Ice Scoopz: Eastern Conference Playoff Preview

EASTERN CONFERENCE PREVIEW
(1) Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers(8)
-Offense- The Washington Capitals take the offense catagory with ease as they boast more than enough firepower with Alexander Ovechkin, Mike Green and Alexander Semin especially with Ryan Callahan out for the Blue Shirts.

-Defense- The Capitals and the Rangers remain tied if Mike Green doesn't regain his form but if he does he'll help the Caps squeeze out the Rangers defensively. The Capitals have surprisingly been a better defensive team this season especially with the surprise addition of Scott Hannan who has seamed to stabilize the backend. The Rangers have a good defense but still lack that offensive force like Mike Green.

-Goaltending- The goaltending advantage goes to the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist is one of the best goalies in the league and he has the ability to steal games. the Capitals boast a tandem where neither goalie can get the edge on the starter job and Semyon Varlamov is reportedly extremely unhappy with his position in the franchise.

-Prediction- Washington in 6

(2)Philedelphia Flyers vs Buffalo Sabres (7)
-Offense- The Flyers should be able to out score the Sabres with 3 potent offensive lines if they can get on a role again. Claude Giroux had a break end to his season last year in the post season and there should be no reason why he can't repeat again. The Sabres arn't the same offensive force they've been in the past and will likely continue to struggle unless they can get everyone on board.

-Defense- The Flyers have one of the best defense corps on paper and with seasoned playoff veteran Chris pronger back the Flyers become even more stable and add that extra element they've been missing. It's been no secret the Sabre's have struggled on their backend all year long and they'll find it a tough challenge to compete agains't Phillys firepower.

-Goaltending- Even though Ryan Miller isn't the same goalie this season he still has the ability to beat out both of the Flyers potential starters. Miller can easily be the factor of this series if he gets healthy and gets his head back in the game. He remains the Sabres only hope of stealing this series in my opinion. Brian Boucher and Sergei Bobrovsky will both need to show a little more magic this post season but even a not right Miller still beats both out.

-The Prediction - The Flyers in 5

(3) Boston Bruins vs Montreal Canadiens (6)

-Offense- The Bruins will be able to decimate the Canadiens woeful offense as the Canadiens have seamed to have lost all chemistry since the Max Pacioretty injury. They have not been the same team since and will likely stick to their challenged ways and look to play a defense first approach and try and capitalize on their few chances while the Bruins will look to break apart the Habs blueline with physical play.

-Defense- On paper the Canadiens look like they should be a better defense but as of late and the addition of Tomas Kaberle should secure this statistic for the B's. The Canadiens need their shut down defensemen to actually start shutting down their opponents, Brent Sopel, Hal Gill and Roman Hamerlik will all have to be at the top of their game while P.K Subban will need to once again fire up his squad with his timely goals and catalyst style of play.

-Goaltending- This is the only catagory the Canadiens should be able to take which many will argue but I believe that Carey Price will be the MVP of this series if the Canadiens squeek by. Price has been through this pressure before and has learned from his mistakes, he also witnessed first hand from the bench last season what kind of magic is needed in nets for the Canadiens to win. Tim Thomas has been great all season long but has a habit of poor showings in the playoffs.

-The Prediction- This one was a really hard one but Boston in 6

(4) Pittsburgh Penguins vs Tampa Bay Lightning (5)
-Offense- The Tampa Bay Lightning have a significant advantage over the Pens this year as Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin remain out of the lineup for what is believed to be the season. Tampa Bay has lots of firepower and Vincent Lecavalier has had a quiet but strong season although it doesn't show it in the points statistics. If Stamkos continues to be able to put the puck in the net at an incredible pace the Bolts should blow past 3 of the 4 Penguin lines.

-Defense- The Penguins defense has finally started to show they have chemistry after almost a full season while the Tampa Bay defense can be great one night then horrible the next. Zybnyk Michalek will need to continue to shine offensively as the Penguins move forward. The Bolts will need a better effort from Mattias Ohlund and company if their going to shut down the few guns the Pens have.

-Goaltending- The Penguins also win with Marc-Andre Fleury behind them but they could face a motivated Dwayne Roloson as the veteran goalie is capable of brilliant playoff performances and also knowing this may be his last kick at the can so for that reason I think goaltending is tied. Fleury is the more talented goaltender easily but Roloson has an incredible drive and this year appears to be incredibly motivated also.

-The Prediction - Tampa Bay in 6

Stay Tuned some news and signings this afternoon followed by the Western Conference preview.