The Hockey Spy's NHL Playoff Predictions: Eastern Conference (Round One)

The Hockey Spy adds to the run of playoff predictions out there in cyberspace, tossing you his 20 pesos worth.

My colleague Greg Caggiano (G-Cagg) at The Hockey Writers has a great rundown in his version of playoff predictions.

The Two-Line Pass via Puck Daddy also has interesting take on the upcoming quest for Lord Stanley.

Let's break down the Eastern Conference first.

Eastern Conference (First Round):

Boston Bruins (1) vs. Montreal Canadiens (8)
- Goalies: "The Tank" Thomas > "Shakey" Carey Price
- Defense: Chara & Wideman et al (et al = the rest) >>Markov, Komo & Schneider et al.
- Forwards: Savard, Kessel, Krejci and plenty of depth > Kovalev, Koivu et al

*Fearless Prediction: Bruins in Five

Washington Capitals (2) vs. New York Rangers (7)
- Goalies: "King" Henrik Lundquist >> Theodore
- Defense: Mike Green et al >> Marc Staal et al
- Forwards: Great 8, Semin, Backstrom >>> Drury, Gomez et al

* Fearless Prediction: Caps in Five

New Jersey Devils (3) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (6)
- Goalies: Brodeur > Ward (but closer than you think!)
- Defense: Devils > Canes (only because of Devils defensive team play)
- Forwards: Parise, Elias, Gionta et al > Staal, Whitney, Cole et al (slight advantage Devils)

* Fearless Prediction: Devils in Seven

Pittsburgh Penguins (4) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (5)

- Goalies: MA Fleury > Niitymaki/Biron
- Defense: Gonchar, Boucher, Letang et al > Timmonen & Coburn et al
- Forwards: Malkin, SC87, Staal, Guerin, Kunitz et al > Mike Richards, Jeff Carter et al

* Fealess Prediction: Penguins in Six

Feel free to comment, criticize and post your own picks.