Eastern Conference Playoff Predictions (Round 1)

This season has had both ups and downs. From injuries to team slumps, this season has been an eventful one, though it’s nothing like the Stanley Cup playoffs. I am going to analyse and predict which teams will win each series, and explain my reasons.

VS
The Washington Capitals, the 1st place team, are facing the Montreal Canadiens, the 8th place team, who snuck in this year’s playoff by achieving one point in their last season game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. This season the Capitals and Canadiens have split the season series with one regulation win and one shootout win. Both of these teams have had their problems during the season; Ovechkin’s slump and Markov’s injury both weakened their respective teams. Both teams have recovered however. Washington did finish first place and is very confident going into these playoffs. This sets my prediction for Washington to win the series 4-1.

VS
The next teams are the New Jersey Devils and the Philadelphia Flyers. This series has been owned by the Flyers who won 5 out of the 6 games. Even though New Jersey has much more playoff experience, the Flyers have the skill to win the series 4-2.

VS
The season series between the Buffalo Sabres and the Boston Bruins continues to be fiercely fought. It has been very close, with Boston gaining 8 points and Buffalo gaining 6 points. Boston has had its problems with injuries. Marc Savard’s three injuries did not help the Bruins this season and the fact that he is still injured because of a concussion will hurt the Bruins during these playoffs. Therefore, the Sabres will likely win the series in seven games 4-3.

VS
Now, the Ottawa Senators have the privilege to face the defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Pittsburg Penguins, in the first round, but this is not a privilege the Senators will appreciate. With the season series split even and every game ending in regulation time, these teams are even in the season. The Penguins are a dominating team, both in the playoffs and the regular season. Ottawa has not had much luck in the playoffs since their Stanley Cup appearance and because of this, I believe the Pens will win this series 4-2. I think the senators will come on strong and catch the Penguins by surprise, but the Pens will battle back.

These are my Eastern Conference predictions for the 2010 playoffs. I am very interested in your comments on my predictions and what your predictions are. If you have any statistics that could alter opinions for the next round, please post them in the comments!