Playoff Predictions - Eastern

Playoffs are here!!!! What a crazy six months it's been in the NHL, Boston and LA failed to make the playoffs and we gathered in Columbus to watch two teams of all-stars go to battle in the most offensive neon jerseys seen in recent years.

On a positive note, Washington delivered a superb Winter Classic, Jamie Benn finished top of the points table and the Vancouver Canucks BEAT teams from warm places, IN warm places to make the playoffs; but that's for another post. Let's look at the East!

1. Montreal Canadiens Vs 4. Ottawa Senators

The Habs have been dominant all season, finishing the regular season with a 50-22-10 record, thanks in no small part to a squad depth that any team would be enviable of. Having megastar netminder Carey Price guarding the net is the reason I think Montreal will take this series in four games. This takes nothing away from the good work the Sens have done this season, 99 points is very respectable, but the squad can't match the firepower of the Habs. Especially if Max Pacioretty returns.

Winner - Montreal Canadiens in four games.

2. Tampa Bay Lightning Vs Detroit Red Wings

While I dream of seeing the Red Wings lift a 12th Stanley Cup, I don't think it'll be in 2015. This is Detroit's 24th consecutive playoff and the boys in red have done very well this season. That said, offensively Tampa Bay have too much going forward. The most interesting match-up in the first round will be Detroit's Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk going up against Tampa Bay's Steven Stamkos. Thanks to the Lightning's injury woes, this won't be a clean sweep, but my money is on Tampa.

Winner - Tampa Bay Lightning in six games.

1. New York Rangers Vs 4. Pittsburgh Penguins

The New York Rangers have just won the NHL, the Penguins grabbed the last wildcard spot in the East. I think the wounded Penguins have a point to prove, which is why they'll win one game.

Winner - New York Rangers in five games.

2. Washington Capitals Vs 3. New York Islanders

Alexander Ovechkin has been unstoppable this season and the Caps have played up to the potential they've often hinted at, but rarely delivered. This season will be different and it's not all about the big #8, Nicklas Backstrom has been quietly getting on the job while Braden Holtby has done a great job of keeping the puck out of the net. Don't assume the Caps will have it all their own way, John Tavares is always one to watch for the Islanders.

Winner - Washington Capitals in five games

That's all for now. If you want to join Alex and myself in the Fifth Liners NHL Bracket Challenge, feel free to join our league. Good luck!