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2013 NHL Eastern Conference Playoff Predictions: Round One |
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Follow Todd on Twitter @ToddCordell.
Below are my picks for each of the four Eastern Conference series' and some reasoning as to why I picked each team.
If you missed it yesterday, here are my
Western Conference predictions.
1. Pittsburgh Penguins vs. 8. New York Islanders
Prediction: Penguins in 7
As much as I want to pick the Islanders, I just can't do it. I think they'll give the Penguins a run for their money and with John Tavares leading the charge up front, anything is possible. I don't have too much faith in Marc-Andre Fleury, either, as he has struggled in the playoffs over the last few years. That said, I think the Penguins have too much firepower for the Islanders to handle and will ultimately come out on top in a much tougher series than most people expect.
2. Montreal Canadiens vs. 7. Ottawa Senators
Prediction: Senators in 7
I had a heck of a time deciding who would win this series, but in the end I'm going with Ottawa. They've struggled to score almost all season but with Milan Michalek and Erik Karlsson back and healthy again the Senators' attack becomes much more potent. The Senators also finished the season on a good note while the Canadiens limped their way into the post season during their last 10 games with a 4-6-0 record. I think they'll be ready to go Game 1 but in the end Erik Karlsson will be too much to handle in a seven game series.
3. Washington Capitals vs. 6. New York Rangers
Prediction: Capitals in 7
This is probably the toughest series to predict for me of them all, but I'm predicting the Capitals will defend home ice and win in 7. Alex Ovechkin has been playing like the Ovechkin of old this season and I think that'll be the difference. The Rangers have a pretty loaded roster and have been playing the way they're supposed to play of late so they'll keep it close, but in the end I like Washington. That said, I wouldn't be surprised if the Rangers pulled off the series win and did some damage the rest of the way.
4. Boston Bruins vs. 5. Toronto Maple Leafs
Prediction: Bruins in 6
This series is pretty easy for me. I like the Bruins in 6. Maybe even 5. The Bruins have had the Leafs' number for years and they're a better puck possession team. Toronto is probably the worst possession team in the playoffs and were 29th in the NHL in shot differential which doesn't bode well when playing a team like Boston - especially when Boston has the better goaltender. The Leafs were a feel good story this season but Leafs fans should be sure to follow this series closely because their first playoff appearance in nine years might be a quick one.
Do you agree or disagree with my predictions? Feel free to post yours in the comment section.
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