BT, Ron Burgundy, and the 2009 Eastern Conference Playoff Picture

With the commencement of the NHL season Sunday, that means only one thing: withdrawl until the NHL playoffs start on Wednesday.

Now the internet, radio, and television will have no shortage of previews with regards to the series that will be unfolding, but there's one thing that all of them lack:

Star power.

Last year, I brought you Lt. Frank Drebin of Police Squad. From the first round all the way through the playoffs, Frank and I competed for supremacy, not only on hockey predictions, but out-witting each other as well.

Unfortunately, I have a sneaking suspicion that Drebin won, especially after this:

"Rangers in six, but Police Squad will make an appearance in the apprehension of Sean Avery during the series." (First Round Prediction, New Jersey vs. New York Rangers)

If Police Squad were real, I'm pretty sure that would've happened.

Needless to say, Frank Drebin wasn't invited back.

Who do we have this year? Well it's none other than the honorary—

Ron Burgandy: Hhhhheeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyy Aaaaaaqqqquuuuaaaa LUNG!

Bryan Thiel: Oh good lord...

No. 1. Boston Bruins vs. No. 8. Montreal Canadiens

BT: Last year, these two teams were in the exact opposite positions: Montreal was the upstart young team with all of the potential and expectation, while Boston was a big underdog.

After a season of disappointment in Quebec and surprise in Boston the roles are reversed, as the Canadiens have followed in the footsteps of the Ottawa Senators (with regards to last year's late-season collapse).

The next few years don't look too good for the Bruins if they turn out like the last few Eastern Conference powers (Ottawa, Montreal, and the Pittsburgh Penguins during a mid-season swoon) but we'll get to that in a few months.

The Bruins are the second-hottest team heading into the playoffs right now at 8-2-0.

The Killer B's have scored the second-most goals in the NHL, and allowed the fewest in the NHL. They have a goalie who led the league in save percentage (.933) and goals-against average (2.33) this season, and he's played the seventh-fewest games (tied with Roberto Luongo) of any playoff-bound goalie with 54 games.

Offensively the Bruins had ten players with 40 or more points, seven of whom have 20 or more goals, including two 50-point defensemen in Zdeno Chara and Dennis Wideman. Aside from some rest issues against the New York Islanders Sunday, the Bruins are fairly injury free as well going into their second season.

The Canadiens on the other hand, may be in for a bit of a struggle.

Since Robert Lang went down, the Canadiens have lacked the extra firepower they need up front. Only two players on the Habs registered more than 60-points, and one of them—defenseman Andrei Markov—is out for the foreseeable future due to injury.

Between the pipes, the fact that Boston has a dynamic offense could help the Habs. Although Carey Price has allowed 11 goals in his past three games (and is winless), Price has performed better when facing larger amounts of shots.

Since February 13, Price has allowed just three goals per game in games he faced 35 or more shots. While he's played in more games facing fewer shots (10), Price has been far less consistent, allowing five goals three times, and three or more three other times.

If the Habs have a chance, Price has to be at his best facing the Bruins' dynamic offense, and they'll have to play better, tighter hockey than they have the past four games, all losses to playoff teams (except Ottawa on Monday).

Ron: I like Boston. It's a good city, full of rich and historical facts. On the other hand, their nickname is "Beantown". Beans are not a classy food—lots of violent gas. Then again, the Canadiens are from Montreal, and that means they're French.

BT: You have a problem with the French Ron?

Ron: Well...I get it from Don.

BT: Don Cherry?

Ron: Yes. We go suit shopping together.

Bryan says Bruins in five

Ron says Bruins in six

No. 2. Washinton vs. No. 7. New York Rangers

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