Let’s take a closer look at three of the eight first round series and my predictions.
New Jersey Devils (2) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (7)
It’s hard to ignore the fact that the regular season series between these two Atlantic Division rivals was dominated by the Flyers 5–1.
But the regular season is ancient history, as they say. Four of those five wins came before the Olympic break and the Devils are a different team now having fully integrated Ilya Kovalchuk into their system.
The most important factor differentiating these two rivals is experience between the posts.
You can’t argue with Martin Brodeur’s season and career. Brodeur led the league in wins with 45, shutouts with 9, and games played in with 77. There is no reason to believe he won’t be hard to beat in the playoffs.
By contrast, the Flyers used five goalies this year due to injuries to Ray Emery and Michael Leighton. The two goalies they used last year, Martin Biron and Antero Niittymaki are no longer with the team.
Current goalie Brian Boucher, who beat the Rangers in a shootout last Sunday to help the Flyers reach the postseason, has a 9–18–3 record this year.
The Devils have more offensive punch this year with the addition of Ilya Kovalchuk. The Russian sniper has scored 27 points in 27 games with the Devils.
The Flyers offensive punch isn’t as lethal as it was last year as Mike Richards, Jeff Carter, Scott Hartnell, and Simon Gagne all had worse seasons.
The Flyers barely made it into the playoffs while the Devils proved they belonged all season long.
Prediction: New Jersey in five games.
Pittsburgh Penguins (4) vs. Ottawa Senators (5)
These two teams are familiar playoff rivals.
The Penguins, defending Stanley Cup champions, became Sidney Crosby’s team this year as the Canadian hero scored 51 goals and ended up with 109 points.
Ottawa missed the playoffs last season, after being swept by the Pens two years ago. This year, they are less flashy offensively but they are a streaky team.
Behind Brian Elliott in nets, the Sens managed to win 11 in a row. They also lost eight of nine before winning another six in a row.
But Elliott is not their big money goalie. That would be injury-prone Pascal Leclaire who had a below .500 season this year. It’s hard to imagine Elliott or Leclaire taking the Sens very far.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has Marc-Andre Fleury in net whose regular season was similar to last year’s. One more year under his belt and an Olympic rest break mean the young goalie is ready to steal the show again.
Former Penguin, Alex Kovalev will miss the playoffs for the Senators due to a knee injury and while his play is inconsistent, he is a credible threat on the power play that the Senators need.
The Penguins under Dan Bylsma, didn’t finish the season as convincingly this year as they did last year, but they have more experience now. Their superior goaltending will pull them through a tough series against the hardworking Senators.
Prediction: Pittsburgh in seven games.
Phoenix Coyotes (4) vs. Detroit Red Wings (5)
The Phoenix Coyotes were the surprise team of the NHL this season, finishing with 107 points. But perennial contender Detroit ended the season on a red-hot streak of 8–1–1 in their last 10 games.
A hot, experienced team the Red Wings are. With the goaltending of Jimmy Howard (.924 save percentage, 2.26 goals-against average), the Red Wings are also a complete team with the same recipe for success as two years ago.
Phoenix has solid goaltending, a very well balanced albeit unspectacular attack, and an experienced coach in Dave Tippett. However, the team lacks playoff experience, which the Red Wings have in spades.
The Red Wings have the crafty veteran partnership of Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk, the ongoing defensive presence of Nick Lidstrom, and another goalie that can do what Chris Osgood and Dominik Hasek have done in seasons past.
Phoenix has had a remarkable season but now playoff hockey is upon them. It is a new challenge to them as they haven’t been in the playoffs in eight years.
Prediction: Detroit in six games.
