The NHL Playoffs: What Will Happen?

My predictions at the beginning of the year for the Atlantic and Pacific Divisions in the NHL were way off. The Stars probably would have finished second had they had Loui Eriksson and Brad Richards all year like I said, but they didn't. Both were injured for the majority of the season, along with Brendan Morrow.

The Penguins got in, but not in first place in their division. The Flyers are much better than I thought. The only thing I got right was the Sharks, running away with their division, and as of tonight, one point from wrapping up the President's Trophy for the league's best regular season record.

So what are the playoffs going to look like? Even though there aren't solidified positions right now, the following is what we can expect to see in the first round of the NHL postseason.

Eastern Conference

No. 1 Boston vs. No. 8 New York

This series will be quick and over in short order. The Rangers are on a free fall. If it wasn't for the Florida Panthers never being able to close the deal and make a run, they wouldn't even be in the playoffs.

The Bruins have been successful all year long, and are starting to pick up their game at the right time, while the Rangers haven't been consistent at any point. Despite having a better goaltender, the Rangers won't be able to hold back the likes of Lucic, Krejci, Savard and Chara.

Result: Bruins 4-0

No. 2 Washington vs. No. 7 Montreal

Although the Capitals lack a goaltender that can carry them far, they do have something else that can at least get them through one round. Alex Ovechkin is looking to get his team to the next level, and will dominate the equally poor Montreal goal tending.

Unless Kovelev, Kostitsyn, or anyone else from this depleted roster can step up, (Schneider is done for the year) the Capitals should have at least enough bandwidth to move on.

Result: Capitals 4-1

No. 3 New Jersey vs. No. 6 Pittsburgh

A strong push at the end of the season will definitely help the Penguins, despite not getting the home ice they strived for. The Penguins will win this series for the same reason NHL analysts think the Devils will: Marty Brodeur. He is an outstanding goaltender, but if there's one team that has his number, it's the Penguins. Remember Alexei Morozov? Probably not, but I bet Brodeur does.

Result: Penguins 4-2

No. 4 Carolina vs. No. 5 Philadelphia

This series might be close, or it might be a mauling. I’m going to go with close. Carolina is on a hot streak going in, not to mention the hot goal tending they've been getting lately from a resurrected Cam Ward. Add in the Flyers' shaky Marty Biron, and you have a recipe for a Canes' victory.

Result: Hurricanes 4-2

Western Conference

No. 1 San Jose vs. No. 8 St. Louis

St. Louis is the story here. Despite the Sharks being able to dispose of them, the mere fact they made the playoffs at all is impressive. Battling injuries all year, they will give the eventual Stanley Cup Champions a fight they won't soon forget.

Result: San Jose 4-3

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?