Someone cue up the moving vans as we are moving.  Give us a couple days to get this thing started but hopefully by the weekend, we will be up on Bloguin.  The URL will be the same so no one has to worry about those nagging details of gee where did the site go.  We took care of all that for you, the reader.

Just be patient with us and by all means enjoy the first round of the playoffs.  In the meantime, go check out Ryan Porth’s great website over at Red Light District.   Thanks for understanding.

Sincerely,

Chris Wassel

Director Of The Program

Everyone knows how the Flyers will storm the Devils crease because the defensemen are not man enough to actually hit people or are too slow to do so.  In this spirit, we have come up with some ways that Martin Brodeur could stop them.  Some may not be practical or all of them but hey they sounded good at the time.

A deep moat…..

A snow igloo?

Great wall Of China….

Oh that third one could really work…..absolutely!!!!  Good luck Marty on that stone walling effort.

There is my wonderful niece, Daniella, Happy Early Birthday!

My niece is going to try her hand at picking the games tomorrow.  This was real easy.  I pointed to the logos of teams and off we went.  Tomorrow is her special day.  She turns 5 and off we went.

#2

vs.

#7

New Jersey of course

#4

vs.

#5

#1

vs.

#8

#4

vs.

#5

I defer to Ryan on this one.  I have Tab Bamford’s take in the back of my mind as well.

Records…
Blackhawks-
Overall: 52-22-8
Last 10: 6-3-1
Since Olympics: 11-7-3
Predators-
Overall: 47-29-6
Last 10: 6-3-1
Since Olympics: 14-6-1
Season Series…
Blackhawks 4-2
Previous Playoff Meeting…
First meeting
RLD ‘Playoff Formula’…
Blackhawks- 112.88
Predators- 84.31
RLD ‘Playoff Formula’ Predicts…
Blackhawks in 4 or 5
Tale of the Tape…
Forwards-
Edge: Blackhawks… There’s no way the Preds can match Chicago’s talent level up front.
Defensemen-
Edge: Predators… If Grebeshkov comes back quickly, they get the slight edge over the Campbell-less ‘Hawks.
Goaltending-
Edge: Predators… Another slight edge to Nashville; Rinne has been lights-out since the break, and even won a Calder Cup a couple years back.
Special Teams-
Edge: Blackhawks… Nashville has been atrocious on special teams this year; Chicago’s PK is tough to beat.
Coaching-
Edge: Blackhawks… Joel Quenneville has more experience behind the bench than Barry Trotz.
Experience-
Edge: Even… Both teams have youngsters and veterans who have won a Cup with other teams.
Team X-Factors…
Blackhawks-
Antti Niemi… The only cloud hovering over the Blackhawks is their goaltending; they are built offensively and defensively to win the Cup. Niemi has been solid for the ‘Hawks all season, eventually taking the number one spot away from Huet. In April, he went 5-0-1 with a 2.29 GAA. If he isn’t fazed by the playoff pressure, look out! If he does get rattled, will Quenneville put his faith back in Huet??
Predators-
