NHL Eastern Confrence

Making predictions is stupid, you know.  

That isn't a slight to the fantastic men and women on this website nor the various others throwing out articles featuring some fearless forecasting as the NHL's second season starts and the march toward Lord Stanley's Cup begins.

Despite the fact I called making predictions "stupid," it isn't going to deter me from throwing out my own. 

But let's face it: If predictions meant anything, the St. Louis Blues wouldn't even be in the NHL's postseason. It wasn't too long ago people were predicting the Pittsburgh Penguins and Carolina Hurricanes to be excluded.

Predictions can make you look like a fool in a hurry. They can also make you look like a genius. Accidental or not, we'll put ourselves on the line for that one chance to bask in glory.

And while it may not have the celebrity endorsement of a Bryan Thiel playoff prediction article, on with the show.

Eastern Conference

(1) Boston Bruins vs. (8) Montreal Canadiens

Despite their storied past as rivals in the NHL's Original Six era, a good sampling of the type of hate and passion these two teams have for each other and the game doesn't require a history book.

Having met as recently as last year in the playoffs, the B's and Habs have plenty of history to make an interesting backstory as they drop the puck on their first round series this Thursday at the TD Banknorth Garden. 

While recent history has favored the Canadiens in the spring dance, I feel this year may finally show a different result for the Boston faithful.  

Unlike last year, when Montreal was the class of the East and Boston was just sneaking into the postseason, the roles have been reversed, and the teams, as a whole, are a microcosm of that reflection.

Boston comes into this year as a team that experienced a lot of growth over the past 12 months, bringing some of the NHL's best depth. The Bruins had 10 players record over 40 points—a group that also includes six 20-goal scorers and one 30-goal man in Phil Kessel.

The Canadiens, meanwhile, spent much of the back half of the hundredth anniversary season battling controversies off the ice while lacking consistency on it. The Habs didn't have the season they wanted and now have to battle the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

They have the mental edge in this series, but that's about it.

Prediction: Bruins in six

(2)Washington vs. (7) New York Rangers

Alexander Ovechkin and company make their second foray into the NHL playoffs, and the world is once again ready to get a detailed look at the team many believe is the most exciting in the league.

With a skilled forward group, led by Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Alexander Semin, and Sergei Fedorov, the Caps have no shortage of skill on the front end (or on D) as 30-goal man Mike Green will be unleashed for Washington in the postseason. With underrated grinders like Brooks Laich, the Capitals have a nice mix of skaters to make a lethal combination.

The same, however, can be said for the New York Rangers.

Nik Antropov, a trade deadline acquisition from Toronto, led the Rangers in scoring this year with only 59 points. He is followed closely by Nik Zherdev, Scott Gomez, and Chris Drury. Young guys Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callaghan also provide a spark while adding secondary scoring for the team.

The Rangers boast a blue line that is improved from last year. Still, it is far from perfect.

Youngsters Marc Staal and Dan Girardi have both grown as players and, combined with Derek Morris and Michal Rozsival, make a decent top four who can provide secondary offense from the back.

The biggest battle in this series will be goaltending, where the Rangers clearly have the edge—perhaps their only edge of the series.  

All-world goalie Henrik Lundqvist looked like he was getting into playoff form as the season wound down, while the Caps have a question mark in the form of former Hart Trophy winner Jose Theodore.

Despite the fact the Caps have unreliable goaltending, a team that plays with this much speed and skill should insulate that, for a little while anyways.

In the end, no matter how good Lundqvist is, the Caps forwards will likely be too fast and too skilled for the Rangers defense, which in the end will turn this series in their favor.

Prediction: Capitals in six

(3) New Jersey Devils vs. (6) Carolina Hurricanes

For the past few years, many thought the Devils overworked goaltender Martin Brodeur.

The Devils would roll through the regular season only to falter in the playoffs. Some thought if Brodeur was more rested, the team would be more successful in its quest for another Cup banner.

Time will tell.

After missing most of the season, Brodeur has had some memorable nights, such as setting the record for all-time wins by a goaltender. He has also had some stinkers, including giving up large numbers of goals to division foes the Islanders and the Penguins.

Led by breakout star Zach Parise, the Devils offense appears to be alive and well. A team that once won with trap systems and low scoring is now electrifying fans with highlight reel goals, and lots of them. The Devils have fairly balanced scoring down the roster, with Patrik Elias, Jamie Langenbrunner, Travis Zajac, and Brian Gionta following behind Parise.

Yet while the defense isn't what it used to be, it is still a nice mix of puck-moving defensemen and crushing blue-liners that can make opposition forwards pay.

Paul Maurice and the Carolina Hurricanes, meanwhile, are working on a dream. After joining the 'Canes midseason, Maurice inherited a team out of playoff contention and seemingly an also-ran. 

Since then he has pushed his troops all the way to the sixth position, with dominating stretches along the way.

