Sports Betting Blog

Predictions for the Eastern Conference, First Round

The NHL’s playoff season has finally arrived, with the First Round of playoffs beginning Wednesday, April 15. The matchups this season have been extraordinary, and some promise grueling matches—and rematches—between rivaling teams.

We at Instant Action Sports want to help hockey fans gain insight into the ins and outs of the games this season, so we’ve done our research and compiled the picks from top-notch hockey experts and bloggers, including those from ESPN, NBC, The New York Times, Bleacher Report, the Daily Gazette, and our own staff here at Instant Action.

#1 Boston vs. #8 Montreal

Boston and Montreal face off again in the First Round of the Eastern Conference. The teams were matched last year but their roles were reversed; the Canadiens in the first seed and ultimately won 7 games.

But Boston’s fortunes have changed. Now in the first seed, the Bruins have enjoyed a winning streak this season—with an 8-2 run, they almost claimed the President’s Cup. Tim Thomas’ .933 save percentage is no small boon, nor is Zdeno Chara, who, at 6’9,” is a monster of a defenseman. With an outstanding offensive and defensive team, the Bruins prospects are good.

Montreal, in contrast, was unable to live up to its success last year. A combination of high expectations and a coaching controversy—Guy Carbonneau was fired after coaching for three seasons—brought down its game. The team dropped 8 seeds and barely made it into the playoffs; with only 93 points, the Canadiens only made it because of a tiebreaker with Florida. On the other hand, the team has won 24 of 31 playoff series.

The overwhelming consensus, however, goes to Boston.

#2 Washington vs. #7 NY Rangers

The Capitals and the Rangers played their first game Wednesday night, with the Rangers ahead 4-3. The win must have come as a surprise to the experts, because the consensus went with Washington. The power of a strong goalie can never be underestimated, and in the person of Henrik Lundqvist, the Rangers have got one. Lundqvist made an astonishing 32 saves last night, with only a few sliding by him.

One win, however, doesn’t spell victory. Although the Rangers recouped in the second period, they had a rather shaky first. The Capitals boast strong talent, with Alex Ovechkin, who leads the league in goals for the second consecutive season and takes second for overall scoring, and Mike Green, a defenseman who enjoys some 31 goals already this season.

Rangers coach John Tortorella seemed to aim for penalty kills and power plays. “Our power play is going to have to score for us to stay in there,” he said. Washington came out successful on that round. After intermission, the Rangers were able to get in “some lucky shots,” Green explains.

How lucky will they be next time?

#3New Jersey vs. #6 Carolina

Opening Wednesday night, the game between the New Jersey Devils and the Carolina Canes continues a long playoff rivalry. It is the fourth time that New Jersey and Carolina have met in the post season in the past 8 years. The overall outcome is yet uncertain, but the Devils dominated the Canes in a 4-1 victory.

The easy win may come as a surprise. New Jersey had a slow season this year, winning only four of their eleven games—although it entered the playoffs on a winning streak. The Devils relied on goalie Mark Brodeur, who performed well in the playoff game though he was out much of the season due to elbow surgery. They also have a strong top line, and in the first period outshot the Canes 15-7—though their efforts didn’t meet with success until Carolina goalie Cam Ward began making mistakes.

The Hurricanes entered the playoffs as one of the Eastern Conference’s hottest teams. Ward has a .931 save percentage, and Eric Staal led Carolina in a 9-game winning streak. But the team just lacked energy in this first game. Matt Cullen, Carolina’s center, remains hopeful. “We know we have to have a better effort, and fortunately, there is better hockey in this room.”

If the Hurricanes regain their energy, this playoff series may be a close call between New Jersey and Carolina.

#4 Pittsburgh vs. #5 Philidelphia

The Pittsburgh Penguins enjoyed a one-sided victory over the Philidelphia Flyers in the opening game. The game ended 4-1, almost a reenactment of last year’s playoff game.

The Penguins have done well for themselves this season, clawing their way to the 4th seed in the playoffs. They have a strong top line, anchored by Jordan Staal, Evgeni Malkin, and of course, Sidney Crosby, as well as a top goalie in Marc-Andre Fleury. They’ve also won 18 games in 24 since February 15, when Dan Bylsma took over as coach.

The Flyers have six players that have made 25 plus goals—tops in the NHL—but have won only 3 of their last eight games. They suffered in their first playoff game from mistakes—the first of which was losing to the Rangers Sunday and so losing a chance to have Wednesday’s game at home. They made some carelesspenalties, and were unable to gain the momentum they needed to fight the Penguins’ pressure.

Though the Flyers enjoy some support from the critics, the majority point to the Penguins as the winners this season.

Check out the IAS NHL Betting Lines and NHL Futures