NHL Playoffs Round One Preview

As the NHL playoffs are about to get underway, it's time for some Round One analysis. Broken down by conference:

East
Washington Capitals (1) v. New York Rangers (8): The Rangers had to fight to get into the playoffs, while the Capitals were able to rest Alexander Ovechkin for the majority of their last ten games. Aside from goaltending, the Capitals are greatly superior to the Rangers. However, all it takes is a hot goalie to eliminate a team from the playoffs, and the Capitals did have that happen to them last year. Plus, when on, Henrik Lundqvist is one of the best in the game. While this series will be more difficult that some would think, expect the Capitals to learn from their experience last season. Capitals in 6.

Philadelphia Flyers (2) v. Buffalo Sabres (7): The Sabres were one of the hottest teams heading into the playoffs, while the Flyers went cold at the end of the regular season, although one could argue that they were attempting to set up the matchups for later in the playoffs. The risk of that strategy involves running into Ryan Miller, who is more than capable of stealing a playoff series on his own. Meanwhile, the Flyers have the same problem they have had since the days of Ron Hextall - goaltending. Last year, they made their run with journeymen and backups in goal. Don't expect a repeat this year if Sergei Bobrovsky implodes. While the Flyers are more talented, Miller will keep the Sabres in this one, and might be the difference. Sabres in 7.

Boston Bruins (3) v. Montreal Canadiens (6): This may be one of the best playoff matchups in round one, just because of how much these teams hate one another. Factor in the Zdeno Chara hit, and this series could get nasty. The Bruins combination of size, skill, toughness, and goaltending has been great for most of the year. Tim Thomas is one of the favorites for the Vezina, and Nathan Horton has rediscovered his goal scoring touch recently. Montreal is going to have to hope to dominate on special teams, and draw the Bruins into dumb penalties to have a chance in this series. Expect the Bruins not to fall into that trap. Bruins in 5.

Tampa Bay Lightning (4) v. Pittsburgh Penguins (5): Even though the Penguins will be without Sidney Crosby and Evegni Malkin, they have played very well down the stretch. Despite that, the Lightning have a definite edge in scoring with Vincent Lecavalier, Steven Stamkos, and Martin St. Louis. Like Montreal, they dominate on the power play, and will need to draw the Penguins into penalties. However, the Penguins have a big advantage in net, with Marc-Andre Fleury against Dwayne Roloson. In fact, Mike Smith may actually be the better option for Tampa. This will be another matchup where goalies make the difference. Pittsburgh in 6.

West
Vancouver Canucks (1) v. Chicago Blackhawks (8): Vancouver has been one of the elite teams in the NHL all season. Boasting the Super Twins, Daniel and Henrik Sedin, they made opposing defenses seem pathetic. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks had to claw to get back into the playoffs to defend last year's championship. This year, the Hawks do not bear any resemblance to last season's team, as they needed to trade off quite a large chunk of the team due to cap issues. While the Blackhawks are still dangerous, they simply do not have the firepower to match up with Vancouver. Canucks in 5.

San Jose Sharks (2) v. Los Angeles Kings (7): Every year, the Sharks go into the playoffs looking like a contender. Seemingly every year, they get bounced in the first round. This year, Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleua, and Dany Heatley are back in the top half of the bracket. Once again, they face off against a talented team in Los Angeles, which boasts a good young squad. While their playoff experience says the Sharks should win this, they just do not have the toughness needed to prevail in the playoffs. This year will not be any different. Kings in 6.

Detroit Red Wings (3) v. Phoenix Coyotes (6): These two teams are essentially even on offense, despite the Red Wings having the better known cast of players. As such, this matchup should come down to special teams, goaltending, and experience. The Coyotes have an advantage on the power play, and a superior goaltender in Ilya Bryzgalov. However, the Red Wings are always in the playoffs, are battle tested, and just know how to win. For them, the regular season is just an extended preseason before the real games start. Experience will previal in this series, but it will be a good one to watch. Red Wings in 6.

Anaheim Ducks (4) v. Nashville Predators (5): This is going to be a matchup of good defense against a good offense. Corey Perry scored 50 goals this year, and teams up with Ryan Getzlaf, Teemu Selanne, Bobby Ryan and Lubomir Visnovsky to form one of the best scoring teams in the playoffs. Pekka Rinne will need to be unbelievable for the Predators to win this series, and while he is capable of stealing a couple of games, the Ducks are just too good. Ducks in 6.