EASTERN CONFERENCE
Capitals vs. Penguins
My prediction: Capitals in 6
RESULT: PENGUINS IN 6
Post-Series Thoughts: For two high-powered teams in the regular season, both teams turned in a pretty anemic offense. And though neither goalie faced a ridiculous challenge, chalk this one up to Murray, who played far better than anyone expected. Look for a goaltender controversy even once Fleury is healthy. The Caps' playoff curse continues.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Penguins just have so much depth. But the Caps have a goaltender playing out of his mind, and arguably the most potent offensive threat in the league (Yes, I would take Ovechkin over Crosby). Also I think the special teams edge goes to the Caps (albeit not by much). Barring injuries or other unforseen events, I see the Caps taking this one. I'm calling it in 6, but I wouldn't be surprised if goes the distance.
Lightning vs Islanders
My prediction: Lightning in 7
RESULT: LIGHTNING IN 5
Post-Series Thoughts: The Isles just couldn't muster up enough of...anything, really...to overcome the Bolts' energy and speed in this series. Combine that with a goalie that is playing great hockey, and this one wasn't much of a contest.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Lightning are faster and have the better goalie. The Isles have more grit and are coming off a hard-fought series win against an arguably better team. But I think the Lightning are deeper and their edge in speed and goal mean I give this series to the Lightning.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Stars vs. Blues
My prediction: Blues in 6
RESULT: BLUES IN 7
Post-Series Thoughts: The Stars really made this a series; they just didn't show up 100% consistently enough to take it away from the Blues. On the other hand, the Blues didn't show up 100% consistently either...just more so than the Stars did. But these are two teams that, when they're playing their best, are hard to beat. If the Blues can find a way to do that each and every game, they make a formidable opponent.
Pre-Series Thoughts: I almost want to go the other way on this one. Dallas has so many offensive threats. But the Blues have a better goalie and they knocked off the reigning champs in a gritty series. I think the Blues take this one.
Sharks vs. Predators
My prediction: Sharks in 6
RESULT: SHARKS IN 7
Post-Series Thoughts: The Sharks are probably the strongest team playing right now. Kudos to the Preds for taking them to 7 games, but game 7 kind of showed what the Sharks can do when their backs are against the wall.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Preds are rolling from their series, but the Sharks took down the Kings relatively easily and will be more well-rested. The Sharks have a better top line, and I think they have the edge in goal, even though the Preds have a slightly stronger blue line. As with the both teams' last series, I think this will come down to who wants it more and (therefore) grits it out, but I give the edge to the Sharks.