The Hurricanes boast offense as well. Though they may not be as deep as the Devils, they are likely to get offense from Eric Staal, Ray Whitney, Rod Brind'Amour, Tuomo Ruutu, and the reinvented Erik Cole. Underrated players such as Chad Larose, Scott Walker, and Patrick Eaves provide some grit and secondary scoring.

Cam Ward also appears ready to regain his old form. Struggles through most of last year had many questioning the young goaltender, but a bounce-back season has him ready to wreak havoc on the NHL playoffs.

I won't lie here. I think Jersey has better scoring forwards, better defensive forwards, and goaltending. I do like the 'Canes defensemen to perform better than New Jersey's.

In spite of Jersey taking most of the categories, I can feel a bit of an upset here.

Prediction: Hurricanes in seven

(4) Pittsburgh vs. (5) Philadelphia

Left for dead earlier this season, the Penguins are still hanging around and have elevated themselves back into being a favorite. Philadelphia, meanwhile, will be looking for some quality goaltending.

The Penguins, led by new coach Dan Bylsma, are storming into the playoffs, featuring one of the best one-two punches in the league in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. But even more is the attention these two draw, which leaves plenty of space for guys like Chris Kunitz, Jordan Staal, Bill Guerin, Petr Sykora, Ruslan Fedotenko, and Tyler Kennedy.

Finally healthy again, the Penguins blue line is a beautiful mix of scoring and defensive prowess—a group of six who can change the flow of the game and move the puck up the ice to aid forwards. Led by Sergei Gonchar and Kris Letang, the Penguins will also get hard-nosed efforts from Ha Gill and Brooks Orpik.

Despite a few hiccups in the season, Marc-Andre Fleury turned his season into a positive one and is eager to prove last year's Cup run wasn't a fluke.

The Flyers, meanwhile, come into this series with a healthy group of forwards who, dare I say, can hang with the Pens in a seven-game series.

Jeff Carter had a breakout year. Mike Richards is a consistent, constant two-way threat. Guys like Simon Gagne, Scott Hartnell, Joffrey Lupul, and Claude Giroux provide potent scoring for the Orange Crush.

The Flyers have a relatively young defense, but it's still largely a group that was one series away from going to the Cup final last year. Also, don't forget the injury to Kimmo Timonen in the last playoffs, which was the nail in the coffin to the Flyers' Stanley Cup hopes.

After announcing him as their playoff starter, Marty Biron rewarded the team's faith in him largely by flopping the next few games. The Flyers have adequate goaltending when Biron is sharp, but I don't think many are too comfortable with their net situation right now.

Prediction: Penguins in seven

Western Conference

(1) San Jose Sharks vs. (8) Anaheim Ducks

Another year and another spring where San Jose holds its collective breath.  

Is this it?  

Is this finally the year the Sharks shed the playoff underachiever role? As the Hockey News put it last spring, the Sharks have become the NHL's version of the San Diego Chargers...and that isn't a compliment.

Still, you have to give credit where credit is due, and this is the best Sharks team we have seen in some time, if not ever.

Having all the makings of a playoff powerhouse, they started the year on fire, and despite faltering a little midseason, San Jose claimed the Presidents Trophy.  

The Sharks had nine skaters with 40 or more points, including Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Devin Setoguchi, Joe Pavelski, Milan Michalek, Dan Boyle, Ryan Clowe, Christian Erhoff, Rob Blake, and Marc-Edouard Vlasic.

The Sharks are as dangerous of a team as they come.

There are three solid lines with scoring, including a great grind line that will feature Claude Lemieux, one of the best playoff performers in NHL history.  

They also feature a top four defensive group as talented as any in the league, with a bottom two that have grit and sandpaper to shut down opposition. Pair that with a world-class goaltender, and the team has all the makings of a Cup team—if only they can put it together.

The Ducks, meanwhile, know what it's like to be a Stanley Cup team. They aren't that far from it, and neither are most of the players who are still on the team today.

They may have had troubles in the regular season (and may have installed a new goalie in Jonas Hiller), but this is still a team that boasts Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Scott Neidermayer, and Chris Pronger.  

Add Bobby Ryan, Andrew Ebbett, and young defensemen Ryan Whitney and James Wisniewski, and the Ducks have the chance to be one of the more dangerous teams in this year's post-season.

Still, I think this series is decided in goal, where, despite the stellar regular season play of Hiller, the Sharks have the decided edge in Evgeni Nabokov.

I am taking the Sharks this time, but I still am unsure, like most of you, as to whether or not they can get it done this spring.

Prediction: Sharks in seven

(2) Detroit vs. (7) Columbus

Another preseason Cup favorite, it wouldn't be inaccurate to say Detroit has had their struggles this season.  

They went head-to-head with the Sharks for a long while but went a little wayward as the season came to a close, which led to the Wings finishing as the second seed. Despite that, they are still a scary good team and a team that won the Cup less than 12 months ago.

