NHL

NHL Playoffs Preview - Eastern Conference
Ottawa Finally Poised to Break Through

By Stephen Cohen

Also: Western Conference Preview

NHL fans have been waiting two long years for the "fastest game on ice" to return to playoff action. The last team to hold up the Stanley Cup trophy was the Tampa Bay Lightning, who defeated the Calgary Flames in a hard fought seven-game battle, in June of 2004. Then came the NHL lockout, which lasted 310 days and resulted in a lost 2004-05 NHL season. No team was awarded the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1919, due to a flu epidemic. We have treatments and vaccinations for the flu, but we do not have any such solutions for greed and mismanagement.

Nevertheless, this season has been an unexpected success, with reported NHL attendance records set in many arenas across North America. Much can be attributed to the game being missed by hockey loyalists. However, others claim that new rules, such as the elimination of the center line and the decrease in size of goalie equipment, have increased goal scoring and added new excitement to the game. Also, the much controversial shootout rule (there are no more ties in the NHL) was added as a new dimension to the game and has piqued fans' curiosity.

Finally, incredible seasons from such notable players as the Calgary Flames' goalie/magician Miikka Kiprusoff, San Jose Sharks' top playmaker, Joe Thornton, and probable Hart (MVP) Trophy winner, the New York Rangers' goal-scoring sensation, Jaromir Jagr, in addition to arguably the greatest rookie class ever, from such new sensations as the Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby, New York Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist, Calgary Flames' Dion Phaneuf, and probable Calder (rookie of the year) Trophy winner, the Washington Capitals' Alexander Ovechkin have made this an NHL season to remember.

So, who will/will not win and why?

Eastern Conference (in order of seeding)

Ottawa Senators (1)

Why they will win - So much playoff experience and so much frustration built up. This team is complete, from a top-notch offense (Daniel Alfredsson, Jason Spezza, Dany Heatley) to the best defense in the league with such talent as Zdeno Chara, Wade Redden and rookie, Andrej Meszaros.

Why they will not win - They are the Ottawa Senators. Failed playoffs with high expectations have dogged this team for the past eight years. Crucial injuries to goalie Dominik Hasek, who is not expected to be ready for the first part of the playoffs, and recent play of current starting goaltender, Ray Emery, could make this yet another disappointing playoffs in Ottawa.

Carolina Hurricanes (2)

Why they will win - Possibly the best forwards in the NHL, with such sharpshooters as Cory Stillman, Rod Brind'Amour, and surprising breakout star, Eric Staal. Maybe most importantly, they are the most cohesive team in the NHL.

Why they will not win – The team comes out of a weak division, collecting tons of points against the likes of inconsistent Tampa Bay and Atlanta, and basement teams Florida and Washington. Is goalie Martin Gerber cold coming into the playoffs and is the aged defense fully tested against physical play that they will face without being sheltered in the Southeast Division?

New Jersey Devils (3)

Why they will win - They are simply the hottest team coming into the playoffs. Martin Brodeur is the most experienced goaltender in the playoffs. "The trap" still works against powerful offensive teams. The Devils offensive leaders, such as Brian Gionta, Scott Gomez, and Patrik Elias, know how to get it done in the playoffs.

Why they will not win - This team was lost in the midseason and this kind of push to the playoffs could take its toll, especially on Brodeur, who never gets a game off. The defense is not even close to being what it once was.

Buffalo Sabres (4)

Why they will win - Daniel Briere and Chris Drury have led the offense, and this team has had at least four other forwards with career seasons. Goalie Ryan Miller has become a breakout star in Buffalo. Lindy Ruff is the most underrated and underestimated coach in the NHL. The more this team is dismissed, the more they win.

Why they will not win – The defense has shown weak links at times. Can the blue line hold up so that Miller can do his job effectively?

Philadelphia Flyers (5)

Why they will win - When this team is healthy and shows up, it can beat anyone. No team has endured more injuries and succeeded in spite of them. They have possibly the best offensive first line in the league with Peter Forsberg, Simon Gagne and Mike Knuble. Defensemen Derian Hatcher and Eric Desjardins are experienced and ready. Antero Nittymaki could finally bring Philadelphia peace and harmony in goal.

Why they will not win - Injuries, injuries, and more injuries. While the team has appeared to have gotten most of its team back together, Forsberg is still not 100%. The final weekend of the regular season was a microcosm of this team's season. They showed up and hammered the Rangers 4-1 on Saturday and then were completely shut down on Sunday 5-1 by the Devils. Which team will show up?

New York Rangers (6)

Why they will win - Jaromir Jagr is having the greatest season in Rangers history and shows no signs of slowing down. Frequently overlooked offensive stars, such as Michal Nylander, Martin Straka, midseason addition Petr Sykora, and rookie star, Petr Prucha can catch anyone by surprise. If healthy, Henrik Lundqvist has played better than any other goaltender in the Eastern Conference.

Why they will not win - Inexperience (the Rangers have not been to the playoffs in eight years) and bad penalties at bad times. This team looks spent and has literally slumped into the playoffs. Lundqvist has been out longer than expected and this lack of play late in the season might cost him his edge.

Montréal Canadiens (7)

Why they will win - Cristobal Huet has completely made everyone forget about the José Theodore disaster in goal. Huet could be the next Jean-Sebastien Giguere in the playoffs. Michael Ryder, Saku Koivu, and Alexei Kovalev can be offensive forces when playing well.

Why they will not win - Inconsistent offense and defense. Huet has saved the Habs from many defeats with his stellar play. Veterans like Sheldon Souray, Richard Zednik, and Kovalev tend to disappear at crucial times. Leaders like Radek Bonk and Saku Koivu did not have the season that was expected out of them.

Tampa Bay Lightning (8)

Why they will win - They are the defending Stanley Cup champions and they still have an offense with guys like Martin St-Louis, Brad Richards, Vincent Lecavalier, Fredrik Modin, and Vinny Prospal. The defense has seen strong play from Dan Boyle and Darryl Sydor.

Why they will not win - Goaltending has been an inconsistent mess between John Grahame and Sean Burke. Coach John Tortorella and Grahame hate each other, and this distraction shows on the ice. This team is light years away from the Stanley Cup Championship team from two years ago.

My picks:

Eastern Conference Finals - Ottawa over Carolina in six

Western Conference Finals - Detroit over Dallas in seven