William Hill News | ice-hockey

Stanley Cup 2012: Philly to Bryz to Cup success

2011-10-04T09:07:43+00:00

The only thing that has been consistent about the Flyers goaltending over recent seasons has been its sheer inconsistency. The fans have seen goalies come and go since Hextell (circa 1987) and all have fell short of leading Philly to another elusive Stanley cup success. However, things are set to change for the Philly faithful as they have a bonafide number 1 that can stand on his head and win them Sheffield most famous export - Lord Stanley's mug.

Ilya Bryzgalov is the big money free agent signing and the main reason I'm tipping Philadelphia to defeat all before them winning the Atlantic Divison (5/4) the Eastern Conference (9/2) and the Holy Grail, the Stanley Cup (9/1). The off season work done by GM Paul Holmgren in trading away 2 of his biggest stars (Mike Richards, Jeff Carter) will improve the sides dynamics and settle the side, as will handing the captaincy to veteran D-man Chris Pronger.

Despite the big trades the Flyers have plenty of scoring depth including a new 1-2 punch at centre - which most franchises would love, Danny Briere (33/1 top goalscorer) and Claude Giroux. When you add in goal machine Jaromir Jagr and Calder trophy candidate Brayden Schenn you realise that this year Flyers are going to take some beating.

The main contenders they will face in the Eastern Conference will be the Pittsburgh Penguins (4/1), Philadelphia Flyers (9/2), Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals (5/1). The Penguins have confirmed they will be missing superstar Sidney Crosby for the season opener as he continues to battle post concussion syndrome. Expect their other star forward Evgeni Malkin to pick up the slack and carry the team (11/1 top scorer) towards a Cup run.

The Washington Capitals have been a fantastic team - until the playoffs start and so It's a surprise to see Coach Bruce Bordreau still there to start the season. The great 8 Alex Ovechkin (11/2 top scorer) will again light the lamp all season long but even with the added offseason veterans, including net minder Tomas Vokoun (25/1 Vezina Trophy) I still fancy them to be playing golf by the time the Cup Finals start.

The defending champions Boston have done a fantastic job and full credit has to go to GM Peter Chiarelli for the way he has assembled his side as they have been able to keep the roster together, and have cap space, unlike the Blackhawks the year before. Led by 37 year old Tim Thomas (6/1 Vezina) in net and Slovak beast Zdeno Chara on defence the Bruins will go deep again.

There could be a couple of dark horses in the East - most notably Buffalo Sabres (10/1) and the New York Rangers (18/1). The Sabres have long been a struggling team on a shoestring, however the longest serving coach in the NHL, Lindy Ruff, is finally able to spend following Terry Pagula's takeover and the additions of Ville Leino and Christian Erhoff will see them challenge their more established rivals.

Over in the Garden there is optimism among blue shirts fans at the Rangers landed the prize free agent on the market this off season, Brad Richards. Paired up with Marian Gaborik (14/1 top scorer) the duo will give the Rangers the goals to succeed while Henrik Lundqvist (10/1 Vezina) will continue to be the top goaltender his is. That just may see their fans optimism rewarded.

The Western Conference looks as deep as usual and challenges can be expected from reigning President Cup winners Vancouver (3/1), San Jose (5/1), Detroit (6/1), Chicago and Los Angeles Kings (both 7/1).

The Vancouver Canucks advanced to the Stanley Cup finals last season and looked like ending Canada's long wait for a Stanley Cup until choking. This year the roster is pretty much intact but there's even more question marks over Luongo (6/1 Vezina) and can his ability to handle the pressure, expect him not to and the Canucks fall short again.

The San Jose Sharks are my pick to claim the Western Conference title (5/1) on top of the Pacific Division (17/10) but yet again fall agonisingly short of bringing the Stanley Cup to California. They have made some great roster moves in the summer bringing in Martin Havlat for the frequently sulky Dany Heatley and adding Brent Burns as the missing peice on D. It's time for these Sharks to deliver.