Led by scoring forwards Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk, Marian Hossa, and Johan Franzen, the Wings have a fantastic mix of youth and veterans.  

They have four lines who know how to score but can also shut down the opposing team's top players. Having Zetterberg and Datsyuk as jack-of-all-trades guys does wonders for the Wings, who can put their best players on the ice in all situations.

The defense is what it is in Detroit—and what it is, is solid as usual.  

Aside from two guys named Nicklas Lidstrom and Brian Rafalski, the Wings have Brad Stuart, Niklas Kronwall, Brett Lebda, Jonathan Ericsson, and Chris Chelios, not to mention the help they get from a forward group that takes pride in helping their defensemen keep things clean in their end.

The big question again is in goal. Then again, it was last year too, and that worked out okay.  

As for Columbus, they will have to be more than just happy to be there if they are going to give the Wings a serious run for their money.

The last NHL team to have never made the playoffs, the Jackets laid that claim to rest this season as they qualified for the very first time, finishing a franchise-best seventh.

Led by Rick Nash, Jason Williams, R.J. Umberger, Kristian Huselius, and a reborn Antoine Vermette, the Jackets don't have a ton of scoring, but they did seem to score timely goals with a large group of forwards scoring as a committee.  

The back end isn't anything pretty for the Jackets, but on most nights, they got the job done.  

Led by Christian Backman and Mike Commodore, the Jackets will need their young defensemen to step up if they plan to contain the Wings.

While I like Columbus as a team and could see them upsetting Detroit, I just don't think it happens this season.

Prediction: Red Wings in six

(3) Vancouver vs. (6) St. Louis Blues

These are the two teams I was pondering adopting for a postseason run square-off in the first round. Makes things pretty simple, doesn't it?

The Vancouver Canucks, who many thought would have problems scoring this year, got along just fine even when an injury to Roberto Luongo threatened to sink their playoff hopes. Instead, they rose to the occasion, passing the Flames during the last week of the regular season and clinching the Northwest Division title.

Led by the Sedins (identical twins with identical points...madness) as well as Ryan Kesler, Mats Sundin, Pavol Demitra, and Alex Burrows, the Canucks are not going to scare anyone with their offense but have more than enough when you consider they have Luongo between the pipes.

As for the blue line, Kevin Bieksa, Alexander Edler, Mattias Ohlund, and Sami Salo make a potent top four, while Willie Mitchell and Ossi Vaananen have enough grit and tenacity to give any team fits.

The Blues, meanwhile, as mentioned above, are the reasons we really shouldn't make predictions.  

Picked by most to be in the John Tavares sweepstakes, the Blues instead are a young team that is playing loose yet for each other. Great management, including John Davidson, Doug Armstrong, and coach Doug Murray, has the talented Blues ahead of progress and ready to perhaps make some noise in the playoffs.

Brad Boyes, David Backes, David Perron, Keith Tkachuk, Patrick Berglund, and Andy McDonald have led the charge offensively for the Blues, while Alex Steen, Carlo Colaiacovo, and T.J. Oshie have been pleasant surprises, scoring secondary goals.

The Blues defense certainly won't scare anybody. Led by Carlo Colaiacovo and Barret Jackman, the Blues are a low-scoring group who won't get you many points.

Chris Mason has been a revelation in net for St. Louis. Since taking over for Manny Legace, Mason has appeared in 57 games with the Blues and was strong down the stretch to get them into the postseason.

With personal favorites like Brad Boyes, Alexander Steen, and Paul Kariya, I can't help but pick St. Louis, if only because my heart tells me too. As I said above, the winner of this series will be my adopted team for this Stanley Cup playoffs.

Prediction: Blues in seven

(4) Chicago vs. (5) Calgary

It's been a season of pleasant returns for many fans who have been on the outside looking in.

Chicago is no exception.

It's safe to say the buzz is finally back in Chicago, and it looks like it is here to stay. Led by Martin Havlat, Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Kris Versteeg, the Hawks have a potent group of young scorers who are dangerous at all times.  

While the Blackhawks have good, balanced scoring, it will be interesting to see how they do in the playoffs for the first time.

The Hawks' blue line is a group of puck-moving defensemen led by Brian Campbell. It also features high-scoring young guns Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Cam Barker, and Dustin Byfuglien.

In goal, it isn't exactly clear who will get the start, though my money would be on Nik Khabibulin.

For Calgary, it seems to be a bit of a sinking feeling—sliding at the wrong time similarly to what they did last season.  

The Flames were the deadline day "winners," but the additions of Olli Jokinen and Jordan Leopold haven't looked great in the past few weeks. The moves even put the team so close to the cap that they were forced to play under the roster minimum a few games, which may have added to their slide.

Despite this, it is still a good team on paper. Question is, can it be good on the 200-by-85 sheet of ice?

Led by Jarome Iginla, Mike Cammalleri, Daymond Langkow, and Todd Bertuzzi, the Flames have decent all-around scoring.

