2009 NHL Eastern Conference Playoff Predictions

The NHL playoffs start on Wednesday….FINALLY. Rinktology.org has made is easy to create a bracket and make selections. The bracket is pretty simple, but works great. They don't have a way to share it though as there is no way create groups. Anyway, here are my picks for the 2009 NHL Eastern Conference Playoffs.

1st Round

Boston vs Montreal: I see this one going five games. In past years Montreal has been a tough matchup for Boston. My youth was spent watching the Bruins lose to the Habs in the playoffs over and over. This year will be different. Boston is just too solid this year.

New Jersey vs Carolina: Devils in seven. The Hurricanes are hot, but I see the Devils finding a way to win this series. Brodeur has the ability to win a series on his own and the Hurricanes D can be weak in their own zone. The Devils won the most recent matchup on two fluke goals and a huge mental lapse.

Pittsburgh vs Philadelphia: Another seven game series. This one has the potential to be a brutal series. Philly is a strong physical team and will be all over Crosby and Malkin. The Penguins will need Guerin and Gill to step up and send a message early. If Sykora can remember how to find the net, this one could end early.

Washington vs New York Rangers: The caps sweep this one. Avery will try to get under Ovechkin’s skin, but he’ll just end up in the box.

2nd Round

Boston vs Pittsburgh: This one will be a battle of goalies. Both teams have players that can score and pretty decent defensive corps. Thomas will outplay Fleury in the end and the Bruins will move on.

Washington vs New Jersey: The Caps will take this one in five. Ovechkin will go off in this series and notch nine goals. I’m calling my shot.

Conference Finals

Boston vs Washington: Boston goes seven games again, but will come out on top. Theodore’s luck will run out and the Bruins will move into the Finals. Chara shuts down Ovechkin in this round.

(Yes...I do know I picked all the higher seeds to win each round. Just the way it worked out.)

I’ll be back tomorrow with my Western Conference predictions (I’m sure YOU can’t wait).