The Detroit Red Wings will again be challengers, but aren't they always!? The loss of Rafalski to retirement was a huge blow but Lidstrom playing on will keep the Wings flying. I don't expect them to win the Central Division (5/6 to do so) and the age will catch up with them come playoff time.

The Chicago Blackhawks are back to being major challengers after a lot of the pieces from the 2010 team were traded due to the cap they have retooled ready for this season and with Patrick Kane (66/1 top scorer) they have the depth to win the Central Division (9/4) and go deep in the playoffs.

The LA Kings believe they acquired the missing piece of the puzzle when they traded for Mike Richards as their number 2 centre. They have also managed to wrap up contract talks with Drew Doughty in time for the season so if net minder Jonathon Quick can produce they may be able to upset a few big guns.

The other major NHL storyline for this season is the return of hockey to Winnipeg and for the first time since the Jets were last in the league Edmonton is not the least desirable city for free agents. The new Jets have moved from Atlanta following their off ice issues so it would be foolish to think this side will be able to emulate the Colorado Avalanche of 1996 and have success in year 1 - so much so the 1/16 they miss the playoffs seems a fair price for a roster that has consistently struggled.

As part of our wide range of markets we have prices on all teams to make/miss the playoffs and there is plenty of value to be found in there or a chance for you to back your favourite side if they're not a cup contender. And don't forget - just beacuse the season starts the betting doesn't have to stop! We'll be regularly revising outrights along with daily lines on all matches including the NHL Premier in Europe and the amazing NHL Winter Classic!

My Top Picks for the season:

Philadelphia Flyers - Stanley Cup @ 9/1, Eastern Conference @ 9/2 Atlantic Division @ 5/4

San Jose Sharks - Stanley Cup @ 10/1, Western Conference @ 5/1, Pacific Division @ 17/10

Presidents Cup - Washington Capitals @ 13/2

To Make Playoffs - Nashville Predators @ 4/6, Colorado Avalanche @ 4/1, Florida Panthers @ 7/1

To Miss Playoffs - Dallas Stars @ 11/10, Phoenix Coyotes @ 11/8, Toronto Maple Leafs @ 8/15

Top Goalscorer - Marion Gaborik @ 14/1, Rick Nash @ 25/1

Top Goaltender (Vezina Trophy) - Henrik Lundqvist @ 10/1

NHL Stanley Cup preview

2011-05-31T16:56:13+00:00

The Vancouver Canucks and the Boston Bruins will drop the puck on Wednesday night in game 1 of the Stanley Cup finals with both teams desperate to end long droughts and get their hands on Lord Stanley's mug.

History

The Canucks have twice been to the finals but have fallen short on both occasions - 1982 and 1994 and bear the weight of expectation from not only their own fans but also the rest of Canada as the last Canadian winners were the 1993 Montreal Canadiens. Boston will be in their 18^th Stanley Cup finals but their last appearance was 1990 and they have lost their last 5 straight and will want to make up for those near misses.

The Challengers

The Vancouver Canucks are the justifiably the favourites heading into the finals after they won the Presidents' Trophy for the first time in their history and disposed of the holders Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators and fancied San Jose Sharks.

They have one of leagues best Goalie's in Roberto Luongo, who has now shaken off his reputation of failing to perform in big games after helping Canada win gold in the Vancouver winter Olympics, and if that wasn't imposing enough then in front of him is possibly the deepest blue line in the NHL. The 'Nucks also have plenty of talent up front with the Sedin twins racking up the points and Conn Smythe front runner Ryan Kesler. Having Manny Malhotra cleared to play after his eye injury is also a huge boost to the forward corps.

Boston come in to the finals having played in 2 deciding game 7's against Montreal in the conference quarters and Tampa Bay in the conference final with a series sweep over Philadelphia in the middle. Tim Thomas is the number 1 in Boston and had a record breaking season and had led the Bruins admirably in the post season, the defence is led by 6'9" man mountain and captain Zdeno Chara and the Bruins are one of the only teams with a top line that can compete with the Sedin twins with Nathan Horton, David Krejci and Milan Lucic.

