Welcome to another edition of the Hockeybuzz hotstove.
We recently shared our predictions for the 2nd round of the Western Conference playoffs, so today we'll be looking at the Eastern Conference.
Todd Cordell New York vs Washington: Caps in 7
The Rangers are a very good team, but I wasn't particularly impressed with what I saw from them in the 1st round. Pittsburgh may have lost in 5, but they gave New York all they can handle while missing four regulars on defense, and one of the best players in hockey (Evgeni Malkin) was playing injured.
For the most part the Caps have a mobile defense that should be able to keep up with the Rangers' speed, and I think Braden Holtby will give Washington a chance to win every night.
The Caps have the two best forwards in this series with Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom, and ultimately I think they will be the difference.
Montreal vs Tampa Bay: Lightning in 6
If Ben Bishop gives the Lightning average goaltending, I think they win this series in six games or less. The Lightning have a much more prolific offensive attack, and their defense is more than adequate.
Tampa Bay just beat a very good Detroit team despite Steven Stamkos being a non-factor, and I don't think he'll stay quiet forever.
Carey Price may steal a couple games, but I like the Bolts to get it done this time around.
Michael Stuart New York vs Washington: Capitals in 7
The Rangers don’t really have a weakness, so it’s tough for me to make this pick. Still, I like what Barry Trotz and the Capitals are selling. This, to me, is as good as the Capitals have been in a long time. Braden Holtby has what it takes to stop New York’s offense, and the Washington offense should be potent enough to crack the Rangers defense. Regardless of what happens, I think this will be a really great series!
Montreal vs Tampa Bay: Lightning in 6
This is the matchup every Lightning player and every Lightning fan has been hoping for since last spring. The reason I’m picking the Bolts here is that I think Tampa’s regular season success against Montreal is simply too much to ignore. Montreal couldn’t contain the Lightning’s speed, and Carey Price wasn’t enough for them to steal wins. We’ll see if that trend continues in the second round.
Tim Chiasson New York vs Washington: New York in 6
If the Rangers can continue to stay out of the box they'll be fine against the Capitals. Washington is an extremely dangerous team when they have one more player than you on the ice; at 5v5 they're much more average. The Rangers seem to have all the tools again this year to make a run for the cup and Alex Ovechkin could be the Dan Marino of the NHL, so Rangers in 6.
Montreal vs Tampa Bay: Tampa in 6
At some point Steven Stamkos is going to explode, and that's not good for the Montreal Canadiens. The Lightning are just the team that could discard Montreal with such a powerful offense. If Montreal continues to struggle in the goal department they are going to be in tough against Tampa. Tampa in six.
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