NHL Playoffs Rock On! First the East

Welcome everyone to my first post here on the hockey blogs! I know I am a Floridian, but hockey certainly runs through my veins. Today, I will first be talking about the Eastern Conference. And...how about them Bruins! They look like the team they were when the season started. I was a bit concerned about them in the middle of the season, I mean after all they lost to the Panthers and the Lightning in one road trip. I did not think they were contenders when the playoffs started, but I am starting to rethink that now. Their power play gives me nightmares. Bruins in sweep, I say.

The biggest surprise series so far has to be Caps-Rangers. Just like the Bruins, I was not much of a believer in the Rangers, but after taking the first 2 in Washington, they may just have a chance. I must say that the Washington fans are tough, I watched them lose to my Panthers in March and the team started booing after just giving up 2 goals...rough crowd! Things do not look good if Ovie gets going though. Maybe it was because he was caught watching the Rangers practice the other day (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs/2009/news?id=4083635). Lol, that Ovie. Whatever his off the ice antics, I firmly believe he is the best player we have in the game right now. I had the privilege of watching him twice this year and I was astounded at how good he is. Caps in 7.

And NJ is quietly doing their thing without much fanfare. While I am not too much of a Devils fan, it is tough to go against Brodeur and company. They may not be pretty, but they do have a solid playoff system going there. I was thinking upset by the Canes at first as they finished the regular season so strong, but I can't go against Brodeur quite yet. Devils in 6.

Last, but not least the Pennsylvania battle! Talk about a team that was playing well coming down the end of the regular season...the Penguins! I do not know how many people realize that the Penguins were out of the playoffs for a large part of the regular season, they really turned on the jets. Then again, who could bet against Crosby and Malkin?! I think the Flyers are solid, but as long as Fleury can stand tall in net, the Penguins should move on, that is unless Gagne can continue to have games like game 3. Sorry broad street ;-).  Penguins in 6.

Tomorrow I will talk Western Conference. I want to hear from you Devils fans, or any fan of hockey for that matter. Nothing I love more than a good hockey talk!

Stanley96