Patric Hornqvist… The Preds’ breakout player has to continue his stellar season. Hornqvist has been this team’s missing ingredient, sticking his nose in the hard areas and scoring goals. He’s also been extremely clutch for Nashville; 8 of his 30 goals were game-winners, and numerous others were scored in the 3rd period that tied the game. He’s going to have to be hungry for goals here in the postseason, as well, for the Predators to succeed.
Key Injuries…
Blackhawks-
D Brian Campbell (collarbone, doubtful for series)
D Kim Johnsson (concussion, doubtful for series)
Predators-
RW Patric Hornqvist (upper body, will return for start of series)
D Denis Grebeshkov (lower body, questionable for start of series)
Keys to the Series…
Blackhawks-
1. Puck possession… What Chicago does best is own the possession of the puck. They lead the league in shot differential (+9) and can live in the offensive zone at times. And when their opponents get shots on net, the ‘Hawks get the puck out of the zone – quickly.
2. Offense from defense… Without Campbell, they need Duncan Keith keep up his production he had all year. After him, though, someone else will have to step up.
Predators-
1. Slow the game down… If Chicago flies up and down the ice, Nashville will be gone in five games or less. They cannot get into a high-scoring shootout with the ‘Hawks, so they have to keep things simple, grind it out, and hold them to 3 goals or less more times than not.
2. Contain Kane & Toews… This duo, more than Marian Hossa, has stung the Preds in their short time in the NHL. One of the better defensive pairings in the league, Weber and Suter, will be heavily relied upon to shutdown that top line.
Burning Questions…
Blackhawks- Will the injuries on defense hurt their chances?
In all likelihood, Quenneville will not have Campbell or Johnsson in this round. Guys like Nick Boynton, Jordan Hendry, and defenseman-turned-forward-turned-defenseman Dustin Byfuglien will be under pressure to perform at a high level.
Predators- Can they finally win a road playoff game?
The big bugaboo in the Preds’ short playoff history is getting that elusive win on the road. They are 0-10 all-time, and will be heading to an electric United Center. Is this the year they finally get it done?? If so, it needs to happen in Game 1 or 2.
Why the Blackhawks will win…
I stated last week that the ‘Hawks are my favorite to win the Cup. So why would I be picking against them in round one? They have a tough draw vs. Nashville; but if they play to their capability, they should be fine. This team is red-hot and hitting on all cylinders coming into the playoffs (6-0-1 in the last seven games). They are vulnerable, yet a very tough team to play against.
Why the Predators will win…
With all of that being said about Chicago, I don’t want to underestimate the Preds’ chances in this series. This could very well be their best chance to advance to the second round – aside from 2007 – and you can sense that from the coaching staff and players. From the net on out, this is a well-balanced team. But the special teams haven’t been there at key times, and they probably won’t be able to play their own style of game.
Final Thoughts…
This is no gimme for the Blackhawks. Nashville will give them a run for their money and make them sweat – but it won’t be enough.
PREDICTION… BLACKHAWKS IN SIX