Their defense is well rounded, though an off season by Dion Phaneuf along with injuries to key regulars could spell trouble for Calgary. Goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff will have to be great in front of a patchwork defense.

Prediction: Blackhawks in five

The NHL playoffs start on Wednesday….FINALLY. Rinktology.org has made is easy to create a bracket and make selections. The bracket is pretty simple, but works great. They don't have a way to share it though as there is no way create groups. Anyway, here are my picks for the 2009 NHL Eastern Conference Playoffs.

1st Round

Boston vs Montreal: I see this one going five games. In past years Montreal has been a tough matchup for Boston. My youth was spent watching the Bruins lose to the Habs in the playoffs over and over. This year will be different. Boston is just too solid this year.

New Jersey vs Carolina: Devils in seven. The Hurricanes are hot, but I see the Devils finding a way to win this series. Brodeur has the ability to win a series on his own and the Hurricanes D can be weak in their own zone. The Devils won the most recent matchup on two fluke goals and a huge mental lapse.

Pittsburgh vs Philadelphia: Another seven game series. This one has the potential to be a brutal series. Philly is a strong physical team and will be all over Crosby and Malkin. The Penguins will need Guerin and Gill to step up and send a message early. If Sykora can remember how to find the net, this one could end early.

Washington vs New York Rangers: The caps sweep this one. Avery will try to get under Ovechkin’s skin, but he’ll just end up in the box.

2nd Round

Boston vs Pittsburgh: This one will be a battle of goalies. Both teams have players that can score and pretty decent defensive corps. Thomas will outplay Fleury in the end and the Bruins will move on.

Washington vs New Jersey: The Caps will take this one in five. Ovechkin will go off in this series and notch nine goals. I’m calling my shot.

Conference Finals

Boston vs Washington: Boston goes seven games again, but will come out on top. Theodore’s luck will run out and the Bruins will move into the Finals. Chara shuts down Ovechkin in this round.

(Yes...I do know I picked all the higher seeds to win each round. Just the way it worked out.)

I’ll be back tomorrow with my Western Conference predictions (I’m sure YOU can’t wait).

Pictured Above: Top Eastern Conference Series of Round One (Penguins vs. Flyers)

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After Sunday's games, the matchups have been determined, and the NHL's 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs are set to kick off Wednesday night.

However, before we get to the upcoming action, the picks must be made, and the predictions set.

If you would like, in response to this article, you can email me your picks if you haven't already published them here on Bleacher Report. If I get enough responses, I will publish a "Community Picks" article sometime before Wednesday evening.

But before we get to that, here is the latest edition of my 2009 NHL Playoff Picks: Eastern Conference, for Round One.

(1) Boston Bruins vs. (8) Montreal Canadiens

Although the seeds are switched, this rematch of last year's first-round series is bound to be another thriller, no matter who wins.

Boston comes into the series with the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings, along with an 8-2 run that got them within a point of winning the President's Cup. Tim Thomas has excelled all year, and the outstanding depth at both offense and defense has changed Boston from a mediocre team to a dynasty.

On the other hand, Montreal has suffered through an eight-seed fall from last year, caused by overwhelmingly high expectations, coaching controversies, and angry fans. They just snuck into the playoffs, finishing with 93 points, and only getting in on a tiebreaker win against Florida.

Although the Bruins may not be used to such high expectations, they shouldn't really have too much trouble against the Canadiens.

Bruins win series, 4-1

(2) Washington Capitals vs. (7) New York Rangers

In what is sure to be an excellent series, inexperienced yet extremely talented Washington will enter the playoffs with a tough series against the Henrik Lundqvist-led Rangers.

The Caps will come in boasting the top first and second lines in the country, along with possibly the NHL's best defenseman in Mike Green, who has 31 goals already this year. Although Jose Theodore has playoff troubles, and such a young team is sure to get a few playoff jitters, Washington is one of the toughest teams to beat.

The Capitals' opponent, the New York Rangers, is a similar team that just doesn't have the depth that Washington does. Although they definitely have the advantage in goaltending with Lundqvist, Scott Gomez and Chris Drury can't compete with the entire Caps' offense.

New York seems to be a popular upset pick here, but I can't see them having a chance.

Capitals win series, 4-2

(3) New Jersey Devils vs. (6) Carolina Hurricanes

In what could be a close, seven-game series, the Hurricanes and Devils continue to form their playoff rivalry in a tightly matched playoff series.

The Devils come in with a nice little streak following a terrible losing stretch. Martin Brodeur had an up-and-down season, grabbing the career wins record but having some shaky moments.

However, ol' Marty is sure to return as an elite NHL goaltender, considering that his strongest point is in the playoffs. They also have a terrific top line to match up with Carolina.

Secondly, the Hurricanes are entering the series having won 13 of their last 17 games, and two of the losses were in meaningless games where backup goalie Michael Leighton played.