The predictions

The finals will come down to 2 men, the opposing net minders with tight edgy games and few goals and powerplay opportunities but I fancy Boston to be ending their drought with Canada and Vancouver left still waiting for a Stanley Cup north of the border. Boston have a solid team from front to back and hold an exceptional historic record over Vancouver and with Tim Thomas in net there will be no easy goals to get Vancouver momentum. They also hold one of the best road records in the NHL and can back up the form at home to erase Vancouver's home ice advantage. The big question mark over Vancouver for game 1 is how they will start after they had a long layoff after knocking out the sharks and I expect Boston to take full advantage with an early goal or two - especially if they can get over the power play problems that have haunted them in the post season.

Top Bets for the series

Boston to win game 1 - Vancouver have not had a competitive game for a while and Boston can take full advantage with a quick start Also for those of you that fancy Vancouver - the special of Vancouver to win from behind is at a very tempting 3/1

Series to be decided in 7 games (2/1) - with 2 teams matched as closely as these a deciding game 7 looks a real possibility, especially as both have had them in the post season already

Tim Thomas (9/2) - Conn Smythe trophy winner - If Boston are to be successful then Tim Thomas will be at the forefront of their top players, also he broke the NHL record for top save percentage and is 20/21 to have a better percentage in the finals than Luongo.

William Hill the place to go for ante-post American sports betting

2010-08-19T08:47:34+00:00

William Hill's product range continues to grow and nowhere can this be seen more than in our ante-post American sports offering.

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Daily baseball lines give over 70 betting opportunities on every game, NHL and NBA 30+ and weekly NFL lines well over 80 - it's a service that cannot be rivalled.

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All eyes are once again on Nick Saban's Crimson Tide and their Heisman winning back Mark Ingram but more importantly you can have your say on whether the ACC dominance of the BCS Championship will continue with our ante-post markets.

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Prepare your brooms, Philly could be swept

2010-05-25T15:41:24+00:00

The Philadelphia Flyers' return to the Stanley Cup never looked in doubt on Monday night as they ended the Montreal Canadiens brave fight, back on April 11 though things were quite the opposite.

With just 13 minutes remaining in the Flyers' season the dream of a first championship since 1975 was distant to say the least, and even when Matt Carle broke the New York Rangers' resistance few were tempted to invest on a deep playoff run.

They still had Washington, Pittsburgh and New Jersey to worry about not forgetting that in the final month of the regular season they couldn't even get past the likes of Minnesota or the Islanders.

But then that's exactly why we love the playoffs.

The mighty Capitals were dumped out by the Habs, as were the reigning champion Penguins and the Flyers did their bit by getting rid of New Jersey and the experienced Bruins, all to set-up a bizarre seven vs eight in the Eastern Conference final.

And from there it's history as Peter Laviolette's awesome penalty kill, alongside Montreal's weak offence meant the Phils head back to the Stanley Cup for the first time in 15 years.

The problem now though comes in the shape of the well oiled, impressive looking Chicago Blackhawks, themselves returning to the grandest stage in hockey after an 18 year hiatus.

Since day one Chicago have been backed and barring a slight wobble against Nashville in the first round they've lived up to all the hype.

Antti Niemi has been brilliant in the Blackhawks goal, Patrick Kane has given them massive production and young Center Jonathan Toews has been nothing short of unbelievable contributing 26 points - five more than anybody else during the playoffs.

The true marker that Joel Quenneville's side are the real deal came in the Western Conference finals though.

The San Jose Sharks, the perennial post-season underachievers, had finally removed that monkey from their back or at least that's what they believed before meeting Chicago.

From the first face off in game one there was only ever one team still likely to be in contention for Lord Stanley's Cup though as the Blackhawks categorically stopped everything the Sharks could throw at them.

The individual game results might not suggest the one-sidedness of the final but in truth the sweep was just deserts for a team that has seemingly been on the brink of something big for the past few seasons.

