Eastern Conference Playoff Preview: Round 1
By Frank Rekas
Washington Capitals vs. Montreal Canadiens. Head to head record, Montreal and Washington both 2-1-1.
Washington overview: The high scoring Caps againts the Jekyl and Hyde Canadiens. Washington features the most exciting player in the league in Alexander Ovechkin. But is his offence and the offence that his teammates supply enough to overcome the potential question marks in goal and on defence? Semyon Varlamov is looking like the starter in net, with Jose Theodore waiting in the wings. As for their defence, they don’t have a shutdown pair, yet they seemingly have been able to get the job done this year. Playoffs as we know are different.
Montreal overview: With the amount of new additions that we made to the roster this season to go along with a new head coach, Jacques Martin and a change of GM’s late in the year, the Habs probably surprised the entire hockey world by getting backing into the playoffs. Michael Cammalleri is a sniper, and Tomas Plekanec is the team leader in points. After that, it just depends. Jaroslav Halak however seems to be the guy in goal over Carey Price. With Jacques Martin behind the bench his playoff style defence will take over. We all know what that’s done for him in the past.
Rat Trick says: Washington in 5.
New Jersey Devils vs. Philadelphia Flyers: Head to head record, Philly 5-1.
New Jersey overview: The New Jersey Devils continue to prove that when following a system and getting everyone to believe in it, it will work. Regardless of who’s behind the bench, who’s on the ice, they just keep winning. It also doesn’t hurt to have Martin Brodeur as your goalie either. Possibly the greatest goalie ever. Youngster Zach Parise leads a team of vets that includes high scoring winger Ilya Kovalchuk, who was acquired for a long playoff run, along with Jamie Langenbruner , Patrik Elias and Brian Rolston.
Philadelphia overview: A heavy favorite to challenge for the Cup at the beginning of the season, the Flyers started slow, fired their coach and somehow through it all find themselves in the playoffs. With Mike Richards, Jeff Carter and Chris Pronger leading the team, there’s no reason to think that they can’t be a force. Except when you look at the goalie situation. As much as I like Brian Boucher, you can’t be too comfortable with him in net, but the Flyers haven’t had a goalie since the Ron Hextall days, so why should this be any different.
Rat Trick says: New Jersey in 6.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Boston Bruins. Head to head record, Boston 4-2.
Buffalo overview: Another team with a goaltender that leads the way and in the playoffs, that’s what you want. Ryan Miller has had what is likely an MVP season to leading the Sabres to a divisional title and hopefully for them a long playoff run. Head coach Lindy Ruff who’s been there forever, relys on a stingy defence and balanced scoring to go along with four lines that see action on a regular basis. No real stalwart on defence except for rookie of the year candidate Tyler Myers, this is a group that features no superstar, except for Miller. Just the way Ruff likes it.
Boston overview: A terrific season last year made fans feel as though this would be the year that Boston could be back in contention for the Stanley Cup. Not so. Injuries, losing Phil Kessel and last year’s Vezina Trophy winner Tim Thomas having a complete reversal in goal, caused the Bruins to fight like dogs to make the pst season. They don’t score alot of goals and you just have to wonder if coach Claude Julien has squeezed as much juice out of this group as he could. Is there anything left in the tank? The leading point getters are Patrice Bergeron and David Kreci with 52.
Rat Trick says: Buffalo in 6.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Ottawa Senators. Head to head record 2-2.
Pittsburgh overview: Defending champs and qualifiying for the Stanley Cup finals two years in a row makes you wonder if these guys have the strength to do it one more time. Cindy Crosby and Co. have their work cut out for them in this match only from the standpoint of who’s hungrier. They probably have one of the most balanced teams in the East from scoring down to goaltending. Most of them have been together for awhile, but you know if you can get them off their game, anything is possible.
Ottawa overview: Four lines including a fourth line that can piss off anyone as well as chip in the occassional goal, this team has overcome a few obstacles. Losing Dany Heatley isn’t easy and having the enigmatic Alexei Kovalev around sometimes doesn’t help. But Alex is out with a knee injury so his mood swings are not a factor. Cory Clouston has kept this team together all season has has found a goalie Brian Elliott to take the reigns. Also, a solid defense to go along with it, this team could provide at least one upset. And this one might be it.
Rat Trick says: Ottawa in 6.
Tomorrow we take a look at the Western Conference.
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