2017 Eastern Conference Round 1 Preview

This time around we decided to poll the Western Conference teams on who they thought would be victorious in the east this spring (and vice versa for tomorrow's article). But first we'll take a brief look at every series.

(D1) Ottawa Senators vs. (W2) Carolina Hurricanes

It should come as no surprise that the Presidents trophy winner was favoured by most. Now not everyone thinks it's a short series, with some looking towards Cory Schneider making the series closer than most would expect.

Editors Prediction: This should be a fun series. Both teams were almost unbeatable down the stretch, on their ways to clinching different goals. Both teams were some of the best offensive teams in the East, which helps put these teams a lot closer than the standings project. Senators in 7

(D2) Toronto Maple Leafs vs. (D3) Tampa Bay Lightning

Again most of the Western conference GM's we polled went with the favourite. The Leafs like the Senators and Hurricanes, were red hot down the stretch.

Editors Prediction: The Lightning did all they could to improve over the season and it definitely worked. The Leafs on the other hand are just a deep team that have been consistent all year. Leafs in 6

(B1) New York Rangers vs. (W1) Pittsburgh Penguins

There was a little bit more of a split in this matchup, with two western conference GM's picking the wildcard Penguins to upset the Rangers.The Penguins were so close to taking the last division spot, so that should be eating at them.

Editors Prediction: The Penguins were solid down the stretch with some new additions like Evgeni Malkin, though it's hard to ignore the fact that the Rangers moved to really improve themselves for a long playoff run at this deadline and might be a team to beat.. Rangers in 5

(B2) Washington Capitals vs. (B3) New York Islanders

The West seems to think that the Islanders are the favourites heading in to this series. Maybe there's optimism around the newly added Phil Kessel or just the relying presence of Roberto Luongo, but one thing for sure is that almost everyone believes this series will go the distance or close to it.

Editors Prediction: The Capitals have picked up the silver medal the last two years, losing in the finals back to back year. So maybe fatigue will finally set in, but Henrik Lunqvist has been a beast all year and this team is still hungry. Capitals in 6