It now seems impossible to believe that Chicago can be beaten, especially by a not-so-strong number seven from a relatively weak Eastern Conference - the prices reflecting this; Chicago 4/11, Philadelphia 2/1.

For me the real question isn't who'll claim the first title of this decade, rather can Philadelphia actually take a game?

Chances are that if Michael Leighton can continue stopping every shot, deflection and power-play then they may sneak at least one of the games - I'm not so sure the back-up keeper will be anywhere near as effective again.

This is playoff hockey though and you'd be mad to think at least a few more shocks aren't lingering around the corner.

However, based on form, talent and what we've seen already a sweep is not out of the question. Although I fancy the Flyers can take either game three or four in the Wachovia Center meaning 4-1 Chicago (16/5) is where my money is going.

San Jose finally making Stanley Cup claims

2010-04-29T13:47:02+00:00

The San Jose Sharks overcame some early Western Conference quarter-final wobbles against the Colorado Avalanche to finally establish themselves as Stanley Cup contenders.

Todd McLellan's side once again entered the playoffs as the West's top seed but after two years of abject late season failure few punters were tempted to invest in better luck.

However, Joe Pavelski and co were desperate to avoid a repeat of last year's embarrassment when they were eliminated, after a President's Trophy winning season, in the first round by the Anaheim Ducks.

They quickly responded to going down 2-1 in the series, firstly grounding out a tight OT win in game 4 behind another big contribution from Pavelski, and then completing the recovery sweeping the next to by an aggregate score of 10-2.

It remains to be seen whether the likes of Ryane Clowe, Evgeni Nabokov and Joe Thornton have the mettle to take San Jose to a first Stanley Cup championship but, for now, the perennial regular season powerhouses can look forward to a defining series against Coyotes or Red Wings.

True there's plenty of work to do, a good part of it getting the cynical HP Pavilion behind them, but they're unlikely to be intimidated by either of their potential semi-final match-ups so don't be surprised if punters finally get on side and drag their 5/1 price in.

Eastern Conference

Away from California and moving into the East it appears the path to the Stanley Cup is being left open for Sidney Crosby and his defending champion Pittsburgh Penguins.

New Jersey have fallen, Buffalo's run came to an end and now the Washington Capitals, easily the best team in hockey through the regular season, are the latest Presidents' Trophy winner to fall victim to a dread #8 seed.

Despite a pretty tepid regular season most people agreed the Penguins would be a much different prospect at the business end - not that it's hard to guess a team with Crosby, Malkin, Gonchar and Depuis has deep playoff potential.

In fact many speculated that only the Caps had the firepower to see them off in a seven-game series; Ovechkin and co's struggles against the Habs ended that talk.

Everyone expected Washington to get the deciding win in Wednesday's game 7, but they didn't. Everyone now thinks Pittsburgh's savvy and class will see them float towards a third straight Eastern Conference title - surely with their experience they won't fall short.

Whether they have enough at that point to see off Chicago, San Jose or perhaps even Vancouver is questionable, however with Washington out of the picture the East looks pretty cut and dry, meaning Pittsburgh have to be value at 12/5 to pull off a sensational repeat.

I'm still dreaming of a Montreal - Vancouver Stanley Cup however my heart tells me it'll be the Penguins and Sharks battling it out for Lord Stanley's greatest work.

NHL Stanley Cup Conference Finals betting

2009-05-15T10:31:02+00:00

What a great two weeks of NHL action we have just been treated too. Three game sevens, number one seeds falling and the epic series everybody was wishing for between Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin - ice hockey has never been so hot.

It has taken over eight months but thirty franchises have been whittled down to just four and now the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Penguins and Carolina Hurricanes are all within touching distance of the Holy Grail, the Stanley Cup.

And if the Conference Finals can bring even half the excitement of the semi-finals then we can look forward to yet another roller-coaster round of hard-hitting and extraordinary NHL action.

