NHL PLAYOFF PREVIEW: EASTERN CONFERENCE FIRST ROUND

(1) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (8) New York Islanders

The Skinny: The New York Islanders are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2007. John Tavares led his team in goals (28) and points (47) while Evgeni Nabokov was solid for the most part of the season. Unfortunately, they draw the potent Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round. Even without Sidney Crosby for game 1 (and possibly longer), the Penguins outmatch and outgun the Islanders on every front. Marc-Andre Fleury will be tested with the Islanders PP and a good series for him could go along way, especially after last year's debacle against the Philadelphia Flyers. The Islanders cannot take any dumb penalties.

Penguins win if… They do everything they’ve done so far this year. They clinched the number one seed in the East for their ability to run four lines backed up by solid goaltending. The addition of Crosby in the next week or so will play huge for a team that already has Iginla, Malkin, Neal, Kunitz, Sutter and Dupuis.

Islanders win if… The hockey gods are looking down on them. Evgeni Nabokov has never been a good playoff performer and it's going to be up to him to stop the Penguins. There is no question that he has to be the best player for his team. They also have to neutralize the Penguins scoring ability and find ways to score on 5-on-5.

Prediction: Penguins in 4

(2) Montreal Canadiens vs. (7) Ottawa Senators

The Skinny: Despite pumping the brakes in the last two weeks of the season the Montreal Canadiens showed what they have done all year, utilizing their speed in back-to-back road wins against Winnipeg and Toronto to finish the season. Both games had playoff-like atmospheres, so the Canadiens and Carey Price look to be in playoff mode. For the Senators they won on the last game of the season to avoid the Penguins, hand the Canadines the division, and set-up the only all-Canadian matchup of the first round. The Senators have played the Canadiens hard all season splitting the season series (2-1-1). The Senators have used strong goaltending from the combination of (Bishop, Anderson and Lehner). Erik Karlsson’s return was a huge boost for this team who are still without the services of Jason Spezza.

Canadiens win if… Carey Price finds his game back. If he does he is arguably one of the toughest goalies to beat. The last time Price played was against Winnipeg a full week before game one, so he will be well-rested. The Canadiens will also need to beat the Senators in the special teams game (PP/PK). Need all four lines clicking, and have the defense pick up its intensity without Alexi Emelin.

Senators win if… Craig Anderson puts on a show. He’s played very well in big games dating back to his playoff games with Colorado and last year with Ottawa. The Senators combat the duo of Subban/Markov with the power play unit of Gonchar and Karlsson. The young forwards for the Senators step up and Daniel Alfredsson is a big factor.

Prediction: Canadiens in 6

(3) Washington Capitals vs. (6) New York Rangers

The Skinny: These teams met last year and went the distance. Expect the same in this series as the Capitals are surging into the playoffs as the Rangers squeezed in. Rick Nash is back in the playoffs and he’ll go head-to-head with 2013 Rocket Richard winner Alex Ovechkin. This series will come down to who plays better in net. Will it be Braden Holtby or Henrik “King” Lundqvist?

Capitals win if… Alex Ovechkin continues his hot scoring. This is the third series between the two teams and Ovy has had been able to put behind Lundqvist in the past. Braden Holtby will need to steal game or two like he did against Boston last season.

Rangers win if… Rick Nash and Brad Richards find some chemistry. You don’t have to worry about Ryan Callahan’s play or the goaltending of Henrik Lundqvist but these two are the catalysts if the Rangers want to make a deep playoff run. Defense is a little suspect with the loss of Marc Staal but Dan Girardi and company has figured how to keep it all together in a short season.

Prediction: Rangers in 7

(4) Boston Bruins vs. (5) Toronto Maple Leafs

The Skinny: Despite losing the last game of the season and failing to clinch the division the Bruins must be licking their chops with a series against the Leafs. The Bruins have lost once to the Leafs in the last 15 games and in most games have dominated the Leafs in every aspect. This time however, there is now Tim Thomas. For the Leafs they are back in the playoffs for the first time since before the lockout . James Reimer has played spectacular hockey down the stretch and will need to be amazing against the pesky Bruins. Joffrey Lupul and Phil Kessel (who will hear a lot of boo’s) will also need to factor in.

Bruins win if… They play their hard-nose defensive game. Zdeno Chara will always be up against the Leafs first line. They have to hit the Leafs every chance the can and Tukka Rask has to avoid giving up the weak goals.

Maple Leafs win if… They show their strength in dominating the Bruins and outhitting them in every game. James Reimer steals the series away with some great goaltending and the defense plays well. The combination of Kadri, Kessel, JVR and Lupul will take the Leafs as far as they go. If all four men play to their potential we could be in for quite a series. Colton Orr and Frazer McLaren have big impacts

Prediction: Bruins in 6