Records…
Canucks-
Overall: 49-28-5
Last 10: 5-4-1
Since Olympics: 12-6-3
Kings-
Overall: 46-27-9
Last 10: 4-3-3
Since Olympics: 9-7-5
Season Series…
Canucks 3-1
Previous Playoff Meeting…
1991 Division Semifinals (4-2 Kings)
RLD ‘Playoff Formula’…
Canucks- 86.66
Kings- 97.67
RLD ‘Playoff Formula’ Predicts…
Kings in 6 or 7
Tale of the Tape…
Forwards-
Edge: Even… I like the depth that both the Canucks and Kings boast up front.
Defensemen-
Edge: Kings… When healthy, Vancouver would get the nod; but the absence of Mitchell will really hurt.
Goaltending-
Edge: Canucks… Luongo still has to rid those playoff demons of his, but Quick is young and inexperienced.
Special Teams-
Edge: Even… Statistically they are pretty equal on both units.
Coaching-
Edge: Kings… Terry Murray has been in the playoffs a lot more than Alain Vigneault, and has done a great job bringing this team back to the second season.
Experience-
Edge: Canucks… It’s just a slight edge; this group was together last year, and they added playoff vet Mikael Samuelsson.
Team X-Factors…
Canucks-
Ryan Kesler… This is a guy that will definitely be a difference-maker in the Canucks’ quest for the Cup. He’s become a very strong two-way player, and had a career-high in points with 75. Kesler is also a high-quality defensive center, which should pose problems for the Kings. He plays on the edge, but does so with discipline (most of the time), gets under his opponent’s skin, and can play in all situations. Vancouver needs Kesler to be on top of his game against a dangerous Kings team.
Kings-
Jonathan Quick… The alternative netminder for the U.S. Olympic team has hit the proverbial wall here down the stretch. He hasn’t won a game since mid-March, and has a save percentage of .871 in his last eight appearances. Jonathan Bernier, the rookie phenom, actually gave this team the needed spark in his cup of coffee in March. Quick has been clutch all year up to this point… he has to get back on track quick-ly.
Key Injuries…
Canucks-
D Willie Mitchell (concussion, doubtful for series)
D Sami Salo (leg, questionable for start of series)
D Shane O’Brien (shoulder, questionable for start of series)
C Ryan Johnson (foot, will not return for series)
C/W Rick Rypien (face, questionable for start of series)
Kings-
None
Keys to the Series…
Canucks-
1. Protect home-ice… GM Place is one of the tougher buildings to play in this time of year, and they’ve used home-ice as a crutch this season (given their rather average road record). They have the second best home record in the NHL, and have to win both games to start the series.
2. Play smart… In the second round vs. Chicago last year, the Canucks got in a bad habit of taking stupid penalties at costly times. That can’t happen against like L.A., a similar bunch to Chicago last year.
Kings-
1. Get up early… These are the two best teams in the Western Conference in holding a lead after the 2nd period. Especially in the first couple games, the Kings have to strike first and gain confidence.
2. Veteran leadership… Murray’s club is fairly young, so they need the few veterans they have to come to the forefront. This is a memo to Ryan Smyth, Michal Handzus, and Rob Scuderi to lead the way in the key moments.
Burning Questions…
Canucks- Will Luongo ever silence his critics?
The hottest topic when talking about this team is Roberto Luongo. Everyone seems to doubt he’ll be able to win the big game; did winning Gold help shake off those demons? Considering how he’s played since the Olympics, I don’t think he has… not until he wins when it counts by NHL standards.  Was he worse in the Olympics than most thought?  The answer is yes.
Kings- How will the youngsters perform in the playoffs?
For the first time in their careers, the likes of Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Dustin Brown, and Quick will be playing in the postseason. How will they respond to the second season??
Why the Canucks will win…
Surprisingly, the Canucks were the highest scoring team in the West. The Sedins have taken their games to the next level, along with Kesler and Burrows. They have a lot of depth up front, but the back end is where the questions lie. Are they healthy enough to advance?? This team will definitely miss Mitchell and Johnson. Is Luongo up to the task?? That remains to be seen. Regardless, this Canucks team will be tough to beat in a seven-game series because they come at you from so many angles.
Why the Kings will win…
The Kings have been the trendy pick amongst the pundits. I want to know why they’re putting so much faith in a 24-year-old ‘tender that hasn’t won since March 22… and has no playoff experience. That’s no knock on Quick, or this team for that matter. They possess a ton of skill, and this is just the first of many trips to the playoffs this decade. I just don’t know if they’re ready. The veterans definitely have to step up.
Final Thoughts…
This has the makings of being the most exciting series in the first round, and it will be an all-out war from start to finish. I like Vancouver with home-ice advantage…Luongo scares me some however and so does the walking wounded in Canuckistan.
PREDICTION… CANUCKS IN SEVEN