Eastern Conference final - Pittsburgh Penguins v Carolina Hurricanes

Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin stepped up to the plate big style during the amazing come from behind series victory over the Washington Capitals and they'll need to do the same again against the Canes.

Nobody would have been happier than Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma as he watched Scott Walker snatch Carolina's OT game seven winning goal against the East's number one ranked Boston Bruins at TD Banknorth Garden.

The Canes were outplayed ever since going 3-1 up and had the usually top notch Bruins power-play not faltered then it would have been a very different proposition for the defending Eastern Conference champion Penguins.

Instead the Penguins now face-off against their preferred opponents and if they apply themselves as they did against the Capitals then they are surely heading towards a second straight Stanley Cup finals appearance.

The Crosby and Malkin effect

It's getting repetitive but there cannot be too much emphasis placed on how Crosby and Malkin perform.

Golden boy Crosby is well on his way to one of the greatest post-season performances in history; leading the league in both points and goals while also chipping in with a fifth best nine assists - Malkin's stats aren't too far off that either.

So the scenario is easy for the likes of Joni Pitkanen and Tim Gleason - stay out of the penalty box, keep the dynamic duo quiet and maybe, just maybe, they'll get the chance to win a second Stanley Cup of the decade. Of course this is easier said than done.

At least the Canes know they can rely on Cam Ward to provide top quality net minding and he'll certainly need to be at his imperious best.

One thing Paul Maurice has drilled into his boys though is spirit as they proved by defying the odds and eliminating Boston and, as has been seen on the odd occasion, the Penguins offence has been known to go missing when under intense pressure.

It's a tough task for the underdogs here but not impossible if they're at their best, however I cannot look past the Penguins progressing here.

Prediction: Penguins to fly past the Hurricanes in five

Western Conference - Detroit Red Wings v Chicago Blackhawks

Detroit has the big stars, the massive pay-roll and the great history but I really think the Blackhawks can come through this Western Conference final.

In an intriguing Original Six match-up there is more to look at than the Red Wings vast array of talent including how they struggled to overcome the regular season also-rans Anaheim Ducks.

It took seven games for the most successful franchise in ice hockey to pass the Ducks and even then it was clinched with a scrappy last period poke in from Dan Cleary - hardly the stuff Stanley Cup runs are based on.

And while the Red Wings struggled the Blackhawks were convincingly ensuring another year would have to pass before a Canadian team can take the Cup back to its spiritual home as they dispatched the Canucks in six.

Enthusiasm over experience

Chicago may have been out of play-off action for seven years but they're certainly not coming off worse. In fact they were the only side to distinguish themselves as potential champions during the semi-finals.

Post-season rookies Jonathan Toews, Kris Veerstag and Patrick Kane look like they were made for the high pressure best-of-seven series and with veteran goalie Nikolai Khabibulin as solid as ever they will take some stopping.

If any team is capable of halting the young Hawks then it would Detroit with their all-star roster including Henrik Zetterburg, Pavel Datsyuk, Marian Hossa and semi-final hero Daniel Cleary.

And true, if they all play at their peak then they undoubtedly have the strongest team in the NHL but they haven't consistently played at a top level during this play-off run and there is nothing to suggest things will change here.

Hossa left Pittsburgh at the end of last season in order to find glory yet he has only managed seven points so far, while 23 points combined from all Centres is not good enough for a team that has traditionally excelled in that position.

It's hardly disastrous news coming out of the Joe Louis Arena; it's just not quite what had been expected of the wily defending Stanley Cup champs.

Prediction: Chicago to edge it in seven

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Stanley Cup play-offs – Conference semi-finals

2009-04-29T10:49:20+00:00

The Stanley Cup quarter-finals produced some breathtaking ice hockey and a couple of major shocks to go with it. Hardly surprising as the very best in the NHL fight it out for the greatest prize of them all, The Holy Grail, otherwise known as the Stanley Cup.

The biggest surprise was the San Jose Sharks exit at the hands of post-season veterans the Anaheim Ducks.

