Pittsburgh Penguins vs Columbus Blue Jackets: The Penguins are the best team in the eastern conference. If they end up moving on which most likely they will they have a real shot to go back to the cup finals. With the Capitals struggling in there series with the Leafs if they get out of Toronto unscathed they will be shaken, this penguins team though looks like they know the drill. Marc Andre Fleury hasn’t imploded yet and if he does they have Matt Murray waiting in the wings.
Washington Capitals vs Toronto Maple Leafs: The Leafs are no flash in the pan. This team is tough, and they will remain tough for years to come. The leafs just play with this belief that they can be a super power, and they certainly aren’t waiting. On the other hand the Capitals look like the same old Capitals a team that just doesn’t quite believe they have what it takes even though on paper they do.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Nashville Predators: This team is the dark horse pick to win the Stanley Cup for sure. If they get past the Blackhawks they have the depth and more importantly goaltending to get to the finals. The Blackhawks were the biggest challenge and they didn’t take the preds seriously. It’s a perfect example of how the Stanley Cup playoffs differ from any other in sports no matter what if you come to play you have a shot to win. There just isn’t that much of a difference between teams come playoff time you don’t often see the underdog win in the NBA playoffs let alone in a sweep. That’s the beauty of Lord Stanley’s Cup.
Minnesota Wild vs Saint Louis Blues: Jake Allen is my favorite goalie to watch in these playoffs. He was mentored by Martin Brodeour and it shows in the way he plays. He never panics, his movement isn’t as drastic as say Jonathan Quick, but he stays way more controlled he makes the easy saves and stops the rebounds. So he doesn’t have to make the highlight reel saves.
Montreal Canadians vs New York Rangers: I may have slightly misjudged the Canadiens. This team can play and they haven’t been carried by Carey Price thus far. On the other hand Henrik Lundqvist is carrying this Rangers team who must step up if they want a chance in this series.
