2009 Playoff Preview - Eastern Conference

It's that time of year again. The time where the hockey gets kicked up to another level, as only 16 teams remain standing. This is where physical play combined with talent truly pays off, and a team can find its fortunes turned around with the drop of a puck. The next two days here will include some playoff predictions and previews, starting today with the Eastern Conference. Just in time, because tomorrow night, the puck drops on the NHL's "Second Season".

#1 Boston Bruins vs. #8 Montreal Canadiens
Let's do it all over again. The Boston Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens seem to face each other every year in the playoffs, as is only fitting for an Original Six match-up. More often than not, Montreal seems to have the upper hand, and they are riding into the playoffs in their 100th season. But it's Boston that could (and possibly should) march straight to the Stanley Cup finals. While Montreal was free-falling through the East, almost out of the playoffs, the Bruins were putting together an impressive season, challenging for the President's Cup behind their outstanding goaltending and young offensive studs. The Canadiens will challenge Boston, but don't expect an upset. The Bruins knock the Canadiens out in five games.

#2 Washington Capitals vs. #7 New York Rangers
The Washington Capitals have the most dynamic offensive player in the league on their side. Unfortunately for them, Alex Ovechkin cannot win a playoff series alone, especially against a team that's as solid defensively as the New York Rangers have been all season. Washington is going to need to keep the game open and flowing, allowing their firepower to come to the forefront, but New York is a team built to get into your head and make you play their game. By bringing back Sean Avery, the Rangers added an annoyance that can make them very dangerous if they go deep in any playoff series. Largely, this series should come down to goaltending, and Henrik Lundqvist is leaps and bounds better than Jose Theodore. The question for Washington is enough Theodore can keep them in the game long enough for the goals to pour in. The Rangers pull off a stunning game seven victory to send the Capitals packing.

#3 New Jersey Devils vs. #6 Carolina Hurricanes
Statistically, the Devils and the Hurricanes are the most evenly matched teams in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Where the two teams diverge, however, are behind the blue line. The Hurricanes add a decent amount of scoring from their defensemen, and they play a smart style of hockey. Meanwhile, the Devils don't have a lot of defensive firepower, but they do have the winningest goaltender in the history of the league. Martin Brodeur suffered a bit of a slump after setting the new record for wins, but he is far from done. So are the rest of the Devils, as players like Brian Rolston and Brendan Shanahan look to bring the Cup back to the place where they got their NHL starts. The Hurricanes keep it close, but get blown out of the playoffs by the Devils in seven.

#4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #5 Philadelphia Flyers
One way to think of the match-up between two Pennsylvania teams is to picture "Beauty and the Beast". On one hand, you've got the Penguins, a team full of talent, agile skaters, and flashy plays. On the other hand, you've got the Flyers, who have been very workmanlike and physical throughout the season, both bullying and gritting their way into the playoffs. The teams have a strong rivalry already, and, after facing off in the conference finals last year, the Flyers will be looking for a little revenge. If this match-up happened later, the Flyers would have Pittsburgh's number. As it is, the legs of the Penguins are just going to be too much, as they ice the Flyers in six games.