As the number one seed in the Western Conference big things had been expected of the Sharks but the perennial play-off flops were outplayed and outclassed by regular season also-rans Anaheim.

Elsewhere, the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes scraped through by the skin of their teeth while the Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks and Detroit Red Wings made it look easy with comprehensive series sweeps.

There is a lot to live up to in the second round after the extraordinary first round but who looks best placed to make the step up to the Conference Finals?

Eastern Conference

#1 Boston Bruins v #4 Carolina Hurricanes

Two goals in one and a half minutes was enough to see the Hurricanes past the New Jersey Devils in round one but the number four seeds will need to massively improve if they want to trouble the Boston Bruins.

The Bruins ignored their lack of play-off experience as they smashed Montreal in four; a first post-season series win since 1999. Michael Ryder and Phil Kessel tallied 13 points between them while Tim Thomas continued to perform at an unbelievable level, conceding a miserly average of 1.5 goals per game.

The Canes were far less impressive in their series against the Devils and the fact that they came within 80 seconds of elimination speaks volumes.

Eric Staal and Ray Whitney were both in great form throughout and they will need to produce again here if Carolina are to have any chance. Big performances will also be required from Sergei Samsonov, Erik Cole and Jussi Jokinen, all of whom never really got going in the quarter-finals.

However, Boston seem to have so many options with Daniel Krejci and Marc Savard providing exceptional attacking flair while the monstrous Zdeno Chara on defence is always good for a goal or two.

Prediction: Boston to keep on marching in five

#2 Washington Capitals v #3 Pittsburgh Penguins

The focus in this one is sure to be on Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby but there is plenty more to whet the appetite between two of the NHL's most exciting attacking units.

Alexander Semin and Evgeni Malkin both outscored in points and goals their respective team's superstar in the first round and the series could be balanced on which of these two contributes most in this round.

However, defence is the key to the series and the battle between Marc-Andre Fleury and Simeon Varlamov in particular will be intriguing.

Fleury undoubtedly has the better résumé but Varlamov is Washington's season saviour after replacing Jose Theodore during the Rangers series to great effect - whoever wins this match-up will win the series.

But while there are vital match-ups over all lines it would be rude not to look at the main one; Ovechkin v Crosby.

It's the publicist's dream. The two best players in hockey; Russia v North America and neither player is shy of the camera.

Ovechkin is a goalscoring machine and has been the better of the two this year but it won't be as clear cut as that. Crosby loves the play-offs, the limelight and he has Evgeni Malkin by his side. This is the NHL's version of Kobe Bryant v Lebron James and it will be great.

Prediction: Capitals to build on momentum and win in six

Western Conference

#1 Detroit Red Wings v #4 Anaheim Ducks

If there is one series that looks easy to predict it is this one.

The Red Wings are superior in just about every area of each line and they also have the play-off acumen that the San Jose Sharks so badly lacked.

The Blue Jackets had no answer to Lidstrom, Hossa, Henrik Zetterberg, Datsyuk etc. and the Ducks look equally unable to contain the Wings' big guns.

One encouraging thing for Anaheim was Ryan Getzlaf's showing in the first round as he ripped apart San Jose's fragile defence time and time again. He is however unlikely to get the same treatment from the highly polished Detroit defence.

Chris Osgood still has a few questions to answer in front of Detroit's goals despite a solid first round series and Randy Carlyle is sure to encourage his Ducks to test him on every possible occasion.

Realistically though Anaheim will be lucky to take the series to a fifth game if this one goes to the form book.

Prediction: Prepare your brushes for another Red Wings sweep

#2 Vancouver Canucks v #3 Chicago Blackhawks

Let's hope the Canucks have broad shoulders as they carry Canada's hopes of a first Stanley Cup since 1993 but progression is not guaranteed against the strong looking Chicago Blackhawks.

Vancouver completed a comfortable sweep over the Tampa Bay Lightening in the last round although it looked like Tampa Bay had run out of gas after their miracle regular-season.

