Let’s get right into our breakdown of the East Division matchups.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs New York Islanders
Embed from Getty ImagesI look at this matchup on paper and see on one side two superstars on the back nine of their careers. On the other a defensive juggernaut that is pretty boring to watch. Neither team really gets me excited to watch this series.
I think in every series since they won the cup in 09′ I have picked the Penguins to advance. I could never bring myself to bet against Crosby and Malkin. They were the best 1-2 punch in the league for the better part of a decade. After they went back to back in 2016-2017 I figured they would continue their winning ways. It’s been downhill since them. They did surprise the hockey world this season by coming out on top of the East Division. The question is are the contenders or pretenders.
On the other side of the coin the Islanders have been a different team since that broad shouldered bulldog Barry Trotz showed up on Long Island. They don’t bring a lot of excitement to the game, but that doesn’t matter as long as the wins keep piling up. They haven’t got a superstar like the Pens, but they’re as well equipped to shut one down as anyone. I think making that run to the conference finals last season will pay dividends this year.
I am going with the Islanders in 6.
Washington Capitals vs Boston Bruins
Embed from Getty ImagesOkay. Now we’re talking about an exciting series.
Right off the bat I am gonna put it out there. I can’t stand the Bruins. The only team I despise more are the Toronto Maple Leafs. I am hoping for a Capitals sweep. However, I don’t think there is any chance that happens.
These Bruins are legit. Hell they’re always legit. They won the cup 10 years ago and haven’t looked back. No rebuild necessary. Not when you have one of the best lines in hockey and Tuukka Rask between the pipes. A little tinkering here and there is all thats required.
This year that tinkering came in the form of Taylor Hall. I’ll be the first to admit I was completely wrong about this addition. I just didn’t see him fitting into their culture. They’re natural winners. He seems like a natural loser. Boy was I wrong. Him and David Krejci have both found their A game once again playing together on that second line. They could be a matchup nightmare for the Caps.
I think Jake DeBrusk can be a real difference maker in this series. He seems to have to the appropriate amount of shithead in his game to really excel against a heavy team like Washington.
Let’s not forget about the Caps. They added an extra inch to their packages after winning it all a few years ago. They will need to bring that swagger if they are to win this series. Ovi will be his usual self. Wilson will be running all over the ice doing what he does. The big x factor for me in this series will be their goaltending. It has been hit or miss all season long. If Samsonov or Vanecek can hold the fort I think they win this series. If not. Shit.
Caps in 7.