The first round of the NHL playoffs begins tonight.  Another one of our resident hockey afficionados has graciously provided a first round Eastern Conference playoff preview for us.  Esteemed commenter HawkEye19 leads us into and through the first round.

1.Boston Bruins vs. 8. Les Habs
A rematch of last year’s first round, only this time the roles are reversed. The Bruins come tearing into the playoffs with the second most points in the NHL, with the top goalie in the NHL this year (Tim Thomas - 2.10 GAA, .930 Save %), and a rejuvenated Mark Recchi (10G 6A in 18 games since traded from the Tampa Bay Lightning). The Habs, on the other hand, eeked out an 8th seed over the Florida Panthers and defenseman Andrei Markov is questionable for the series. The 100th season for the Habs should have been a celebration. However, they experienced the firing of Guy Carbonneau, players drinking like frat boys, and 3 players linked to a drug dealer. The topsy-turvy season will end without the Cup in Montreal for the 16th straight year.

Bruins in 5

2.Washington Capitals vs. 7. NY Rangers
High powered offense vs. a stingy defense (sounds like every Minnesota Wild game this year). The Capitals have the most exciting player in hockey in Alexander Ovechkin and a perennial question mark in goal, Jose Theodore. The Rangers, on the other hand, have problems scoring goals, but have a great goaltending from Henrik Lundquvist and a lock down defense. Hope Sean Avery enjoyed his sloppy seconds stay in NY. Unless Theodore reverts back to his old self, the Caps should have little problem with the Blueshirts.

Capitals in 5

3.New Jersey Devils vs. 6. Carolina Hurricanes
I’m going to be honest with y’all on this one – there are days I forget the Carolina Hurricanes exist. I have almost no idea about this team. The Devils, I know a little better. Young gun Zach Parise and all-world goalie Marin Brodeur led the Devils to the Atlantic Division championship. Brodeur alone should get them through to the second round.

Devils in 6

4. Pittsburgh Penguins vs. 5. Philadelphia Flyers
This one should be the best matchup on the first round. Two teams from the same division who don’t like each other much. The Pens boast two of the best players in the NHL in Malkin and Crosby, along with a pretty good goalie in Marc-Andre Fleury. The Flyers have Simon Gagne, Mike Richards and a bunch of big guys on the blue line. They have also stumbled at the end of the season, losing two out of three games and home ice advantage for this round of the playoffs. It’s going to be hard fought series, but Crosby and Malkin are going to carry the Pens to the second round.

Pens in 7

Popularity: 3% [?]