Eastern Conference Playoff Preview

[Jets GM]

EHEC EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF PREVIEW
Quarter Finals

[#1] Washington Capitals vs [#8] Ottawa Senators

The Breakdown: Its a classic David vs. Goliath clash with Alexander Ovechkin's Capitals looking to prove that there high power offense has what it takes to take them to promise land, and that starts with getting past the Ottawa Senators. On paper the Capitals offensive advantage is glaring, but if the Senators can find a way to contain Ovechkin and test an unproven playoff goaltender in Varlamov they could find themselves in position to cause a serious upset. While at first glance a quick and painless death of Ottawa's Cup hopes looks to be in order, a couple of bad bounces and Washington could find themselves in a pressure filled spot early in there Cup run. Sometimes its a much harder thing to win when your supposed to, rather then when your not especially at such a high level.

Impact Players: [WAS - Alexander Ovechkin] No secret here, if the Caps are going to make a long run into May there captain must produce as much as he did the regular season. Fun fact, Ovechkin is averaging over 2 hits per game. [OTT - Marc Savard] Savard quitely put together a very respectable 70 point season on Ottawa's second line, and will be counted upon for major secondary scoring in what are sure to be some bigtime shootouts.

The Bottom Line: While Ottawa will surprise some and make a series out of this, the Capitals simply possess to much firepower for a young Senators defense. Capitals in 6.

[#2] Boston Bruins vs [#7] Montreal Canadiens

The Breakdown: It's a battle of two completely revamped teams. Boston boasts the league lead in goals for during the regular season, and has one of the most mobile defensive cores in the game today. However a late season injury to Andrej Meszaros who was acquired in a mid-season blockbuster with the Lighting will cause some headaches for Bruins fans, he was a +37 during the regular season. The return of slick sniper Phil Kessel should ease there pain. Montreal looked to be in rebuilding mode after stockpiling 3 first round draft picks in this years entry draft, but a dynamic defensive pairing in Sergei Gonchar and Dan Hamhuis along with a bigger, tougher and more physical Canadiens team see's them checking in as the 7th seed.

Impact Players: [BOS - Victor Hedman] With Meszaros gone for at least the first round, Hedman will be looked upon at a very young age to provide both stability and offense on what looks to be a very thin Bruins blueline. [MTL - Carey Price] Price will need to be beyond spectacular in order for Montreal to advance past the first round. Average or good performances will see the Habs make a very quick playoff exit.

The Bottom Line: Boston simply is to deep and has 4 lines who can score goals a regular basis, Montreal's lack of secondary scoring will prove costly along with there bottom 6 forwards not being able to match up with the Bruins onslaught of offense. Boston in 5.

[#3] New York Rangers vs [#6] Philadelphia Flyers

The Breakdown: A flip flop of sorts occurred as a very underwhelming post Olympic stretch by the Flyers saw them drop for a Eastern Conference powerhouse, to losing home ice advantage. Coincidentally, a major turning point in both these teams seasons occurred when a major trade took place between the two. Simon Gagne and KImmo Timonen have been lights out since coming over from Philly, and have shined under the microscope in the big apple. The Rangers lack a big time scoring threat up front but a balanced and highly offensive defensive unit along with Olympian Henrik Lundqvist between the pipes makes the Rangers a serious threat. While some may criticize the Flyers for bringing such a high profile headache in Sean Avery, a series win over the very team they acquired him from would silence the critics.

Impact Players: [NYR - Simon Gagné] While he wasn't the man in Philly, Gagne no doubts will have to be the guy the Rangers look to for leadership and offense. [PHI - Ray Emery] Splitting time with Boucher early on in the year, Emery starts the playoffs in net for the Flyers. He needs to be good.

The Bottom Line: What a difference a few months can make, mid-season this would look to be a very favorable match up for the Flyers. Now, its a coinflip. Lundqvist is the difference maker, Rangers in 7 in a very hard fought series.

[#4] Tampa Bay Lightning vs [#5] Carolina Hurricanes

The Breakdown: Bombs, bolos and haymakers. Words that describe the type of series this promises to be. A lackadaisical end to the Lightning season saw them drop out of the first place in the Southeast, time will tell if a very deep and potent Hurricane team will make the Lightning pay for there late season nap. Carolina won't be able to match a very scary Lightning top 6, but no one can deny the impact a player of Eric Stall's caliber can have in a short 7 game series. Tampa Bay must give the respect Stall deserves, it will take a five man unit when he is on the ice to neutralize him. Luckily, Tampa Bay has possibly the most feared defensive duo in the game today with Zdeno Chara and Paul Ranger. The two combined for 361 hits, 309 takeaways and +49 rating. Fun fact, the Lightning let the least amount of goals in this year with 177. The 2nd best team was the Rangers, with 193.

Impact Players: [TB - Steven Stamkos] In what many expect to be a breakout year for Stamkos, was riddled with injuries. A big post-season will be needed from the 20 year old. [CAR - Eric Stall] The Hurricanes will have to jump on Eric Stall's back and hope he can lead them through a very physical and tough Lightning team.

The Bottom Line: Tampa Bay is a built to win, and win now. The locker room is filled with players not only with playoff experience, but playoff success and championships. Tanguay, Lecavalier, Brodeur, St. Louis, Jagr, Selanne, Orpik, Sarich and Modano all have at least one Cup ring. Lightning in 6.

[Penguin]

Nice read. Go Habs Go!

[Jets GM]

Wow, wrong forum. This should be in Team News, ups.

[Tuo-SabresGM]

Fixed.

Excellent write-up, by the by.