Here we go. My Eastern predictions are below and followed by my prediction for the Stanley Cup Final. I think my Eastern predictions show the general thought about the conference. It's a very top heavy conference unlike the West which is fairly deep.
1.Washington vs 8. Montreal
In my Western Conference preview I went into a decent amount of detail for each series. I'm not sure this series needs all of that. The Capitals possess three of the top five forwards in the league this season by GVT (Ovechkin 1, Backstrom 4, Semin 5). They have the second best blueliner in Mike Green. They scored the most goals in the league and led the league in powerplay percentage while turning in an average defensive performance.
The Canadiens are what they are. They're a solid, but unspectacular group of players. Tomas Plekanec led the offensive charge with 25 goals and 45 assists. Brian Gionta, Mike Cammalleri, and Scott Gomez all had solid seasons up front, but for the money they made the Canadiens needed more production. They were still second in the league in power play percentage, and their best chance of winning this series is to get on the power play as much as possible while limiting the power play chances for the Capitals.
As much as I want to root for Jaroslav Halak and his gargantuan GVT I can't pick the Canadiens. The Capitals are too much for them to handle. I think Halak steals one game and the Capitals win 4-1.
2.New Jersey vs 7. Philadelphia
This series could have been a great one to watch. The two old foes match up well together. The Devils are deeper up front, but the Flyers score more goals. The Flyers have a better powerplay, but the Devils are the best defensive team in hockey. If Michael Leighton is healthy I might even pick the Flyers.
Leighton most certainly isn't healthy though. In 24.2 games Leighton put up a 9.2 GVT. In 29 games Brian Boucher has a -2.1 GVT. I MIGHT have taken Leighton over Brodeur this year, but probably not. There is no chance I take Boucher over any other goalie in the playoffs. I'll take New Jersey in 5.
3.Buffalo vs 6. Boston
This is another matchup that could have been great. The surprising Tuuka Rask matched Ryan Miller this season, but with fewer games.These two have almost identical goaltending, special teams, and goals against. The main difference is that the Sabres score more goals.
If the Bruins had Marc Savard and Denis Seidenberg I would be more likely to pick the Bruins, but I can't. Give me Buffalo 4-1.
4. Pittsburgh vs 5. Ottawa
This is another series that might not need a ton of description. The Senators don't score at the same level of the Pens, they have mediocre goaltending, and average defense. I don't think they'll be able to hang with the Penguins at all. I'll take the Pens in 5.
Coming out of the East this year will be the Buffalo Sabres on the back of Ryan Miller.
So your Stanley Cup Final matchup will be the Chicago Blackhawks and the Buffalo Sabres. I'm going to get a jump on TSN, CBC, Versus, ESPN, and NHL.com. I will dub this The Battle of Hasek.
Who will win the right to dance around the ice with Lord Stanley's Championship Chalice? A hot goalie can take a club extremely far. Antti Niemi is on fire right now. Ryan Miller hasn't given up more than 3 goals since before the Olympic Break. He did that 7 times prior. He was amazing in the Olympics as Team USA took Canada to overtime in the gold medal match. Is Ryan Miller enough to overcome the talent of the Blackhawks?
I think this will be a close series. Ryan Miller is good enough to mop up quite a few mistakes. I think this series will go 7 games, and in game 7 it would be hard not to bet on the better goaltender. Give me the Buffalo Sabres to win the series in 7, and Ryan Miller to win the Conn Smythe after he captures America's attention, again, as "that guy that almost won the gold".
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