NHL Eastern Conference Playoff Predictions

The 2007-2008 NHL playoffs are read-to-go - and it took the last games of the regular season today in the Eastern Conference to begin the seeding. And a good thing for the NHL this time around - we get to see some serious rivalries. I can't wait for a few games of "Old-Time Hockey"!Here's a quick break-down, of my predictions, for the first round.

(1) Montreal Canadiens vs. (8) Boston Bruins

And the domination continues for the Habs. 8-0 against my home-town team this season, and I don't expect it to be any different in the playoffs. The Canadiens have outscored the Bruins 36-19 this season, and have won 11 straight against the B's, dating back to last season.

The Bruins have absolutely no momentum going into the playoffs, posting a 4-2-4 record in their last 10 games.

Montreal: 8-1-1. And as long as rookie net-minder Carey Price can continue his stellar play in net, expect this series to be a short-one.

The Bruins may have something to look forward to: Patrice Bergeron. We won't know until tomorrow to see whether or not the Doctors give Patrice the "OK" to play - but I don't see him being a difference maker having been side-lined for almost six-months. But, his presence could snap the winless streak, and the B's may manage to sneak in a win. Maybe

Montreal in 5

(2) Pittsburg Penguins vs. (7) Ottawa Senators

Ottawa (3-6-1, in their last 10 games) has the 3-1 season series advantage, against the penguins this year. So what. I have no confidence whatsoever in the Sens this year. Their goaltending has been suspect, and key-player injuries (Daniel Alfredsson and Mike Fisher) are going to get them swept in the playoffs.

Pittsburg (6-3-1) has legitimate goaltending, in the one-two-punch of Marc-Andre Fleury and Ty Conklin. A healthy Sidney Crosby and MVP-contender Evgeni Malkin should pick-apart the Sens, in a fairly-easy sweep.

Pittsburg in 4

(3) Washington Capitals vs. (6) Philadelphia Flyers

I got one number for ya. #8. Alexander Ovechkin. Enough said. If he's not a lock for the MVP now....

The Caps, did-what-they-had-to-do, by the trade deadline. Acquiring Cristobal Huet and veteran Sergei Fedorov has obviously paid Washington dividends. 15-4-1 in their last 20-games, and 9-1-0 in their last 10, Washington is on an absolute tear, and I don't expect them to start slowing-down now.

The Flyers have been plagued with injuries. They have been playing some decent hockey (7-2-1), especially with the win today over the Pittsburg Penguins, 2-0. The win catapulted them past Boston and Ottawa for the sixth-seed. The season series with the Caps is tied at 2-2, but this is where their season end.

Washington in 6

(4) New Jersey Devils vs. (5) New York Rangers

The shootout win today, 3-2, clinched home-ice advantage for the Devils. The bitter rivals played their hearts-out today at The Rock, and the Devils certainly earned the two-points and the home-ice nod for the playoffs.

New Jersey (4-5-1) has one major advantage in this series. Martin Brodeur. He will single-handedly win this series for the Devils, and advance to the second-round.

The Rangers (5-1-4) have been playing some good hockey - I just think it's going to come down to goaltending in this one. And, expect a lot of rough-and-tough physical play.

New Jersey in 7

I really want Boston to win, but, I'm just being honest. Let's see how my first-round predictions turn out. I hope I'm wrong in that one - and the Hub of Hockey shock the world by finally taking down the almighty Habs.