(1) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (4) Buffalo Sabres Carolina took the season series with two dominant wins, and a very close one-goal loss. The Hurricanes have two very solid forward lines that are capable of putting up points – and at the same time, playing defensively. The relatively unknown defensive core, with the exception of the obvious, combined with their hot goalies is a recipe for success. This is a high-powered offence, with a solid back end – you can’t expect to score many goals, the key will be all around defence. Buffalo has a solid top line, but I think their depth is what kills them in this series. Their defence is strong enough to compete with the talent of Carolina, but they will need scoring help. It’s only a matter of time before the Hurricanes can break down this team-centered approach. Carolina in 6; MVP: AJ9191 ---------- (2) New York Islanders vs. (3) New Jersey Devils New York took the season series in three, relatively low scoring, one goal games. The Islanders are solid all the way through their lineup, starting with one of the best goalies in the league. They have two forward lines capable of competing with most lines. Their defence however, is just average and will have some work to do with the Devils potent offence. The Devils (albeit, possibly biased) have the advantage with two high scoring lines and shut down defensive pairs. New Jersey has two lines, like the Islanders, that can compete with almost any line. This series comes down to the third lines, and the goaltending battle. The team with the better third, and better set of goalies takes this series. Islanders in 7; MVP: RoWsKi l5l ---------- (1) Montreal Canadiens vs. (4) Philadelphia Flyers Montreal took the season series in three high scoring, albeit close games. This will change in the playoffs. Montreal is one of the most complete teams in the league, from both goalies all the way to the third line. Their top two lines are great, and they have a solid defensive core to back them up. They are coming into the playoffs very hot, and they are going to score a lot. None of the matchups play in Philadelphia’s favour. The Flyers are going to have to play stellar defence in front of their goalies if they want a hope in this series. Montreal is a puck possession team, and Philadelphia will have trouble scoring if the puck is always on the Canadiens’ sticks. Canadiens in 5; MVP: King Scavuzzo90 ---------- (2) Ottawa Senators vs. (3) Florida Panthers This is a very intriguing series, and will be the best one to follow in the first round. Florida took the season series (Two games to one) in three close games. Both teams are loaded with offensive talent from their first to their third line. Ottawa gets the advantage in offensive power, and will control most of the play. Florida needs to play their defensive game and capitalize on the chances given to them. The Sens also have the advantage on the back end, but the Panthers are better in the cage. The Sens may control the play but they need to get real scoring chances if they want to win this series. The goalies will be the deciding factor in this series. Florida in 7; MVP(s): Vicious Tyrant, Barzdenis88 ---------- **Disclaimer: These are for fun. I admittedly don’t know every player in the league. Don’t get butt hurt. If they’re wrong, go out there and prove it. Comments are certainly appreciated, positive or negative. If there is enough interest, I may do the West as well.**
TB in 5 and Wsh in 7. Mtl not taking one game at home really fucked them. Wsh just looks better in the series so far.