***Chris’s secret pick:  Kings in SIX

Records…
Coyotes-
Overall: 50-25-7
Last 10: 5-3-2
Since Olympics: 13-4-2
Red Wings-
Overall: 44-24-14
Last 10: 8-1-1
Since Olympics: 16-3-2
Season Series…
Red Wings 2-0-2
Previous Playoff Meeting…
1998 Western Conference Quarterfinals (4-2 Red Wings)
RLD ‘Playoff Formula’…
Coyotes- 94.20
Red Wings- 100.28
RLD ‘Playoff Formula’ Predicts…
Red Wings in 6 or 7
Tale of the Tape…
Forwards-
Edge: Red Wings… You have to lean towards the likes of Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Franzen, etc. don’t you?
Defensemen-
Edge: Red Wings… Again, the wise men of Lidstrom and Rafalski get the edge.
Goaltending-
Edge: Coyotes… Bryzgalov has been lights-out in limited playoff action; Howard is untested in the playoffs.  Though Howard has that potential to be the crazy breakout player.
Special Teams-
Edge: Red Wings… They’re PK units are similar, but the Wings’ power play is far better.
Coaching-
Edge: Red Wings… Mike Babcock knows how to get it done in the playoffs, and has had Dave Tippett’s number (’08 w/ DET, ’03 w/ ANA – both vs. DAL).
Experience-
Edge: Red Wings… I don’t need to go any further.
Team X-Factors…
Coyotes-
Matthew Lombardi… Phoenix’s top-line center has to play out of his mind in this series. Lombardi has had a career year, compiling 53 points. But he hasn’t had much playoff success in the past with Calgary (4 points in last 20 playoff games), and will probably be matched up with Datsyuk or Zetterberg most of the series. This is a big test for Lombardi.
Red Wings-
Johan Franzen… How can you not go with ‘The Mule’ here?! In the last three postseasons, Franzen has netted 10 game-winning goals – that’s insane! He also has 41 points in the 39 games of the past two playoff seasons. Add on to the fact that he’ll have fresh legs, only playing in 27 games this year. Franzen could very well become the dominant playoff performer we’re used to seeing.
Key Injuries…
Coyotes-
C Robert Lang (lower body, status unknown for playoffs)
LW Scottie Upshall (knee, done for the season)
D Kurt Sauer (head, status unknown for playoffs)
Red Wings-
RW Kirk Maltby (shoulder, doubtful to return for series)
Keys to the Series…
Coyotes-
1. Keep on keeping on… The ‘Yotes have been this season’s biggest surprise; why stop now? They are very sound defensively and can shutdown anyone. Tippett’s crew just has to carry over the regular season success.
2. Bryzgalov outduel Howard… I feel like ‘Bryz’ has to play better than Howard to win this series. If he does they have a really good shot. If he doesn’t it’s game-set-match.  In his losses Bryzgalov has an over 3.00 GAA and well under 2.00 GAA when he wins.  Its simple, keep it down to 1 or 2 goals.
Red Wings-
1. Secondary Scoring… Looking past the big guns up front, will they find enough depth scoring?? Are Bertuzzi, Filppula, Cleary, and Williams going to add the key goals in the clutch?? I think they’ll get just enough from these guys.
2. Ignore the ‘White Out’… The desert is going to be an intimidating place to play this spring. But Detroit has been there, done that; and if they don’t get fazed by the atmosphere, they’ll be fine.  Detroit has a lot of fans out there as many Phoenix fans will attest.
Burning Questions…
Coyotes- Can they keep up their amazing story?
No one picked the Coyotes to make the playoffs… and when I say no one, I mean not one freakin’ soul!! They’ve fought through thick and thin, and surprisingly have home-ice in round one. They have the potential to go deep, but Detroit is a different beast at this time of year.
Red Wings- Is Howard ready for playoff hockey?
Chris Osgood is not their number one ‘tender anymore – it’s Mr. Howard. The rookie has been dynamite between the pipes, and carried the team through the tough times in the winter. He played a lot of games down the stretch, and I believe is in playoff-mode. It also helps that he has all the experience you could ask for in front of him.
Why the Coyotes will win…
Three names are going to play off the charts in this series (not including Bryzgalov): Lombardi, Martin Hanzal, and Keith Yandle. Those three have stepped up all year, and can’t quit now. It’s going to be tough for this team to advance, though, since they’re facing the hottest team in the league, and don’t have much success at The Joe. Also, keep this tidbit in mind: they haven’t won a road game in regulation vs. a Western Conference playoff team since the first game of the year.
Why the Red Wings will win…
I can’t recall a time when Detroit has been so hot coming into the playoffs. They’re usually coasting to the finish line as a top seed in the conference. Does that mean Babcock’s gang is getting set to falter?? In a word, no! This Wings team is scorching hot, and has had Phoenix’s number over the years. The hotter teams heading into the playoffs usually fare well.
Final Thoughts…
I hate to pick against the Coyotes… but I don’t see the bounces going their way. I’ve learned to never doubt Detroit, and I’m not doing it here.
PREDICTION… RED WINGS IN SIX AND TRAVIS WILL THROW THE SNAKE!

