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Eastern Conference 2nd round Preview
Topic Started: Mar 16 2015, 11:53 PM (78 Views)
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#1 New York Islanders 15-7 vs #6 Pittsburgh 11-11

Season Series: Tied 2-2
Week 4 Pittsburgh 99-73 New York
Week 10 New York 113-68 Pittsburgh
Week 17 New York 96-81 Pittsburgh
Week 20 Pittsburgh 107-98 New York

Average Scoring
New York 94.90
Pittsburgh 78.75

Leading Scorers by position
New York:
Ryan Kesler 111.16
Brent Burns 136.52
Carey Price 203

Pittsburgh:
Bryan Little 106.65 Fantasy Points
Kris Letang 128.03 Fantasy Points
Jonathan Quick 131.5 Fantasy Points

Goaltending
It seems like years ago that the Islanders found themselves at the bottom of the standings. Their goaltending has been a major reason for their turnaround. Obviously Carey Price will most likely be the Hart and Vezina winner, but Kari Lehtonen, and Cory Schneider have turned in good seasons. Jonathan Quick has improved for Pittsburgh throughout the season while Ondrej Pavelec may get another shot to put his team over the top like last week. Edge: New York

Forwards
New York has one of the most balanced offenses in the league, no real transcendent perfomances but a great mix of veterans in Dubinsky, Kesler, and Callahan, and young talent in Forsberg, Saad, and Bjugstad. Pittsburgh continues to battle even through injuries and suspensions up front. Patrick Kane and Bryan Little remain out, while Nazem Kadri returns from suspension. Edge: New York

Defense
Kris and Kris, Letang and Russell have been on fire for the Penguins over the past month, taking turns posting double digits. The Islanders counter with some trade acquistions on their blueline in Brent Burns and Cody Franson, and a free agent pickup in Mark Streit. I think I am going to ride the hot hand here. Edge: Pittsburgh

Conclusion
Pittsburgh is authoring quite a Cinderella story, so many injuries but it doesn't seem to catch up with them. The Islanders had a down week in their bye, so could this be another upset. I will take the Islanders to win a close matchup.

#2 Montreal 13-9 vs #3 Ottawa 11-11

Season Series: Ottawa 3-0
Week 1 Ottawa 78-64 Montreal
Week 12 Ottawa 67-57 Montreal
Week 18 Ottawa 87-63 Montreal

Leading Scorers by Position
Montreal:
Joe Pavelski 134.73
Andrej Sekera 71.93
Tuukka Rask 162

Ottawa:
Nicklas Backstrom 134.97
John Carlson 123.16
Braden Holtby 165.50

Goaltending
This may end up being a one on one matchup between Rask and Holtby. Both are enjoying great seasons and are the main reason their respective teams are still alive. Karri Ramo could provide the difference in net if given the chance for the Canadians. Edge: Montreal

Forwards
Montreal has a great top six each with over 90 points. The top line of Joe Pavelski, Gabriel Landeskog, and Alex Steen have over 100 points. The Senators have two stars leading the way in Nicklas Backstrom and David Backes. I will take the depth here. Edge: Montreal

Defense
John Carlson and Alex Pietrangelo have been constants this season for Ottawa. What has really made this a good defensive unit is the emergence of T.J. Brodie. The Canadians top pairing of Andrej Sekera and Thomas Hickey will have to step up if the 'Habs are going to make a run. Edge: Ottawa

Conclusion
Another tough one to pick, Montreal has gotten hot at the right time just like last year. It's hard not to like the Senators power from the blueline. I think this will be a low scoring affair with Montreal winning this "battle of Canada".

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Bo_CoyotesGM
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Very interesting that Ottawa has owned The Habs all season, yet faired less well against the rest of the league. This should come down to a Sunday battle....

Nice write up, yet again, Rich.
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The Desert Dogs are on the hunt
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