Note from Ed.: Walt has been a little off his schedule for the last couple of weeks -- spring fever perhaps -- so didn't hand in this piece until after the first Western Conference games last night. Shame to anyone who thinks he waited to see which way the ice was tilting before making his fearless predictions.
The National Hockey League's shortened season ended on Sunday, with the big bad Bruins succumbing to the surprising Senators, so it wasn't until Monday that Walt was able to suss out the final standings and figure out which way to bet on the Stanley Cup playoffs. A few minutes ago Walt posted his best bets for the outcomes of the Western Conference series. Here's what's going to happen in the East.
Eastern Conference
Pittsburgh Penguins (1) vs New York Islanders (8) -- Can Isles' John Tavares win 4 games singlehandedly? Can Evgeni Nabokov stop the other Evgeni (Malkin) and Jerome Iginla and Sid the Kid from scoring? No to both questions. Penguins in 4 if Crosby plays the first game, otherwise in 5.
Montréal Canadiens (2) vs Ottawa Senators (7) -- Are the Habs for real? When does the crystal coach turn into a pumpkin? Naysayers saw the wheels coming off in April, but les Glorieux still finished first in their division. But Ottawa is healthy at last and should put up a good fight. Home ice advantage should see the Canadiens win the series in 7.
Washington Capitals (3) vs New York Rangers (6) -- Will Ovechkin stay hot or suffer a fit of pique if he can't put the puck by Henrik Lundqvist. Can Walt's favourite coach, John Tortorella, get the Rangers to do his will? Walt is amazed to see these teams in the playoffs at all. You pick `em, but I'll go with Rangers in 7, just because I hate Ovechkin.
Boston Bruins (4) vs Toronto Maple Leafs (5) -- Speaking of hate... Here we've got the two roughest, toughest teams in the East squaring off for what should be a fight-filled goonfest. Leafs lack playoff experience and have a couple of nice kids -- exactly -- in goal. Bruins will be wishing they still had Timmy Thomas. Leafs will win Game 4, that's all. Boston in 5.
Trust me. Lifetime pct .990. You're welcome.
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