Eric Staal has had an amazing spring so far, which includes a hat-trick game in a 9-0 rout of the Islanders last week. Cam Ward has also been spectacular in goal, posting a 93.1 save percentage with three shutouts in March, and being named the Player of the Month as well. First-line player Tuomo Ruutu has also emerged as a great player, along with recently-rejoined Eric Cole.

The advantage seemingly seems to tilt towards Carolina, who won three of the four regular season meetings with the Devils, but I think that New Jersey will get back to their old antics and somehow pull this one out in their favor.

Devils win series, 4-3

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

In my pick for top series of this round, a cross-state rivalry may send things boiling over in this sure-to-be terrific Pennsylvania playoff series.

The Penguins enter the series having barely obtained the upper seed, yet having climbed six spots, from 10th to fourth, since the beginning of February.

Jordan Staal has emerged as a slight comparison to his brother with the 'Canes, and along with top players Evgeni Malkin and the ever-famed Sidney Crosby, they make three great anchors for the top lines. Marc-Andre Fleury is also a top-10 NHL goaltender, and he led the Pens to an Eastern Conference title last season.

However, Philadelphia was one of the biggest trade deadline winners, and they've shown it, as they look poised for another run. Kimmo Timonen is becoming a budding star, and the goaltending duo of Martin Biron and Antero Niittymaki is getting better and better as the season progresses.

The Penguins may have more talent, but the tough, physical Flyers team is probably going to be able to win the series in Game Seven for Philadelphia.

Flyers win series, 4-3

Projected Eastern Conference Second-Round Matchups

(1) Boston Bruins vs. (5) Philadelphia Flyers

(2) Washington Capitals vs. (3) New Jersey Devils

The Eastern Conference has only posted three championship teams since 2000, but this could be the year for the Eastern Conference. Lets take a look at the matchups!

No. 1 Boston Bruins vs. No. 8 Montreal Canadiens (Boston won season series 5-0-1)

A little fact for you hockey fans: The most frequent playoff matchup in the history of the NHL is Boston vs. Montreal. These two teams have faced off 31 times in the history of the NHL. Montreal has won 24 of the 31 playoff matchups against Boston. However, Boston is the top seeded team in the Eastern Conference.

This season the Bruins were on fire against Carey Price. Montreal goaltending averaged just under four goals a game against Boston, however they could only muster out two goals a game against Boston.

Also, Boston has won eight of their last 10 games, while Montreal has lost four games in a row. There are two x-factors that could make a play in who wins the series. Montreal will ride with very high momentum at their home games. It is Montreal's 100th season in the NHL, and the Bell Centre will be rocking hard in Montreal. Carey Price is the second x-factor. Can he show us why exactly he was voted to the NHL All-Star game this year, or will he show us why Boston is the top ranked team in the Eastern Conference?

My Prediction: Boston in Five

No. 2 Washington Capitals vs. No. 7 New York Rangers (Capitals won season series 3-0-1)

This will be a match up of offensive fire power. Henrik Lundqvist is easily the best player on the New York Rangers. He has struggled against the Capitals all season as the Rangers offense struggled against them as well. Other then the New York Islanders, nobody has scored less goals in the Eastern Conference than the New York Rangers, and other then the Boston Bruins, nobody has scored more goals in the Eastern Conference than the Washington Capitals.

Jose Theodore didn't play lights out this season, but he plays with an offense that can help him out a lot. If the Rangers want to win, they need to score goals, and Lundqvist needs to play perfect. Literally. Sadly, I don't see that happening for the Rangers.

My Prediction: Washington in Four

No. 3 New Jersey Devils vs. No. 6 Carolina Hurricanes (Carolina won season series 3-1)

In what may be the most intriguing matchup of the first round, the New Jersey Devils will face the Carolina Hurricanes. This is the only matchup in the first round of the playoffs where the underdog has had a better season series record.

Cam Ward and Martin Brodeur have faced off once during the regular season. In that game, the 'Canes won 2-1 as Martin Brodeur made 46 saves, and Ward made 31 saves to edge the Hurricanes over the Devils. The Hurricanes have been lighting up goalies since March however, averaging just under four goals per game.

The leader of the Hurricanes in March was Eric Staal. Staal has 29 points in his last 20 games including two hat tricks since March. Carolina has been on fire since March going 13-3-2, while New Jersey teetered from second place to third by going 11-8-1. This series should go down to the wire.

My Prediction: Carolina in Seven.

No. 4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. No. 5 Philadelphia Flyers (Pittsburgh won season series 4-2, Philadelphia went 2-2-2)

At one point before the All-Star break, Pittsburgh was looking embarrassing. They didn't even look like a playoff team. In fact, they were 11th in the Eastern Conference at one point. Change of coach, change of players, and change of attitude came soon, as the team took two steps forward and sprinted full speed towards the finish. Pittsburgh's duo of Malkin and Crosby are arguably the best in the league. However, Philadelphia's tandem of Jeff Carter and Simon Gagne have put up more goals.