Records…
Capitals-
Overall: 54-15-13
Last 10: 6-1-3
Since Olympics: 13-2-5
Canadiens-
Overall: 39-33-10
Last 10: 3-4-3
Since Olympics: 10-5-4
Season Series…
Tied 2-2
Previous Playoff Meeting…
First meeting
RLD ‘Playoff Formula’…
Capitals- 117.57
Canadiens- 74.06
RLD ‘Playoff Formula’ Predicts…
Capitals in 4 or 5
Tale of the Tape…
Forwards-
Edge: Capitals… Montreal has a respectable group of forwards, but in no way does it come close to the depth Washington has.
Defensemen-
Edge: Even… I’d take the Habs’ personnel here, but they give up way too many turnovers to get the nod.
Goaltending-
Edge: Capitals… Jose Theodore gets the edge? He’s never lost a first round series, while Halak has only made a couple playoff cameos.
Special Teams-
Edge: Canadiens… Both teams have dynamite PP units, but Montreal’s PK is the difference.
Coaching-
Edge: Even… When it comes to playoff success, Bruce Boudreau nor Jacques Martin has had much of it.
Experience-
Edge: Even… The Caps brought in good experience last summer and at the deadline; Montreal has similarly done so, too.
Team X-Factors…
Capitals-
Jeff Schultz… Schultz lasted just as long as Theodore did last year. The 6’6” defenseman was spun into a pretzel in Game 1 vs. the Rangers, but has improved his game immensely since then. He leads the league in plus/minus (+50), and has been a nice defensive pairing next to the offensive-minded Mike Green. Schultz has to keep up his regular season success, and might pose problems for a smaller Habs group up front.
Canadiens-
Brian Gionta & Scott Gomez… Montreal has a pretty solid top scoring line, but the second one has been inconsistent. That’s where Gomez and Gionta come in. They were brought in together to rekindle the magic from their New Jersey days. Well, this would be a perfect time to get that going again. Both have played well in the games heading into the playoffs (despite the losses), and have to make for a relevant second scoring line.
Key Injuries…
Capitals-
D Tyler Sloan (upper body, questionable for start of series)
D Milan Jurcina (hernia, doubtful to return during series)
Canadiens-
C Glen Metropolit (shoulder, questionable to return during series)
D Paul Mara (shoulder, done for the season)
Keys to the Series…
Capitals-
1. Send a message… Whether it’d be beating Montreal 6-1 in Game 1, or Ovechkin laying someone (ala Jagr in Vancouver), the Caps need to make their presence felt early in the series. They failed to do this vs. the Rangers last year, and it almost cost them.
2. Spread-out contribution… Washington will be near-impossible to beat in the playoffs if they get contributions from all four lines. Montreal would have no shot if the Belangers, Chimeras, and Morrisons step up – on top of the already-potent top two scoring lines.
Canadiens-
1. Good goaltending… The Canadiens’ slim chances will begin and end with Jaroslav Halak. He’s going to have to be the best player in this series for his team to have a chance.
2. Avoid turnovers… I alluded to it earlier, but the Habs’ blue-line is turnover-prone. Of the top five defensemen in the league for giveaways, the Habs have three of them (Hamrlik, Spacek, and Gill). Washington will pounce if they don’t fix that…
Burning Questions…
Capitals- Is Theodore the answer in net?
We all know what happened to him in last year’s playoffs (benched after Game 1). And we all know how good his record was down the stretch (21-1-3 since January 1). But what we don’t know is how he’ll perform in these playoffs. As I stated earlier, he’s never lost in round one, but he’s also never advanced past round two.
Canadiens- Do they have the firepower to keep up?
I don’t think there’s any doubt that there’s enough talent on this team to pull the dramatic upset. They are a better team compared to last year, when they were the 8-seed and swept by Boston. At the same time, though, the blue-line is slow, and the forwards don’t have much size.
Why the Capitals will win…
The Presidents’ Trophy winners seem to be on a mission this year; where/when that mission ends is a different story. The Caps have so many weapons up front, that it’s hard to even contain them. If you stop Ovechkin, how are you going to do the same to Semin? It’s going to be a problem for other teams, no matter how average Washington’s blue-line is. If they don’t let the meaningless trophy get to their heads (ahem, like San Jose), they should be able to take this series easily.
Why the Canadiens will win…
With that being said, Montreal will be fired up to have the opportunity to slay the odds-on favorite to win Lord Stanley. They played poorly in the final week, but they were one of the conference’s best since the break before that three-game lapse. Halak is undoubtedly going to have to stand on his head, and the power play is going to have be better than Washington’s… just to have a chance! It wouldn’t shock me if they made this series more interesting than most people believe.
Final Thoughts…
In the end, though, I don’t see them Habs outlasting the Caps in a seven game series. Too many things would have to go Montreal’s way.
PREDICTION… CAPITALS IN FIVE

