A day late, but better than never. Here's a quick preview of each series.
(A1) Montreal Canadiens vs. (W1) New York Rangers
Ah yes, Carey Price vs. Chris Kreider round 4,324. The division-winning Canadians have been one of the hottest teams in the league since they hired Claude Julien as the head coach. There is a good team in front of Price, with Max Pacioretty leading the offense and Markov, Weber, and co. on the blueline. The only issue is if they ever give Alex Galchenyuk his rightful spot at center. It can be argued that New York has a slight advantage with forwards. The defense is another story, as their blueline has mostly been Ryan McDonagh and...well that's about it. Combined with Henrik Lundqvist showing his age (especially after last year's playoffs), it's hard to see the Rangers going too far. They'll win a few games, but it looks to be the Canadiens for the taking. Montreal in six.
(A2) Ottawa Senators vs. (A3) Boston Bruins
Ottawa is the higher seed, but the Bruins look to be the better team. Ottawa does have their weapons though, as Erik Karlsson once again leads the team in points, with Mark Stone and Mike Hoffman up front. Craig Anderson is pretty solid in net, and does show up in the playoffs. The Boston line of Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, and David Pasternak has been straight fire for the Bruins though, and they look to have more depth than Ottawa. Tuukka Rask is a solid goalie as well. Anderson may steal a game for the Sens, but the Bruins look to be the better overall team. Boston in six.
(M1) Washington Capitals vs. (W2) Toronto Maple Leafs
CAPS IN THREE!!! Joking, joking. While Washington is the favourite to win (and with good reason), due has to be given to Toronto. The Leafs team has a young core that can play, a couple of good veterans, and a great coach in Mike Babcock. The Presidents Trophy-winning Capitals are the most established team, with firepower aplenty, and a Vezina-winning goaltender in Braden Holtby. It seems like the time for this Caps team to finally break through to the third round, while the Leafs will be happy for the experience (for now). Washington in five.
(M2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (M3) Columbus Blue Jackets
This will be an interesting series. There is the usual Sidney Crosby vs. Brandon Dubinsky headline, but these teams can create a good series. Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Phil Kessel lead the offense for Pittsburgh, and Matt Murray has proven to be a starting goalie (who at the time of writing, is injured). Injuries do hurt the Penguins, especially losing defenseman Kris Letang. Columbus is no slouch though, as they do have some viable offensive weapons. Their defense does look a little better on paper, thanks to the emergence of Zach Werenski. Sergei Bobrovsky has also returned to Vezina form. Injuries do hinder the Penguins, but in the end they are the better team. Pittsburgh in seven.
(C1) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (W2) Nashville Predators
Usually every year it seems like there is one first round matchup were it feels like the winner of it will go on to the Cup. This is that series. Both teams are solid offensive and defensively. The difference may come down to goaltending. Last time the teams met, Corey Crawford was replaced by Scott Darling, who helped the Blackhawks win that series. This time around Crawford should be better. Pekka Rinne is the question mark, as his play has decreased over the years. It's a close one, but I can see the Blackhawks eeking it out in a long series. Chicago in seven.
(C2) Minnesota Wild vs. (C3) St. Louis Blues
Minnesota seems like the favourite and it's not too hard to see why. They have a more balanced attack and Devan Dubynk is pretty solid in goal (despite a recent sputter). Bruce Boudreau is also a damn good coach (just might want to avoid seven game series). St. Louis is a little more top heavy on the attack, led by Vladimir Tarasenko. The Blues are coming into the playoffs on a hot streak, so they have a bit of momentum. Still, the Wild look to be the better team, and I'm still not completely sold on Jake Allen backstopping the Blues to playoff success. Minnesota in six.
(P1) Anaheim Ducks vs. (W1) Calgary Flames
Talk about home advantage, the Flames haven't won in Anaheim since 2004. Despite this, Calgary has a team that can cause a few upsets. Led offensively by Johnny Gaudreau, rolling the 3M line, and having one of the best defense core in the league, Calgary should be poised for playoff success. Anaheim is still Anaheim though, and they are a pretty solid team. Ryan Getzlaf can still put up the points, Ryan Kesler looks to be regaining his form from years ago, and they also have a pretty good defense core. Despite the Flames having an edge in net (I like Brian Elliot over John Gibson), it seems like Calgary is still a year away from being a serious contender, while the Ducks Cup window is still open, even though it's a sliver. Anaheim in six.
(P2) Edmonton Oilers vs. (P3) San Jose Sharks
I guess all those first overall picks finally paid off, as the Oilers are back in the playoffs for the first time since their Cup run 2006. They will be in tough, as they face last year's finalist, the Sharks. Edmonton is lead by Connor McDavid and...well mostly McDavid (ok, Leon Draisaitl has been good as well). Cam Tablot has had a decent season in net for the Oilers. San Jose is still San Jose, with guys like Joe Thronton, Brent Burns, Joe Pavelski, and Logan Couture leading the way. The Sharks also have the better goalie in Martin Jones. Edmonton will get a few in the series, but San Jose will end up the winner. San Jose in six
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