Marc-Andre Fleury has been considered inconsistent to many, but facts are facts, and he is the same goalie that led this Pittsburgh Penguins team to the Stanley Cup finals last season. However this is the not the same team as last year's. This year's team has better offense then last year's team. However the defensive side of the puck has slid a little bit as well.

Hands down, if the Penguins want to repeat, they got to play some defense and they need to play smart hockey. Jeff Carter is money on the power play, as the Flyers power-play percentage was at 22.5%. The Flyers still have that Broad Street Bully in them as they were second in the NHL in penalty minutes.

The Penguins have got to make something of their power-play which was not been much of year, as they were 20th in the league. The Penguins have got to play smart hockey to beat the Flyers.

My Prediction: Pittsburgh in Six

Second Round Predictions:

No. 1 Boston Bruins vs. No. 6 Carolina Hurricanes

No. 2 Washington Capitals vs. No. 4 Pittsburgh Penguins

Now I present you with a taste of things to come. There's no doubt in my mind that the Eastern Conference quarterfinals are going to be nothing less than a dogfight among eight very hungry, very angry pitbulls.

All the teams are in.  All the divisions are clinched, but the order still isn't completely secure. 

Below the division leaders, the remaining five teams below are all still jockeying for position and matchups, but we are going to peer into our looking glass anyway, and set the scene for your 2009.

Let's start with the possibility of Boston-Montreal Part 2.

Isn't it so interesting the difference a year can make?  Last season, it was Boston who held on to the final games of the season to clinch the eighth and final playoff berth, and Montreal was riding a wave of grandiose expectations. 

As I recall it now, Boston nearly stole that series from Montreal, fighting back from a 3-1 deficit to force a dramatic game 7 in the Montreal Biere Garden.

Now, the tables are turned.  This Boston team has gone from a rabble of luck driven overacheivers to a team to be reckoned with.  Boston has solid and steady goaltending from Tim "No Respect" Thomas.  Montreal does not.

Carey Price still has never gotten his sea legs all season long.  He goes through periods where he looks like the second coming of Patrick Roy, but then will go through stretches where he will melt with a forward in front of him.

It surprised this writer that Montreal did not at least attempt to pick up a veteran goaltender at the trade deadline.  The Canadiens have made their bed, now they must lie in it.

On to Carolina-Philadelphia. 

There's nothing more satisfying to me than to watch a team that no one thought would go anywhere at the one-third mark in the schedule march their way up the standings and now are chasing home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

In this series especially, home ice is going to be huge.  Regardless of what you may believe about the effect the crowd has on players, there is no denying that the Wachovia Center is one of the most hostile postseason buildings to play in.

Not that Carolina's home turf is any better on players.

Right, there are players!

There are two things you need as a team to have longevity in the NHL postseason.  The first is reliable goaltending.  Reliable? Martin Biron? We didn't think so.

The second thing is a durable, strong defensive corps.  The Flyers lack that as well.

However, what the Flyers do have is a strong offensive corps and sheer brute force. Jeff Carter's success in the postseason will end up being the key to this team going far. 

However, the Hurricanes put the band back together, so to speak.  The crowd is rowdy.  Eric Cole is back, acquired at the trade deadline from Edmonton.  Eric Staal is huge for the Hurricanes, literally and figuratively.  Cam Ward is hot.

This matchup has the potential to be quite compelling hockey.  Three of the four regular season matches these two teams played ended up in overtime.

Another compelling series is the possibility of a white-hot Penguins team going head-to-head with an ice-cold New Jersey team.

This one could go either way.  New Jersey seems to have simply given uptheir quest for another Stanley Cup moments after Martin Brodeur became the winningest goaltender in history.

The Penguins have rebounded nicely from certain doom during their midseason slump.  At one point, this season it was doubtful if Sidney Crosby and Co. were going to even make the playoffs, let alone be in a three-way tie for first round home ice advantage.

Isn't it amazing what a late-season coaching change can do?

Speaking of which, our last matchup is Washington-New York.  

This may just be Ovechkin's year.  He has fought off injury, a brutal slump, and Don Cherry.  

Not only that, Mike Green has emerged as one of the premier puck-moving defensemen in today's NHL.

The Rangers have undergone a late season reorganization of sorts and a late season coaching change.  Can this past week's emotional wins over Montreal and the clinching game against the Flyers carry weight against the onslaught of a Capitals team that is also on a roll?  

Let's first look at goaltending.  Jose Theodore matching up against all-world netminder Henrik Lundquist does not really make up a great goaltending duel, and Lundquist can be assured that he will be busy early and often. Can Tortorella's fire-and-brimstone routine motivate this Rangers team through the first round?

So, now it begins.  In five days it all opens wide and the flood and fun of the playoffs begin.  Fire up that DVR and grab that remote, because Lord Stanley's Spring Carnival begins soon.