Records…
Devils-
Overall: 48-27-7
Last 10: 5-2-3
Since Olympics: 11-6-4
Flyers-
Overall: 41-35-6
Last 10: 4-5-1
Since Olympics: 9-10-3
Season Series…
Flyers 5-1
Previous Playoff Meeting…
2004 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals (4-1 Flyers)
RLD ‘Playoff Formula’…
Devils- 107.96
Flyers- 70.06
RLD ‘Playoff Formula’ Predicts…
Devils in 4 or 5
Tale of the Tape…
Forwards-
Edge: Even… I like Philly’s blend of talent and grit; New Jersey has two very solid scoring lines, led by Parise.
Defensemen-
Edge: Even… The Devils’ defensive system is what makes them great, while Philly has the great equalizer: Pronger.
Goaltending-
Edge: Devils… You can’t possibly give the edge to Boucher over Brodeur.
Special Teams-
Edge: Even… Statistically, the Flyers are a bit better, but their power play has struggled since mid-March.
Coaching-
Edge: Devils… Peter Laviolette did win the Cup in 2006, but Jacques Lemaire has been working his craft over the past couple decades.
Experience-
Edge: Devils… A slight edge to Brodeur and company; they have a lot veteran leadership.
Team X-Factors…
Devils-
Paul Martin… Martin, New Jersey’s most important defenseman, returned from a broken arm after the Olympic break. He’s been really solid for them, and is riding a four-game point streak heading into these playoffs. The Devils need him to play a strong two-way game every night against this skilled Flyers club.
Flyers-
Scott Hartnell… ‘Harts’ had an off-year compared to 2008/09. He didn’t score 30 goals this year, and wasn’t as effective as he should’ve been. But he’ll certainly get in Brodeur’s kitchen from the get-go. If he stirs the pot in the crease, and can jam home some garbage goals, it will do the Flyers a lot of good.
Key Injuries…
Devils-
None
Flyers-
G Michael Leighton (ankle, not expected to return for series)
G Ray Emery (hip, done for the season)
G Johan Backlund (groin, questionable for start of series)
Keys to the Series…
Devils-
1. Stay out of the box… Though struggling, the Flyers’ man advantage can be downright lethal. The Devils have to limit their opportunities, and not have a parade to the box in this series.
2. Two scoring lines… With Ilya Kovalchuk in the fold, the Devils have the potential to own two lines that can strike at any time. A line of Kovalchuk, Elias, and Langenbrunner seems to be clicking at the right time.
3. Defense can not get rattled.  The D has a tendency to just go all to pieces for stretches and goals add up like a pinball machine.  If the Devils can minimize damage at all, they will be golden in this series.  If not, you will see some blowouts.
Flyers-
1. Get to Marty… Hartnell is my X-factor for Philly, and this is why. The Flyers have to get into Brodeur’s head and create traffic in front. Carolina did this last year, and look what happened.
2. Play loose… Coming off such an emotional win from Sunday, Laviolette’s gang should be loose and rarin’ to go for Game 1. When this Flyers team plays with confidence, they can be difficult to beat. They have zero pressure on them in this series.
3. Block out 2000.  This sounds crazy because it was ten years ago but Patrik Elias is still a Devil and literally was why Brian Boucher went almost into hockey oblivion.
Burning Questions…
Devils- Can Kovalchuk erase the playoff doubts?
A lot of people questioned GM Lou Lamoriello’s acquisition of Kovy in February. With the Thrashers, he only gained four games of playoff experience – all losses. It’s time for him to step up, erase the doubts, and become a playoff performer. The key for Kovalchuk will simply be to keep playing the way he has in New Jersey,  He has been their best player on both sides of the ice.
Flyers- Can Boucher lead the Flyers to a series win?
The only missing piece in Philly’s puzzle right now is goaltending. They have a lot of talent elsewhere, but Boucher has been relatively shaky between the pipes. Unreliable goaltending in the playoffs is usually a recipe for disaster or a 747 crashing quickly.
Why the Devils will win…
I’m pretty confident that the Devils will win this series. Everyone points to Brodeur’s playoff struggles in recent years. While true, he also has Lemaire behind the bench instead of that dude who’s on a short leash in Calgary. I think you’ll see a different, more determined goalie this time around. I also think there’s desperation within the organization to go deep this spring. They didn’t go out of the box and acquire Kovalchuk to lose in round one.
Why the Flyers will win…
The only way, I believe, the Flyers will advance to round two is if they rattle Brodeur. Between Richards, Carter, Briere, and Gagne, the Flyers possess a good enough offensive attack to beat the Devils. But the biggest question mark is in goal… and if the defense fails to be near-perfect in front of Boucher, this team may not last long. I just can’t see Philly winning 4 of 7… but I have been wrong before.  The Esche factor could weigh in as well but that seems not very likely.
Final Thoughts…
The mismatch in this matchup is between the pipes. I cannot see Boucher beating Brodeur, thus I like the Devils. It will be a great, back-and-forth series!
PREDICTION… DEVILS IN SIX

