NHL Playoffs - Round One

The NHL's shortened season has come to a close, and we all know what that means: Playoff predictions. There are brackets to be filled and bets to be made, so here's my insight into the first round matchups, along with my personal bracket.

Eastern Conference

Pittsburgh Penguins (1) vs. NY Islanders (8)

It's a little odd to see the Islanders squeezing into the playoffs, but they did it, and now they have to face the second-best team in the league (points-wise). I certainly predict the Pens to come out on top of this matchup, but giving up one game to the Islanders, just as they have in their total games this season.

Montreal Canadiens (2) vs. Ottawa Senators (7)

The Canadiens were fighting the Bruins for that second seed until the Bruins very last game. Ironically, the Bruins fell to the Senators, giving up the division title to the Canadiens. The Senators are regaining Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson, who's had a miracle recovery from having 70% of his Achilles tendon slashed into by a skate on February 13th. His comeback means a boost for the Senators defense. Montreal has been a solid team all season, finishing with 63 P. I see this series stretching to 7 games with the Canadiens finishing it off 4-3. 

Washington Capitals (3) vs. NY Rangers (6)

The Capitals fought hard for the Southeast division title against the Jets, and got it. Their two goalies, Braden Holtby and Michal Neuvirth, have both been playing excellently. The Rangers managed to avoid an 8th seed despite trading away offensive star Marian Gaborik. This will be a goalie's series, with Henrik Lundqvist remaining solid despite the Rangers apparent issues on defense. I see the Capitals coming out on top of this series 4-2. 

Boston Bruins (4) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (5)

With the Bruins falling to 4th with a loss on the last day of regular season, they are matched up against the 5th seed Leafs. This is the Leaf's first time in the playoffs since the '04-'05 lockout. Before this shortened season, the Leafs fired longtime GM, Brian Burke and replaced him with Dave Nonis. Despite fans being shocked, the change must have had an impact enough to bring them back into the playoffs. The Bruins are regaining players like Adam McQuaid just in time for the playoffs. Fans are hoping that Nathan Horton will return as well (he is DTD). I see this series going to the Bruins, 4-2.

Western Conference 

Chicago Blackhawks (1) vs. Minnesota Wild (8)

The Blackhawks ran away with the President's Trophy this season. They are a force to be reckoned with, but have a history of choking in the playoffs. Their goalies, Corey Crawford and Ray Emery, won them the William M. Jennings Trophy, allowing the least amount of goals for any one team this season. The Wild barely made 8th seed, despite having stars Ryan Suter and Zach Parise and recently acquired Jason Pominville. I'm predicting the Hawks sweeping the Wild.

Anaheim Ducks (2) vs. Detroit Red Wings (7)

The Ducks have been a tough team to beat this year, holding onto the 2nd seed for pretty much the entire season. Despite this, the Wings are 2-1-0 against the Ducks in this shortened season, sweeping them at home. Red Wings goalie, Jimmy Howard, has a career record of 9-3-1 against the Ducks. The Red Wings ended the season with a 4-game winning streak, seeming to finally find the chemistry they desperately needed. I see the Wings squeezing out this series 4-3.

Vancouver Canucks (3) vs. San Jose Sharks (6)

Both teams have played well this season, ending with only a two-point difference. The Sharks have won all three meetings against the Canucks. The Canucks' goalie situation is, again, a problem, with Cory Schneider currently DTD with a "body" injury, according to coach Alain Vigneault. Roberto Luongo has been fighting with Schneider for the number one goalie spot on the roster, but has a history of choking in the playoffs. I predict the Sharks winning this series 4-2.

St. Louis Blues (4) vs. LA Kings (5)

This matchup features last season's Stanley Cup champions, the Kings. The Kings have won all three games against the Blues this season. This might be the case, but with the Blues acquisition of D-man Jay Bouwmeester, this playoff series might get interesting. Hard to call with this one, but I see the Kings coming out on top 4-3. 

And those are your first round matchups. If you're basing your bracket off of my predictions, don't blame me if you lose. I'm no expert, even if I sound like one.

Here's my playoff bracket from NHL.com, all the way to the Cup: