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[Sean]

I'm going to start out in the East:

1 ) Boston Bruins vs 8 ) Montreal Canadians
The Bruins had a season that NO one saw coming. This is a rematch of the playoffs last year (but Montreal was the #1 seed, they won the series in 7 games). The Habs had a disappointing year in my mind.

Things to watch for:
Carey Price: Will the Canadians goalie be able to handle to barrage of incoming fire that the Bruins bring (especially the 105.4mph slapshot of the 6'9 Zdeno Chara at the point?

Big Hits: I am expecting this series to be an all out dog fight. From start to end big hits and fights galore.

My Guess: The Bruins will be too much for the Habs. The Bruins in 5.

2 ) Washington Capitals vs 7 ) New York Rangers
Personally, I hate the Rangers and will be rooting for the Caps 100%. However, it might be harder then it looks.

Things to watch for:

Sean Avery: In my mind, he should have been kicked out of the league and kept out forever. However, Avery does his job as an irritator all too well. He will have to try and make Jose Theodore snap.

Special Teams: The Rangers have struggled all year. The Caps have a deadly power play and will have to put lots of shots on Lundqvist to make him give up juicy rebounds.

My Guess: Like I said, I hate the Rangers. Caps in 5.

3 )New Jersey Devils vs 6 ) Carolina Hurricanes
Ah, the Devils. My favorite team. I want them to win the teams 4th Stanley Cup. However, we have had troubles with the Hurricanes in the playoffs before.

Things to watch for:

Special Teams: In order for the Devils to win, they must stay out of the box. The Canes are too deadly on the powerplay. When the Devils have the powerplay, the must SHOOT THE PUCK!

Goalie Battle: Martin Brodeur is the winnest goalie in NHL history with over 552 wins. He also have helped the Devils win all 3 Stanley Cups in franchise history. However in the reg. season Cam Ward if 3-0 with a 1.67 GAA (Goals Against Average) against the Devils.

My Guess:
The Devils are my team. I think with Brodeur rested, they can pull it off. Devils win the series in 6 games.

4 ) Pittsburgh Penguins vs 5 ) Philadelphia Flyers

The battle of Pennsylvania ensues again! Last year it was in the Conference Championship with the Pens advancing to the Stanley Cup (eventually losing to Detroit in 6). This year, I think it will change.

Things to watch for:

Defense: I think that both teams defenses are underrated. The Pens have to defend against the Flyers simple style of play. The Flyers must watch the Forwards of the Pens at all costs if they want a shot in this series.

Physical Play: Like the Boston/Montreal series I except this series to be a hard hitting all out bloodbath. Whoever can put their fists and fight harder will win this series.

My Guess: This one is hard. Two evenly matched teams with unique styles of play fighting it out. The Flyers take the series in 7.

I will post the my guess on the West before the games tomorrow.