Round One: Eastern Conference Predictions and Match-Ups, Western Conference Tomorrow

I have decided to get a head start on playoff predictions so here they are:

(1) Washington Capitals vs (8) NY Rangers

The Rangers are a decisive 3-1 against the Capitals this year with two lopsided shutout wins by Henrik Lundqvist, a 7-0 win at the Garden and a 6-0 road victory in Washington. However, the Capitals are much more improved and probably are saving most of their energy for a deep playoff run. Both teams have significant injuries or questions in the health department. Washington has Dennis Wideman, Alex Ovechkin, and Mike Green. Rangers have Ryan Callahan and a not 100% Chris Drury. One thing is certain, the Rangers have a significant edge in goaltending with Lundqvist and will only go as far as Lundqvist will take them. Here is my breakdown of the edges:

Offense: Washington

Defense: NY Rangers

Goaltending: NY Rangers

Intangibles: NY Rangers

X-Factor: John Carlson for Capitals, Michael Sauer for Rangers.

Prediction: Capitals in 7

(2) Philadelphia Flyers vs (7) Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres are probably the hottest team going into the playoffs with their unbelievable streak to make sure the Devils and others do not catch up with them. The Flyers have struggled down the stretch and already have goaltending issues with Bobrovsky and Boucher. They did not have a problem last playoff and could take that experience into this year. Buffalo has Ryan Miller, who seems very dialed in despite not being 100% health wise. Goaltending will be the biggest key in this series.

Offense: Philadelphia

Defense: Philadelphia

Goaltending: Buffalo

Intangibles: Buffalo

X-Factor: Ville Leino for Flyers, Nathan Gerbe for Sabres.

Prediction: Sabres in 7

(3) Boston Bruins vs (6) Montreal Canadiens

Here we go again, for the 3rd time in the last 4 years the Montreal Canadiens will face-off against the Boston Bruins in Round One of the Playoffs and this series will be a bloody battle with probably more fights than actual goals scored. The rivalry had many twists and turns this season, the largest being the Zdeno Chara hit on Max Pacioretty of the Habs. The Canadiens are 4-2 vs Boston this season, but the Chara hit might have changed the complexion of the rivalry. But again both teams will go as far as the goaltending of Tim Thomas and Carey Price will take them.

Offense: Boston

Defense: Even

Goaltending: Even

Intangibles: Montreal

X-Factor: Lars Eller for Habs, Rich Peverley for Bruins.

Prediction: Canadiens in 7

(4) Pittsburgh Penguins vs (5) Tampa Bay Lightning

The Lightning are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2007, when they were bounced in 6 by the Devils. The Penguins will meanwhile be without both Crosby and Malkin likely for Round One or early round 1. However, the Penguins have still been successful despite being short-handed most of the year. Marc-Andre Fleury is the key in this series.

Offense: Tampa Bay

Defense: Pittsburgh

Goaltending: Pittsburgh

Intangibles Even

X-Factor Simon Gagne for Lightning, Tyler Kennedy for Pitsburgh

Prediction: Penguins in 6