Chicago on the other hand had a much tougher workout against the Calgary Flames and had it not been for Nicolai Khabibulin's excellence this could have been an all Canada affair.

The question is; which is better preparation, a nice four game stroll or a six game thriller? I guess we'll soon see.

On paper it is hard to see who holds the advantage. Both teams are strong on defence with good puck movers and a lot of physicality while offensively there is a lot of talent at both ends.

The Hawks' Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and first round hero Kris Versteeg have great pace and are more than a handful while Ryan Kessler and Pavol Demitra are always dangerous, especially when a well-rested Mats Sundin is around.

The only given in this series is that it will be brutal and you have to think the Red Wings and Ducks will be secretly smiling in the knowledge that this will take a lot out of both sides.

Prediction: Chicago to nick a hard-fought battle in seven

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NHL play-offs – Eastern Conference quarter-finals

2009-04-13T18:55:56+00:00

It has been a gruelling NHL season but the fun starts here. The road to the Stanley Cup begins on Wednesday 15 April and the race to represent the Eastern Conference looks to be wide open.

The Boston Bruins were the undoubted stars of the regular season, starting strongly and rarely relenting as they strolled to the number one ranking. However, with a number of franchises making key trade deadline day moves it could come down to who wants it the most.

Below is a preview of all four Eastern Conference quarter finals so you can see who looks set to shine and who can start preparing early for next season.

#1 Boston Bruins v #8 Montreal Canadiens

The Bruins and Habs meet for the fourth time in seven play-off years and all the pressure is on number one ranked Boston after failing to win any of the last three battles. However, if it goes on regular season form then it could be a short lived series for the Canadiens.

During regular season play the Bruins dominated the series winning five of six and, with concerns over star defenceman Andrei Markov's fitness, Montreal could be considered lucky to take this to a fifth game.

The Habs are no strangers to causing shocks in this match-up though having defied the rankings in both 2002 and 2004 but it will take a monumental effort to usurp Marc Savard, Zdeno Chara et al on this occasion.

The Bruins strength runs deeply throughout all lines and with Tim Thomas in net they have one of the best in the NHL - it is hard to see any franchise in the East stopping Boston, never mind Bob Gainey's erratic Habs.

Prediction: Bruins to progress in five

#2 Washington Capitals v #7 New York Rangers

It's easy to think this series is all about the Caps Alex Ovechkin but there is far more to look forward too than simply marvelling over the star Russian.

John Tortorella has built the Rangers around defence, hardly surprising when Henrik Lundqvist is around, and if anybody can shut down Washington's awesome offence then it could be the Rangers. Indeed, if the Capitals had Lundquist in front of their goal rather than Jose Theodore, Bruce Boudreau may already be looking at who he'd prefer to progress to the Stanley Cup from the west.

There is one major reason that backing the Rangers would be very low on my list of priorities though - they can't score! Chris Drury and Scott Gomez have tonnes of play-off experience but it could all be useless if Nikolai Zherdev fails to produce as he has done for much of the season.

And when you consider any Rangers penalty will bring Ovechkin, Alex Semin and Niklas Backstrom on to the ice, you have to figure Washington will get enough chances to score, even against a rock tight penalty kill unit.

Prediction: Ovechkin to fuel the Caps to a 4-1 win

#3 New Jersey Devils v #6 Carolina Hurricanes

The Devils will need to make full use of home advantage if they are to stop the streaky Hurricanes after Carolina battled to a 12 game winning streak at the RBC Center at the tail end of the season.

The Canes should feel quietly confident of overcoming the seedings in this one led by 40 goal centre Eric Staal. The massive Canadian will have plenty of support in Ray Whitney and Sergei Samsonov and if Matt Cullen returns in time they are sure to ask the Devils' aging team lots of questions.

Brent Sutter's biggest hope is that experience wins the day for the devils and, if it does, you couldn't ask for anymore than Patrik Elias, Martin Brodeur and Brendan Shanahan. However, you do have to wonder whether this is a year or two too late for the legends.

