Canadian Hockey Fan's 2nd Round Predictions: Eastern Conference

The 1st round produced quite a few good matchups this year. The Dallas/Vancouver series was a great series, with great goaltending. You also had the Lightning put up more of a challenge to the Devils than most thought they would. But, really, the 1st round is typically, to me, the most boring round of the playoffs, simply due to the fact that either...

1. You are still mad your team is out of the playoffs (That would be me) or...

2. You have a lot of mismatches (New York Rangers vs. the Kansas City/Atlanta Thrashers anyone *For my non hockey fan readers, I am making a joke about how bad the Atlanta market is a terrible market for hockey*)

But now, we get down to the nitty gritty. Typically, if a team makes it to the 2nd round, they should be in the 2nd round, and they will always put up a good fight. As a result, you see a lot more intensity, which leads to a lot more animosity, which leads to an instant classic. So, without further adieu, my predictions, starting with the Eastern Conference, and for each team, one player who could be an X factor.

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Buffalo Sabres Vs. New York Rangers

If there is any series I think could produce an upset, this could be it. The Rangers have been oa roll right from the end of the season, and really do not have any distinct weaknesses. All of their big guns are firing on all cylinders, and Henrik Lundqvist has been dominant in goal. The Buffalo Sabres have been the best team in the league all season, and they have a very deep offence, led by Daniel Briere and Chris Drury. Combine that with Ryan Miller in goal, and an ok defence, and you have a solid well rounded team

New York's X Factor: Sean Avery

If there is one player who gets under everone's skin, it is Sean Avery. If he can get into the heads of the Buffalo forwards, then the Rangers could very well win this series

Buffalo's X Factor: Thomas Vanek

Vanek lead the Sabres with 43 goals this year, but even so, his playoff performances as of this date have not been inspiring. For Buffalo to win, he has to light the lamp, plain and simple.


Verdict: I really feel this series could go either way, but I feel Buffalo is too deep, and will win in 6 games

New Jersey Devils vs. Ottawa Senators

In a rematch of the 2003 Conference finals, we have 2 teams that nobody really talks about, yet people should. Despite losing a huge chunk of their defensive core of their Stanley Cup winning teams, the Devils still have a solid base. The EGG line of Patrik Elias, Scott Gomez, and Brian Gionta has been great for the Devils, and Zach Parise has 6 goals. Oh, how could I not mention the goaltending legend, Martin Brodeur, who always plays well come playoff time. Add the 3rd and 4th lines that you might as well call extra defencemen, and you have a bland, but dangerous team. The Senators have a very talented team up front, with 4 lines that I feel are capable of getting goals. Also, they have a solid defence led by Wade Redden, that is one of the better defences in the entire league. "Sugar" Ray Emery has played well for the Senators in goal this season, and has done a great job as the team tough guy too

New Jersey's X Factor Lou Lamoriello

I know your thinking "How can a GM/bench boss be an X factor". Well, the way I see it, the presence of Lamoriello behind the bench will play a factor at some point this playoffs, simply because having your coach also being your boss, well, that can sometimes take a toll on players, especially those in contract years, whether they are plugs, or stars

Ottawa's X Factor: Ray Emery

In order for Ottawa to win, Ray Emery will have to play on the same level Martin Brodeur will play, or even better possibly.

Verdict: It really could go either way, but I will pick Ottawa in 7, because if Ottawa's big guns (Heatley, Spezza, Alfredsson) play better than New Jersey's, then New Jersey is finished.

Since my computer decided to be all haywire while I was typing up the Western Conference Predictions, you will see those predictions tommorow. But, to recap, I see a conference final with Buffalo and Ottawa occuring in the East.