Originally Posted by CDSmith

I'm almost convinced Crosby & Malkin could carry them to the 2nd round virtually all by themselves. With some solid goaltending, and assuming they're playing at their top form.

Almost. As fierce as their level of talent is, this year is different. Pretty much every other team that made the playoffs are strong teams who are going to be tough to beat.For starters, getting past the Rangers is going to be monumental. No one sees them doing it. No one. What can I say, it'll either be a decent series or it'll be a 4-straight blowout.

But if they do somehow manage to take down the team with the best record in the regular season, holy shit that will be huge.



Here are all the matchups for round 1 ----


-=EAST=-

Pens
Rangers

Montreal
Ottawa Sens

Lightning
Red Wings

Capitals
Islanders


-=WEST=-

Ducks
Jets

Blues
Wild

Predators
Blackhawks

Canucks
Flames



So at least two Canadian teams are going to be eliminated in round 1.