The NHL Playoffs are in full swing! I really didn’t give you any picks for this round, but let’s take a look at how the series are going in the East!

The New York Rangers vs The Ottawa Senators

Where are they?

This exciting series has been a lot closer than the 1-8 matchup it was billed as. In the first game it looked like this series would be a blow out.  Four straight goals by the Rangers put them at a great advantage, but Ottawa added two late ones to make the 4-2 loss feel a bit better. Ottawa would have their revenge in the second game edging the Rangers 3-2 in overtime. Never the less, the Rangers would notch a late goal in the third game to take the 2-1 series lead.

Where do they go from here?

I have to go with the Rangers in this series winning 4-2. I think Henrik Lundqvist will continue to be stellar in the net. He’s only allowing 1.66 goals per game and he seems to be getting better as the series goes on. The Rangers also have the hot hand in the series; in three three games played so far, Brian Boyle has averaged a goal a game. I still don’t think the Sens have had their last win of the year though. I see them rising up in game five to send the series back to Ottawa were they will ultimately lose it.

The Boston Bruins vs The Washington Capitals

Where are they?

This series might be the most enthralling of all the series so far. They have played three games, gone to overtime twice, and each game has been won by a single goal. The first game was won by Boston on a single goal by Chris Kelly. In game two the Caps repaid the favor by shocking the reigning champions at home in a similar fashion. As the series traveled to Washington, so did the goals. Boston would rebound after being down a goal early to win 4-3 and take the 2-1 series lead.

Where do they go from here?

The Boston Bruins will win this series in 7. Washington has been playing playoff hockey for weeks due to the fact that they were on the bubble. Though they don’t have the talent, they have the momentum. As for Boston, I feel that Tim Thomas’ .943 save percentage will be the difference. His experience of winning in clutch situations will take the Bruins to the next level.

The Florida Panthers vs The New Jersey Devils

Where are they?

This series, like many of the others, is a close one. A lot of people thought that the Panthers would be an easy match for the Devils; they were wrong. The Devils would get the first laugh by putting up three quick goals in the first period and went on to win 3-2. With a severe sense of urgency, Florida took the ice in game two and dominated for most of the game. The 4-2 win for the Panthers would give them the momentum heading to New Jersey. In the very recent game three, the Devils once again grabbed the early lead, but they would quickly be outmatched. After the 4-3 win, the Panthers now lead the series 2-1.

Where do they go from here?

I had some difficulty with this one. Both teams had goalie troubles in the last game, but I have to give the edge to Martin Brodeur. He showed more promise in this last game. The Panthers may have issues in the goalie game though. Jose Theodore was rocked early and often in New Jersey. He let in a Zach Parise wrist shot 33 seconds into the game and only saved half of the shots he saw. Brodeur will respond in the upcoming games and I see his Devils winning the series in 7.

The Pittsburgh Penguins vs The Philadelphia Flyers

Where are they?

If you thought this is where this series was going to be after three games, you’re a liar. Playoff hockey doesn't score like this. 8-4? 8-5? That’s crazy. Game one wasn’t as high scoring (in comparison), but it did establish the mood of this series. The Penguins looked like they had the game locked up with a 3-0 lead, by Philly flew back to win 4-3 in OT. Game two started off the same. The Pens had a huge lead, but the Flyers offense was just too potent. Philly would go on to win 8-5. The Penguins needed another good start in Philadelphia, but they wouldn’t get it. The Flyers scored four in the first and buried the Pens for the rest of the game. They would reach the 8 goal plateau again and would take the 3-0 series lead.

Where do they go from here?

The Penguins are going to play their last game this Wednesday; the Flyers are that good. Claude Giroux is a one man wrecking crew. His four goals and four assists lead all players in the NHL and even if he cools off, the Flyers still have Danny Briere and Matt Reed. The Penguins on the other hand haven’t been able to keep the puck out of their net and knowing Marc Andre Fleurry, that won’t change. The Flyers win a high scoring affair and move on to the next round.

Thanks for reading!