With just one regular-season game left for most of them, the New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins, Carolina Hurricanes, and Philadelphia Flyers have all clinched Playoff spots but are still fighting for positioning or home-ice advantage.

The Rangers have the longest win streak going of the eight teams heading for the Eastern Conference side of the postseason.

New York and Montreal are tied at 93 points. The Rangers are ahead of the Canadiens in the standings, as they have one more win, but a Montreal win against Pittsburgh on Saturday and a New York loss in their final game against those same Penguins could reverse their positions.

Pittsburgh has 97 points, just like Carolina and Philadelphia. A Penguins win against Montreal would put them in fourth place with home-ice advantage, assuming Carolina loses their last game and the Flyers lose their last two games.

The Flyers have lost their last two games to the Rangers but beat them the last time the two teams met in Philly. Of course, the Rangers get Friday and Saturday off to prepare for their Sunday game against the Flyers while Philadelphia plays the New York Islanders on Saturday.

If the Flyers beat the Islanders on Saturday but lose at home to the Rangers on Sunday, they'll finish the season with 99 points, and the Rangers will finish with 95. That should be good for seventh for the Rangers, ahead of the Canadiens.

But keep in mind that the Penguins are likely to win their last game (against Montreal), which would leave the Flyers and Penguins tied at 99 at the end of the campaign.

Carolina's last game is at the New Jersey Devils, but that team is 3-6-1 in their last ten games, while the 'Canes are 9-1-0 in their last ten.

There's a possibility that Carolina would end the season in a deadlock with the Flyers in the Penguins (if they all wrap with 99). The rules state that if two or more clubs are tied in points at the end of the regular season, the standing of the clubs is determined by the number of games won and then the greater number of points earned in games between the tied clubs.

In short, the standings in the Eastern Conference could very well stay the same as they are right now. That would mean the Boston Bruins would play the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the Playoffs, Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals would "welcome" Sean Avery and the revamped Rangers, the Devils would host (but not roast) the Penguins, and the Flyers would fight the Hurricanes.

Hockey fans in the East may be hoping for a Boston-New York series after Tim Thomas fought with Sean Avery in their last game and a Washington-Pittsburgh series to see Ovechkin against Malkin and Crosby, but these series look unlikely.

Of course, there's a second round of postseason action to look forward to.

The New York Rangers have just two games left and it could come down to the final day of the regular season and stretch run before they know if they are in the playoffs this season.

After a huge game against the Montreal Canadiens, the Rangers now own the final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference, moving out of a tie with Florida, as the Philadelphia Flyers beat the Panthers last night.

The Flyers 2-1 victory over Florida clinched a playoff spot for Philadelphia. Jeff Carter got his 45th goal of the year. The Flyers did the Rangers a favour by beating Florida.

The Flyers are now tied with the Carolina Hurricanes in points and sit in fourth place as they have fewer losses than the Canes.

The last time the Flyers and Rangers had a back-to-back, home and home series, they split the games, with each team winning at home. The Rangers outscored the Flyers over the two games.

In their last game, the Rangers won convincingly, 4-1.

The Rangers dominated the Canadiens last night and got goals from new and old Rangers. Nik Antropov and Sean Avery, both acquired at the NHL Trade Deadline, combined for the game winner.

Chris Drury and Ryan Callahan were responsible for the other two. Antropov and Drury were the goal scorers, Avery and Callahan set them up.

New Rangers coach John Tortorella juggled his lines a bit, trading Antropov for Callahan, and it paid off as they were involved in all three Rangers goals.

The Rangers dominated their last two games, against the Boston Bruins and the Carolina Hurricanes, but scored only two goals in those games.

The Flyers will play the Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night and the New Yorkers' final game of the regular season will be in Philadelphia late Sunday afternoon.

The playoffs start right after that. If the playoffs started tomorrow, it would be Boston and the Rangers in the first round, the Washington Capitals hosting the Canadiens, the New Jersey Devils, now in third, against the streaking Pittsburgh Penguins; and the Flyers hosting the 'Canes.

A lot could change as a result of games in the next week. The Rangers have to fight off the Flyers and could finish ahead of the Canadiens. Montreal could sink behind New York or climb over Pittsburgh.

The Penguins could still get ahead of both the 'Canes and the Flyers. The Hurricanes have won their last nine games in a row, so they look like they are still on their way up.

If the Florida Panthers win their final two games and the Montreal Canadiens lose theirs, the Panthers could replace the Canadiens in the playoff picture.

The bottom half of the Western Conference is also tightly packed. The Nashville Predators, in ninth, could still climb into the playoffs as the St. Louis Blues and the Anaheim Ducks are tied in eighth with 88 and the Columbus Blue Jackets are just one win above them, with 90.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

The Eastern Conference playoff berths were wrapped up yesterday with wins by the New York Rangers and the Montreal Canadiens to secure the last two spots.

The Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, and New Jersey Devils have each clinched their respective divisions and the top three playoff spots.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

The Northwest division comes down to two teams nearly tied for the lead. The Calgary Flames have two games remaining against Edmonton and are two points behind. The Vancouver Canucks play their final game against Colorado. The team scoring the most points in these last two games will get the title, with Calgary holding the tie-breaker.

The Anaheim Ducks can clinch with a win in either of their last two games against Dallas and Phoenix OR at least a overtime loss AND EITHER (a St. Louis regulation loss and second loss of any kind OR a Nashville loss of any kind) OR TWO OF (two St. Louis regulation losses OR a Nashville regulation loss or pair of overtime losses OR a Minnesota loss of any kind).

The St. Louis Blues can clinch a playoff spot with a win in either of their last two games against Columbus and Colorado OR at least a overtime loss AND EITHER (two Anaheim regulation losses OR a Nashville regulation loss of pair of overtime losses) OR two Nashville losses of any kind AND a Minnesota loss of any kind.

The Nashville Predators can clinch a playoff spot with a win in either of their last two games against Detroit or Minnesota AND two St. Louis regulation losses AND a Minnesota loss of any kind OR a win and overtime loss AND EITHER (two St. Louis regulation losses OR two Anaheim regulation losses) OR two wins AND EITHER (two Anaheim losses of any kind OR a St. Louis regulation loss or pair of overtime losses.

The Minnesota Wild can clinch a playoff spot with a win and at least an overtime loss in their last two games against Nashville and Columbus AND two St. Louis regulation losses AND two Nashville losses of any kind OR two wins AND a St. Louis regulation loss and second loss of any kind AND EITHER (a Nashville loss to Detroit or a Nashville loss to Minnesota in regulation)

Minnesota has only a prayer. The Wild would probably need two wins against playoff fighting opponents (including defeating Nashville in regulation) and two St. Louis losses in order to qualify. They probably have a greater chance, though, than Buffalo has in the East.

Anaheim, St. Louis, and Nashville are all fighting for the last two spots. Nashville has a better chance of knocking out St. Louis. If the Predators win both of their games and the Blues only manage 2 points in their last 2 games then Nashville is in. Anaheim only needs a win against eliminated Dallas or Phoenix.

Matthew Pemberton, a fourth-grade student at Connolly Elementary in Glen Cove, at his home in Glen Cove. Matthew collected signatures for a Lighthouse project petition and presented it to Charles Wang at the 180th information meeting held Thursday, Mar. 26 at the Long Island Mariott in Uniondale (Photo contributed by Brian Pemberton).

Meet Matthew Pemberton, a fourth grade student at Connolly Elementary School in Glen Cove.

Over the past few weeks, Matthew and his parents, Brian and Tina, along with many Long Islanders, have had growing concerns over the progress of the Lighthouse project’s approval process. But what makes the Pembertons are a bit different than a growing majority.

In the days leading up to the 180th information session held by the heads of the Lighthouse project, Matthew took it upon himself to do his part for both his community and his favorite hockey team.

Over the course of seven lunch periods, Matthew walked around the school cafeteria collecting the signatures of his friends and teachers to help raise community awareness for the Lighthouse project.

After returning from school, Brian Pemberton, Matthew’s father helped him type the names to better organize the list.

“It had, I would say, 130 names on it,” said Brian. “But we weren’t really sure how to get this list to the Islanders, until I got an e-mail from the Lighthouse project telling me about the meeting at the Mariott,” he said. “So I said to Matthew, 'do you want to go?' ”

Matthew’s answer was an emphatic yes. The family attended the meeting that drew over 1,000 people, according to Newsday.

As Charles Wang, the Islanders' owner and financier of the Lighthouse, walked to the podium start the meeting, he made the audience aware of Pembertons’ efforts. The family then presented Wang with the list of names in favor of the Lighthouse project, and received a standing ovation from the crowd.

The Pembertons, who had been attending Islanders’ games casually for a few years, began following the team more closely after Matthew came home from school one December day with two free tickets to an Islanders’ home game.

As part of the “Islanders in the Community” project, the team sent a staff that included former player Steve Webb and team mascot Sparky the Dragon to a number of elementary schools in Nassau and Suffolk counties, and Queens.

Each student was given two free tickets to an upcoming home game, in addition to an assembly about how teamwork is important in every facet of life.

Since the Islanders’ school assembly, Matthew and his family have attended roughly 10 games this year. His parents also threw a birthday party for him and some friends at the Mar. 8 game against the Phoenix Coyotes.

The Islanders won 3-2 that night, with Kyle Okposo, Matthew’s favorite player, notching the game-winning goal.

The Islanders have reached out to thousands of children all over Long Island to increase interest in both the Islanders and hockey in general. The Pembertons have even gone ice skating a few times recently, and Matthew has a growing interest in playing hockey.

But with the help of 130 of his friends, it was Matthew who was giving back to the Islanders, and possibly, all of Long Island.