Post Classifieds
Multiple teams in line to hoist Stanley Cup in June
By Brandon Schlager
On April 15, 2012
The month of April represents the most exciting time of the year for hockey fans as the Stanley Cup
Playoffs commence later tonight featuring its usual slate of intriguing matchups.
Although the Buffalo Sabres find themselves on the outside looking in for the third time in five
years following a lackluster regular season, there are still plenty of reasons for hockey fans in
Western New York to tune in.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
New York Rangers (1) vs. Ottawa (8)
Rangers outlook: The Rangers remain one of the more defensively-sound teams in the postseason,
but the main concern for Rangers fans should be whether or not the team's top lines can provide
Henrik Lundqvist with enough support. If the power play clicks and the top line scores, the Rangers
will have no issues with the Senators.
Senators outlook: The Senators fell to the eighth seed on the final day of the regular season, which
was probably the best thing that could have happened for this year's surprise team. The key for the
Senators will be whether or not Jason Spezza and Erik Karlsson, among others, can maintain their
scoring pace from the regular season enough to rattle Lundqvist. If they can, look for them to give
the Rangers fits throughout the series.
Boston (2) vs. Washington (7)
Bruins outlook: For the better part of the regular season, the reigning Stanley Cup champs looked
like the team to beat once again. However, their good fortune came to an end mid-season when
their scoring dried up. Still, the Bruins got back on track, and Norris candidate Zdeno Chara is
playing some of the best hockey of his career. They key for the Bruins will be shutting down
Alexander Ovechkin. Should they do that, this series will be a cakewalk.
Capitals outlook: A preseason favorite for most, the Capitals underachieved for the majority of the
season while suffering through injuries and inconsistent play from their stars. They managed to
rebound, though, and have played some of their best hockey down the stretch. Now healthy, the
Captials may just embrace their new role as underdog with the potential to make a run at an upset
in the first round.
Florida (3) vs. New Jersey (6)
Panthers outlook: The writing may as well be on the wall for the Panthers, who have stumbled
into the playoffs after one of the strangest regular seasons in recent memory. Benefiting from the
struggles of Tampa Bay and Washington, Florida somehow qualified for the postseason with 18
overtime losses and a minus-24 goal differential.
Devils outlook: The Devils by far draw the easiest of the first round matchups this season. To make
things interesting, New Jersey is led by former Panthers coach Peter DeBoer. Fired by the team last
spring, DeBoer has subsequently led the Devils' rebound season. Finishing with 102 points in the
Eastern Conference's toughest division is no small feat.
Pittsburgh (4) vs. Philadelphia (5)
Penguins outlook: In the crown jewel of all of the first round playoff matchups, the Penguins and
Flyers carry their regular season war into the playoffs for a can't-miss series. The Penguins are the
deepest team in the NHL. For all intents and purposes, Sidney Crosby is their No. 2 center. With
James Neal on the wing and Marc-Andre Fleury in net, the Pens are ready and able to make a run at
a Cup.
Flyers outlook: If one thing is certain, it's that the Flyers will not be intimidated by the Penguins.
They lack the firepower of their cross-state rivals, but they're not far behind. For much of the
season, the Penguins and Flyers were the second- and third-best teams in the East. As long as Ilya
Bryzgalov puts his past playoff performances behind him, the Flyers have a great shot at winning
the series.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Vancouver (1) vs. Los Angeles (8)
Canucks outlook: The Canucks had their fair share of struggles this season, but Henrik and Daniel
Sedin have each returned to form, and that means good things for the reining Western Conference
champs. So long as the Sedin twins are clicking and Roberto Luongo manages to keep the fans and
media out of his head, the Canucks have all the tools to make it back to where they were this time
last year.
Kings outlook: The key to any eight-seed upsetting a one-seed is goaltending, and Jonathan Quick
will be the catalyst for the Kings if they're going to eliminate the top-seeded Canucks. The Kings
were the second-worst offensive team in the NHL this season, which means Mike Richards, Jeff
Carter and Anze Kopitar will need to pick things up if the Kings wish to make it past the loaded
Canucks.
St. Louis Blues (2) vs. San Jose Sharks (7)
Blues outlook: For a while, it looked as though it might be impossible to score on St. Louis. The
Blues are out-matched in talent and experience in this series, but possess the obvious advantage
with Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliott between the pipes.
Sharks outlook: Like the Capitals, the Sharks find themselves in the unfamiliar underdog role this
postseason. Despite their previous shortcomings, the Sharks are loaded with playoff experience.
They improved on paper since last season, and have gotten their act together in time to make
themselves a very dangerous seven-seed.
Phoenix Coyotes (3) vs. Chicago Blackhawks (6)
Coyotes outlook: Behind the pads of Mike Smith, Phoenix was one of the league's hottest teams
over the second half of the season, compiling a 20-6-5 record after Feb. 1. If Smith can continue his
strong play, don't discount the Coyotes' ability to advance to the second round.
Blackhawks outlook: With their Stanley Cup-winning core from 2010 still intact, there really isn't
a reason to dismiss the Blackhawks chances this year when healthy. However, if Jonathan Toews
can't recover from his concussion in time, Chicago may be looking at another early exit from the
postseason.
Nashville Predators (4) vs. Detroit Red Wings (5)
Predators outlook: The Predators aren't used to having expectations, and that may be their
downfall this year. Having won just one playoff series in franchise history, the Predators are low on
postseason experience. The season series between these two squads was as close as can be, which
is exactly how this series will play out.
Red Wings outlook: Detroit is the polar opposite of Nashville, having not lost a first-round playoff
series since 2006. They've made the playoffs for 21 straight seasons. They're healthy and, so
long as they're in the playoffs, the Red Wings are always a contender. Aside from the Pittsburgh/
Philadelphia matchup, this will be the most intriguing series the first round has to offer.
Brandon Schlager can be reached by email at schlager.record@live.com.
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