April 13--#1 New York Rangers vs. #4 Pittsburgh Penguins
The Rangers captured the Presidents' Trophy for most points in the NHL with 113. New York has a potent offense led by Rick Nash (42 goals and 27 assists), and goaltender Henrik Lundqvist is back from injury and seemingly poised to backstop New York to a deep run. The Penguins are loaded with talent, led by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, but needed a win on the last day of the regular season to grab the second wild-card spot.
Chris Kuc's prediction: Rangers in six.
#2 Washington Capitals vs. #3 New York Islanders
Combine the most prolific goal scorer of the season in Alex Ovechkin (53) and top-notch goaltending with Braden Holtby and the Capitals have a winning formula. The Islanders have the dynamic John Tavares but stumbled down the stretch and coughed up home-ice advantage when they fell to the Blue Jackets in a shootout Saturday night.
Kuc's prediction: Capitals in seven.
#1 Montreal Canadiens vs. #4 Ottawa Senators
A dream matchup for the Canadian neighbors became a reality when the Senators went on a remarkable 23-4-4 run in their final 31 games to claim a wild-card spot. Ottawa is led by Norris Trophy candidate Erik Karlsson and rookie Mark Stone (26 goals, 38 assist) as well as the goalie they call "the Hamburglar," Andrew Hammond. The Canadiens have some nice pieces in Max Pacioretty on offense and P.K. Subban on the blue line, but they will go as far as goaltender Carey Price takes them. He led the league in victories, goals-against average and save percentage.
Kuc's prediction: Canadiens in six.
#2 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. #3 Detroit Red Wings
The Lightning are nearly unbeatable at home, registering a stellar 32-8-1 mark at Amalie Arena. Steven Stamkos (43 goals) leads the way offensively while Ben Bishop (40 wins) is a force in goal. The Red Wings reached the 100-point mark despite going 4-4-2 in their final 10 games of the season. Detroit relies on veterans Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk offensively and Jimmy Howard in goal.
Kuc's prediction: Lightning in five.
ckuc@tribpub.com
