hasn't been good of late, going 3-5-2 in their last 10 games, with their last two losses costing them the Division. Toronto on the other hand is coming in with not much experience. Reimer has been the backbone of this team and will need to keep up his performance for Toronto to have a shot. One thing that might be overlooked is that Toronto can keep up physically with Boston. In the end, the Bruins seem too good to lose in the first round. Boston in 5.