If the Canes are able to shut down Jamie Langenbrunner and main point threat Zach Parisse then someone needs to step up for New Jersey. The question is; is anybody waiting in the wings to do this?

Prediction: Hurricanes to sneak in it in seven

#4 Pittsburgh Penguins v #5 Philadelphia Flyers

It has been a strange year for last year's Eastern Conference champion Penguins after seemingly failing to recover from Marian Hossa's departure, however a change of coach and a few nice acquisitions mean a play-off run could once again be on the table.

Chris Kunitz and Bill Guerin have come in from the Anaheim Ducks and the New York Islanders respectively and given the Penguins an attacking boost while Sergei Gonchar's return from injury was the real turning point in the season.

Of course the Flyers biggest worry remains in working out how to deal with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, and in Mike Richards they seem to have the perfect man for the job - at least in terms of shutting out Crosby.

Philly will start as outsiders here and unless John Stevens gets huge performances from Daniel Briere, Simon Gagne and Jeff Carter then there could be a repeat of last year's Eastern Conference final in which Pittsburgh strolled to a 4-1 win.

Prediction: Penguins to march on comfortably, 4-1

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NHL Season Preview 2008/09

2008-09-11T17:11:22+00:00

The heart-stopping, hard-hitting action of the NHL has regathered its breath and has taken to the ice for the new season. There will be big-hits, spectacular goals and fights fit for the boxing ring as the thirty franchises spanning Canada and the USA all battle for the title of Stanley Cup Champions 2009 and with it, get their names engraved on the one of the most famous trophys in world sport.

Last season saw the perennial powerhouse Detroit Red Wings return to the top as they defeated Sidney Crosby's Pittsburgh Penguins in the sixth game of the Stanley Cup. The Red Wings, led by the outstanding trio of Pavel Datsyuk, Nicklas Lidstrom and Henrik Zetterberg, were dominant all season long and even Crosby, the NHL's greatest talent, was powerless against their charge. This season they will be hoping to repeat their success and the early signs are looking good. Their squad has remained intact and with the addition of top free agent Marian Hossa they may be an unstoppable force this year - Western Conference rivals will be trembling at the prospect of entering the Joe Louis Arena.

The best of the rest in the Western Conference looks like being the Pacific Division's San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks. Expectations in San Jose often outweigh on-ice performance but they do have a talented group of players and a world class goalie in Evgeni Nabakov - they should be a dead cert. to make the play-offs. The Ducks, on the other hand, consistently achieve great results each season but this season they may be a bit fragile. In Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermayer they have one of the strongest blue lines in hockey but offensive production could be an issue. Anaheim's fate could be dependant on whether star right winger Teemu Selanne returns.

If a dark horse is to emerge in the West then it could well be the Dallas Stars. The Stars are definitely under-rated! With a potent attack and a strong defence they certainly have the ability to raise a few eyebrows although it may just be that neither is quite strong enough for domination.

In the Eastern Conference the Penguins should be strong again. Crosby will be supported by Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal to form the strongest line fans in the East will see this season. Injuries at vital times proved costly last season and could well do again this season but if a clean bill of health is kept then they will be fine.

The Penguins main competition should come from the Montreal Canadiens. The partnership between Alex Tanguay and Saku Koivu is their key to success and if it clicks they will be very successful. Alongside the superstars there is a feeling that the Canadiens can form four lines that will score and keep it tight defensively. In terms of strength in depth they are unrivalled.

The other team from the East looking capable of challenging this year is the Washington Capitals. When Alex Ovechkin started out he was strongly tipped to be an instant megastar, and, while he was good, he was not the franchise player the Capitals had hoped for. Now he is! This team is built around Ovechkin but if Alexander Semin and Nicklas Backstrom continue in a similar vein as they ended last season then they will be a difficult proposition for anyone. Also, the Southeast Division is not the strongest meaning Washington should have a clear path to the play-offs and from there, who knows?