(Flyers lead regular season series 4-2)
Had to start with what is going to be the most physical, high scoring and entertaining series of all the matchups regardless of conference. This is series is going to be a bloodbath. The Flyers know what it takes to win in the Consol Energy Center, in fact they are 5-1 in Pittsburgh since the new building opened. Pittsburgh has gotten absurd of amounts of scoring depth this season which they will need if they want to keep their season going as Marc-Andre Fleury has been nothing special this season.
Prediction: The way to beat Pittsburgh is to beat them at their own game, scoring, scoring, and more scoring. The Flyers boast similar depth and they do have a couple guys coming back from injury, but with all the questions surrounding Ilya Bryzgalov and his already shaky playoff history, I can't advance the Flyers with any sort of confidence. The series does go the distance. Penguins in 7.
3. Florida Panthers vs. 6. New Jersey Devils
(Panthers lead season series 2-1-1)
From one end of the spectrum to the other, the likely snooze fest series of them all. To be brief, the Devils have won 6 straight at the end of the season, while Florida has lost 8 out of their last 10. Momentum heading into the playoffs can be a big advantage.
Prediction: Jose Theodore's GAA last 4 playoff appearances: 3.04, 3.15, 3.72, 3.70. Are those numbers suddenly going to improve? Didn't think so. Devils in 5.
2. Boston Bruins vs. 7 Washington Capitals
(Capitals lead season series 3-1)
I'm pretty sure the Bruins aren't too happy that the Rangers lost their last game of the season to Washington to set up this matchup, instead of drawing Ottawa, which would've been a short series. More questions than answers when trying to figure out if Washington can even play to their potential. Haven't even mentioned the Caps issues in goal right now.
Prediction: The 4 game regular season series were all close games besides the lone Bruins win on 2/5. The Caps do present a nice test for the defending champions in the first round, but the Bruins are likely too much for a young rookie goaltender in Braden Holtby to handle in his first playoff appearance. Bruins in 6.
RANGERS VS. SENATORS DETAILED SERIES PREVIEW THURSDAY.
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