Where Legends are Made : NHL Playoffs - Eastern Conference - Round 1

This is it! 1,230 games have been completed and the 2nd season begins. 16 teams participate and 1 will hoist the most coveted trophy in professional sports: the Stanley Cup. This is one of the toughest tournaments in the world and P&B will be your round by round guide.

(photo via imageshack)

1

VS

8

2011 Season Series:

New York won 3-1

What's the Story?:

The Rangers barely squeaked into the 8th seed thanks to Carolina's inability to capitalize in game #82.
The Canes lost and the MSG tenants retain the last playoff spot. Ryan Callahan, who was key in their run to grab a playoff spot, is out indefinitely with a broken ankle. But Captain Chris "Clutch" Drury draws back in after a long absence. His clutchiness came in handy Saturday afternoon when he scored his first goal of the season in the clinching game.

The Caps had another solid year despite sub par seasons for Oveckin (32 g), Backstrom (65 p) and Semin (54 p). Mike Green is ready to faux hawk his way back into the lineup. Obama still hasn't checked out a home game.

Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before You Pick a Winner:

Will the Rangers offense keep coming? Will regular season success finally lead to playoff glory for the Caps? How many games (or periods) will it take before Torterella loses his shit?

Key Playas and Pretendas to Watch:

NYR Playas: Stall, Lundqvist, Dubinsky
NYR Pretendas: Gaborik, McCabe

Caps Playas: Backstrom, Arnott, Ovechkin

Caps Pretendas: Semin, Green

P&B Prediction: 

The Rangers take the series on home ice in game 6, even though Ovi has 8 goals. Lundquist plays out of his head, becomes Mayor of New York once the series is over.

2    

VS

7    

2011 Season Series:

Tied at 2-2

What's the Story?:

The Sabres had an amazing month of March even though Miller was out for the last few weeks. Enroth has picked up the slack and has been close to miraculous. As with every year, the Sabres lineup features a cast of blue collar workers that have grinding on the mind.

Featuring one of the deepest lineups in the field, Philly has 4 lines that can give nightmares to the opposition. The key for the Flyers is their goaltending. Leighton brought them all the way to the finals last year and will need another strong showing by rookie tender Bobrovsky. Pronger is expected to play in this series so that he can continue to add to his collection of game pucks.

Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before You Pick a Winner:

Can Bobrovsky carry this team to the promised land? Is Claude Giroux gonna light it up again this year in the playoffs? When will it be Miller Time? Where the hell is Derek Roy?!

Key Playas and Pretendas to Watch:

Sabres playas: Enroth, Niedermeyer, Kaleta, Vanek
Sabres pretendas: Myers, Morrisonn

Flyers playas: Richards, Giroux, Leino

Flyers pretendas: Carcillo, Mezaros

P&B Prediction: 

With or without Miller, the Flyers slice up the Sabres in 5. Nuff said.

3

VS

6

2011 Season Series:

Habs won series 4-2

What's the Story?:

The Habs had a rough stretch coming to the finish line this year. Montreal is almost fully healed except for Paciorety, who might make an appearance in the playoffs. Is it a good idea to bring him back against the Bruins? I don't think so. Keep an eye on Subban. He's been in the news all year for his antics on and off the ice, but he will shine in this Round 1 blood feud. The Habs need to rely on their speed and keep it quick to be successful. If they try to play like the Bruins, this will be a short series.

The Bruins are a team that was built for a long playoff run. The addition of Horton and the stellar play of Lucic have thrown this team over the top. They also have a giant named Chara and that Kaberle guy, who played for the team that shall remain nameless until they make the playoffs. They are strong offensively and solid defensively, anchored by everybody's favorite yoga pant wearing masked man Tim Thomas. He might have a Vezina in his future.

Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before you Pick a Winner:

Will there be a riot in Montreal, win or lose? Can the Bruins get back to the big dance for the first time since 1990? Est-ce que les Canadiens sont la?

Key Playas and Pretendas to Watch: 

Habs Playas: Subban, Price, Plekanec, Cammalleri
Habs Pretendas: Pouliot, Gill, Gomez

Bruins Playas: Lucic, Horton, Chara, Bergeron
Bruins Pretendas:  Ryder, Campbell, Paille

P&B Prediction:

The French Canadian side of me is screaming bloody murder when I say this: the Bruins are a team destined for a long run. And for that reason, Bruins in 6.

4

VS

5

2011 Season Series:

Tied at 2-2

What's the Story?:

Tampa is making their first appearance in the playoffs since 2007. During their absence, they solidified their O and D by picking up some key piece including Stamkos, Ohlund, Kubina and Purcell. St. Louis, the team's leading scorer during the season, benefited from a dip in the fountain of youth while playing with Stamkos. Rookie coach Boucher has implemented his system and they are eating out of his hands.

What would you say if 2 of the most dynamic offensive players in the league (who play for the same team) missed the majority of the season due to injury? Lottery draft time, right? Missed the cut? Not this club. Even without the Kid and Geno, they managed to grab the 4th seed and were tied for the Division lead in points (lost that title due to Philly winning more games excluding the shootout). Bylsma is one of the best coaches in the league as he brought this team together and turned them into one fine tuned synergetic unit.

Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before you Pick a Winner:

When is Crosby coming back? Will Vinny LeCavalier be a factor in this series? Will Roloson outshine Fleury? 

Key Playas and Pretendas to watch: 

Pens Playas: Stall, Letang, Orpik, Fleury

Pens Pretendas: Kovalev, Cooke

Lightning Playas: St. Louis, Stamkos, Hedman, Roloson

Lightning Pretendas: Gagner, Malone

P&B Prediction: 

This is a tough one...with or without Crosby, the Pens are dangerous. Tampa on the other hand has tons of playoff experience and their absence has equated into savage playoff hunger. It will be a long series. Pens in 7, with Crosby coming back around game 4 (his status is still up on the air). He will also cure all the blind in attendance with a wave of his stick when he hits the ice.

-Paqman

(All icons via NHL.com)