2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 1: Eastern Conference

(1) New York Rangers vs. (8) Ottawa Senators

In the closing weeks of the regular season, this matchup wasn't even on my radar. I'm not positive why, as I always thought it possible for the Sabres to catch the Senators, who would have been bumped than to 8th. Of course, that was a long shot. Even then, were it not the Sabres playing the NYR in round 1 it had to be the Capitals, right? Wrong. The Senators managed to lose their final 3 games, and secured only 8 points over their past 10. The Capitals meanwhile earned 14 points over that same stretch, moving up into seventh. The Rangers, while picking up 12 points in their final 10, are also entering the postseason on consecutive loses.

The Senators won the season series, 3-1, so they'll have plenty of confidence that they can beat the Rangers. They have several seasoned veterans who are accustomed to post season hockey. Alfie himself has played in 107 playoff games, amassing 88 points. Additionally, they have a wealth of young talent, including potential Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson. The Rangers have the firepower to match however, and play a sound defensive system backstopped by Vezina favorite King Henrik. Craig Anderson is good, and prone to flashes of brilliance, but doesn't provide the consistency that Lundqvist does. It won't be a walk in the park for the Rangers, but they're sure to advance.

Outcome: Rangers in 6

(2) Boston Bruins vs. (7) Washington Capitals

Much like a Rangers/Senators matchup wasn't on my radar, neither was a Bruins/Capitals matchup. I'm thankful though, as i'd have little interest in watching a Bruins/Senators matchup. The Bruins started the season quite sluggishly before remembering that they were the defending Stanley Cup Champions. Since January however they had been remarkably mediocre, though have accelerated towards the playoffs, going 7-2-1 in their last 10. The Capitals, quite conversely, started the season hot, before crashing and burning. They fought their way back into contention though and have been hot of late, highlighted by the improved play of the once Great Eight.

Boston is well equipped for winning a Stanley Cup, as evidenced last season. They're big, they're bad, and most of the time, they're straight up goonish. That is what it takes to win in the post season. However, despite their recent resurgence, I have trouble believing they'll be able to sustain such a high level of play through another 4 series. Repeat they shall not. In fact, i'm not entirely positive they'll making past round 1. They do have an edge in regards to physical and mental toughness. Having seen how the Capitals responded to a so-called game 7 against Buffalo, I wonder how they'd respond to the real thing. Their goaltending situation also lacks clarity. All can play well, but none of them match up to Tim Thomas. Though a Caps upset wouldn't be the most shocking, on the paper the Bruins win it.

Outcome: Bruins in 7

(3) Florida Panthers vs. (6) New Jersey Devils

First off, i'd like to congratulate the Florida Panthers on their first post season birth since 2000, and first ever Division Title. That said, they're not a very good team. They are the beneficiary of a week Southeast Division. Plus, counting their OTL's for what they are, losses, they have a record of 38-44. Still, no one pegged them to make the playoffs. I suppose it's unfortunate that their first trip back to the post season in 12 years is against the team they faced last go around, the New Jersey Devils. Worth noting, the Devils swept 'em. Despite having home ice, the NJD have by far the better record.

I like Florida. I have no reason to hate 'em. To go to the trouble of pulling for them though would be a waste of time. They do have talent and a slew of playoff veterans. You'd think however that such seasoned players wouldn't have finished off the year on a 2-3-5 swing. The Devils are coming to into the post season hot. And no, the pun wasn't originally intended, but now that i've thought about it, it is. I don't know too many who envisioned them having as good a season as they've had, but they've managed to pull everything together. Brodeur has had his share of early playoff exists of late, but i'd rather him in net than either Theo or Clemmensen. Also, you got to think Kovalchuk wants to win a playoff series at some point, and why not start now.

Outcome: Devils in 5

(4) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (5) Philadelphia Flyers

This, in my estimation, is the marquee matchup in round one. Both teams yield tremendous star power in Crosby, Malkin, Neal, Briere, Giroux, and Jagr. Both teams also have two top-tier goaltenders in Marc-Andre Fleury and Mr. Universe. Fleury has been the more consistent of the two over the course of his career and has a wealth of playoff experience to draw upon. Bryzgalov's tenure in Phoenix ended after being swept in round last season. The Flyers, always in need of a new look in net, threw the checkbook at him this offseason. It's been rocky, but he started pulling in together in March, and was named the first star of the month.

Given the talent both teams have, we could very well be treated to some of the best hockey all year. The real icing on the cake though is the deep seeded hatred these two teams have for one another. Both teams hit hard, both teams play dirty, both teams are just as willing to chase down an opposing player as they are the puck, and they both bring out the worst in each other. Matt Cooke's cleaned up his game, but when he throws an elbow at Giroux, don't color me surprised. In response, i'm quite positive Scott Hartnell would be more than willing to pull a Bertuzzi on Sidney Crosby.

Sidney, Sidney, Sidney. As a genreal rule I don't like him. Part of that stems from his insistence on constantly besting Ryan Miller. The majority of it though stems from his all around whiney attitude. Admittedly, he's nowhere near as bad as when he first entered the league. Maybe it's because he's guilty of pulling all the antics he constantly bitched about. He, along with the rest of the Penguins lineup, throw slashes far too fast to count. Of course the Flyers will be more than happy to reciprocate this behavior. In truth, i'm looking forward to it. They represent two of the more goon laden teams in hockey, so it's only fitting they face off against one another.

Now, for as many big hits as I hope to see, and all the fights that follow, I'm not one to wish injury upon Crosby or any other star player. As much as I hate certain aspects of his game, he is a great player, and a healthy Crosby is good for the league. In a series that is bound to be intensely physical however, injuries are going to happen. For those who make it through all seven games, they're likely to be gassed. As great as these teams are, and as great as I expect this series to be, I can't help but think it'll contribute to the winning teams demise in round two. It's unfortunate for them, but great for the rest of us. Either team could win it, but i'll toss my chips behind the Broadstreet Bullies

Outcome: Flyers in 7