Monday, April 12- The Matchups... (East)

What I will be trying to do everyday until the end of the playoffs will be writing about different topics about the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The will not usually be recaps but I will probably discuss what I thought was important of the night. I am still a student so these might not come until the afternoon sometimes because of work and other priorities. I hope you enjoy and I would love some feedback to help me for future articles. Thank you!

(1) Washington Capitals vs. (8) Montreal Canadiens

Will Washington have the curse of the President Trophy winners? Detroit Red Wings was the last team to have over 120 points in a season and they lost in the first round to the Edmonton Oilers, who ended up losing to the Carolina Hurricanes in the Cup Final. Could it be the same this year? This coming from a huge Habs fan, I don't think the Habs have the skill to beat the Caps. Montreal would have to almost put two men on Ovechkin at all times but then they would have to also watch out for Backstrom and Semin. Unless Theodore and Varlomov are really shaky, Washington will have no problems beating the Habs. I would say it is Capitals in six games.

(2) New Jersey Devils vs. (7) Philadelphia Flyers

Before looking into the season series I had thought that New Jersey would take this easily, but after seeing Philly won the season series 5-1 it changed my mind. Although I think New Jersey is still going to take this series, it is going the distance. One reason Philly will not win this series is because of goaltending. Brian Boucher is a good back up goalie but that is what he is and always will be. I don't think he is ready to play in a best-of-seven series. And as well New Jersey has depth now with Kovy and Parise who are natural born scorers. New Jersey will have their test in the first round but will embrace it. Devils in seven.

(3) Buffalo Sabres vs. (6) Boston Bruins

Goaltending will be a big test for Boston as they start Tuka Rask in his first playoffs ever. For Buffalo if they have to worry about goaltending, they are not going far. Buffalo's Thomas Vanek has been enjoying recent success after scoring four goals against Ottawa on Saturday and adding another one yesterday against New Jersey, he will be ready for the playoffs. If Buffalo can start scoring, they will be a huge threat. Boston although, injuries have rattled them this season and being without Savard for the playoffs will hurt their power play and overall offense. Buffalo has nothing to really worry about as long as Miller keeps playing the way he does. Sabres in five.

(4) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (5) Ottawa Senators

This I think is one of the best series in the first round of the playoffs. This will be the third time these guys have met in the first round in four years with Ottawa winning the first series in five and Pittsburgh winning the second series in four games. This year will be no different. Pittsburgh has the better advantage of winning this series because Crosby will be motivated after his first 50 goal season plus with Malkin recently coming back from injury will try to help the team out the best he can. Ottawa doesn't win because of inexperience goaltending and lack of offence. With Kovalev out for the rest of the year Pittsburgh will have one less person to worry about to cover. Pittsburgh will have nothing to really worry about the Sens. Penguins in five.

Stay tuned for The West Preview tomorrow.