Well, playoffs have been here for a full week now, and its been a week full of surprises, no-shows, and suspensions too. I'll take you through the Eastern Conference mathcups, and what's been going on within each series thus far.
Boston Bruins vs Montreal Canadiens- Well, the Canadiens came into the playoffs on a pretty good run, though some injuries to their defense (Markov and Schneider) caused some concern. So far, though, the Canadiens have looked like they simply don't care to be in the playoffs at all. Boston has been all over the Canadiens, taking a 3-0 lead in the series. Remember, the Canadiens made it into the playoffs over the Florida Panthers only on a tiebreaker system. Many are now wondering if the Panthers should have taken that spot over the Canadiens, but thats neither here nor there. Bruins need one more win to take the series, and they will.
Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers- Well, i don't think anyone expected the Rangers to go into 2nd seeded Washington and take the first two games of the series. Game 1 was unfortunate for the Caps who had a no-show in net in goalie Jose Theodore. Theo let in 4 very save-able goals in a huge playoff game. Good news for the Caps is that, despite losing game 2, rookie goaltender Varlamov only conceded one goal. As the series went back to New York, everyone expected the caps to come out hard -- and they did. winning 4-0 was just what the Caps needed. Now, they need to even up the series and start over. Rangers can take a firm grip on the series by winning the next game and take a 3-1 lead over the Caps.
New Jersey Devils vs Carolina Hurricanes- The Devils and Carolina have traded games so far in this series, and this could be the best matchup of the Eastern Conference. Both teams have strong goaltending and and explosive offense. The difference in this series will be the Defense. The team that can halt the other's offense will take this series. The current series is 2-1 in favor of the Devils. Should be a great game tonight.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Philadelphia Flyers- Well, this series has all the makings of a 7-game series. Pittsburgh won both games at home only to lose on Sunday in Philadelphia. If Philly can get their offense going, and keep star players Crosby and Malkin at bay, they can have a good chance at winning this one, but i still think Pittsburgh will take this one in 6 or 7.
Of course, for all of the latest news on all of the matchups and other hockey topics, just check out NHL.com
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