Records…
Sabres-
Overall: 45-27-10
Last 10: 5-5-0
Since Olympics: 12-9-1
Bruins-
Overall: 39-30-13
Last 10: 6-3-1
Since Olympics: 12-8-2
Season Series…
Bruins 4-2
Previous Playoff Meeting…
1999 Eastern Conference Semifinals (4-2 Sabres)
RLD ‘Playoff Formula’…
Sabres- 94.49
Bruins- 94.27
RLD ‘Playoff Formula’ Predicts…
Sabres in 6 or 7
Tale of the Tape…
Forwards-
Edge: Sabres… Without Savard in the lineup, Buffalo owns a couple playmakers that Boston doesn’t have.
Defensemen-
Edge: Even… The Sabres’ defensive unit plays well together; Boston has the mountain man Chara, but youth surrounds him (due to injury).
Goaltending-
Edge: Sabres… Rask has been brilliant, but Miller was the best goalie in the league from start to finish this season.
Special Teams-
Edge: Even… Both have great penalty-killing units and average power plays.
Coaching-
Edge: Even… Lindy Ruff and Claude Julien have had their fair share of success, but neither has won a Cup just yet.
Experience-
Edge: Even… I like the mix of veterans and youth that both teams possess.
Team X-Factors…
Sabres-
Tim Connolly… In the last three seasons, Connolly has only played in 98 games due to injury. He stayed healthy – for the most part – in 09/10, putting up solid numbers on an offensively-inconsistent Sabres team (65 points in 73 games). He should be ready to go for this series, returning from a foot injury. Buffalo really needs to him to play to his potential, and lead the man advantage…
Bruins-
David Krejci… Since Marc Savard went down to injury, Krejci has stepped up offensively for the Bruins. He was going through a slump after last year’s breakthrough season, but has 19 points in the 18 games since Savard was rocked by Matt Cooke. His presence on the second line could be a huge factor in this series.
Key Injuries…
Sabres-
C Tim Connolly (foot, expected to be ready for start of series)
C/W Jochen Hecht (upper body, questionable for start of series)
RW Drew Stafford (concussion, status unknown for series)
Bruins-
C Marc Savard (concussion, not expected to return for series)
D Dennis Seidenberg (arm, not expected to return for series)
D Mark Stuart (finger, questionable for start of series)
D Andrew Ference (hernia, expected to be ready for start of series)
Keys to the Series…
Sabres-
1. Vanek being Vanek… The Austrian returned this weekend from injury, only to score 5 goals in 2 games. If this is the Vanek they’re getting – the one that has dazzled up until this year – the Sabres will be looking good.
2. Solid team ‘D’… Starting with rookie Tyler Myers, this defensive core has to do the little things right: reduce the number of shots Miller faces, avoid sloppy turnovers, and get the pucks in and out of the zone at the blue lines.
Bruins-
1. Hit the snooze button… Boston obviously doesn’t have much ammo in the shotgun, contrary to Buffalo’s occasional goal-scoring spree. If they want to win this series, Chara and company have to go into lockdown mode and keep the games very low scoring.
2. Win the special teams battle… They are pretty even with the Sabres in this category; but as the ‘underdog’, the B’s need to find a way to start scoring on the power play. They have struggled mightily, going 1-for-26 on the man advantage since March 27.
Burning Questions…
Sabres- Will Ryan Miller eventually burn out?
If you include an exhausting Olympics, Miller has played in 75 games this season. That’s a lot, especially for a goalie that is counted on to be brilliant on a nightly basis. Even though Ruff did a good job giving him rest in the last few games, Miller could run out of gas at some point in these playoffs.
Bruins- Can Tuukka Rask outduel Miller?
For Boston to win this series, Rask has to be as good, if not, better than Miller. Boston’s Finnish sensation leads the league in GAA and save percentage, and probably isn’t getting enough recognition for the Calder.
Why the Sabres will win…
I’ve been drinking the Sabres’ Koolaid for most of the season. Why? One, they have a world-class netminder; two, they have a solid mix of forwards; three, they have a great penalty kill. The backbone of the Sabres’ playoff chances will rely on a pretty good (not great) blue-line corps. This team is definitely suited for a deep playoff run, but they’ll have to get a lot of breaks along the way.
Why the Bruins will win…
Boston is hitting their stride at the perfect time. The B’s went 4-1-1 in April, and had to fight for their playoff spot. They have a couple of masked men – Rask and Chara – that can lead the way in a long, physical series (which this will be). The biggest problem is the offense. Can they find enough clutch scoring to dispose the Sabres?? I have my doubts, and that’s why I’m reluctant to pick them here.
Final Thoughts…
I went back and forth on this selection, but one stat kept popping in my head: the Sabres are 30-0-0 when leading after two periods. They know how to hold a lead.
PREDICTION… SABRES IN SEVEN