snowywolfowl | Hockey and Politics, Canada's two favourite bloodsports, at the same time!

Oh be still my beating heart.

Anyway, noone cares about Canadian politics, not even Canadians. The French language debate has actually been moved so that it doesn't conflict with the Bruins-Canadiens game. Policy be damned, let's drop the puck!

So, in honour of the playoffs here are my thoughts for the first round of the Eastern Conference:

There's not much separating the top from the bottom in the East, so if any upsets happen I won't be surprised. That said here's what I think will happen:

1. Washington Capitals vs 8. New York Rangers: The Rangers squeaked in while the Capitals seemed to underachieve a bit this season. The big question will be just how banged up Alex Ovechkin is. The Caps gave him a week off to rest up and heal earlier, and if he's not firing on all cylinders its possible the Rangers could take advantage. If he is healthy and gets some support from his teammates the Caps should go through. My prediction? Caps in six.

2. Philadelphi Flyers vs 7. Buffalo Sabres: Last year Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller was possibly the best goaltender on the planet. Right now he's having an above average year while nursing an injury. The Sabres aren't as deep as the Flyers, so unless Miller steals the series Flyers sweep in four games.

3. Boston Bruins vs 6. Montreal Canadiens: Now this is the series Canada will be watching. Not only is Montreal the only Canadian team in the East that made the playoffs they are playing the Bruins. This rivalry is arguably the most intense playoff rivalry in hockey history and possibly one of the most intense in the world of sports. This one is going to be a straight goalie duel, with both Montreal's Carey Price and Boston's Tim Thomas being worthy candidates for goalie of the year. That said Montreal historically has Boston's number so I'm going with Montreal in seven games.

4. Pittsburgh Penguins vs. 5. Tampa Bay Lightning: The first of two big stories in Pittsburgh has been the loss of stars Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby to serious injury; and the fact that the Penguins have remained a very capable team. The question though is whether or not it will be enough to withstand a pretty good Lightning team that boasts some serious offensive talent in Steven Stamkos, Vincent Lacavalier and Martin St. Louis. Ultimately though I'm going to give this one to the Penguins on the grounds that they've won it all before, can play a solid, team oriented game that will limit chances, and can bury the chances the Lightning give them. Of course, so can the Lightning so this matchup is really hard to call. I wouldn't be surprised if this is reversed but I'm going Penguins in six games.

So there we have it, my selections for the East. Tomorrow I'll give my Western Conference opening round picks.