Penguins vs. Blue Jackets
The Pittsburgh Penguins will be without top defenseman Kris Letang and no team has repeated since the Detroit Red Wings in 1997 and 1998. But they still have 2016 playoff MVP Sidney Crosby and more.
The first-round rivalry series also features John Tortorella (Columbus) facing longtime assistant Mike Sullivan (Pittsburgh) a year after his good friend and former understudy matched him with one championship.
Rangers vs. Canadiens
The Atlantic Division champion Canadiens and the Rangers are meeting in the playoffs for the first time since the 2014 East final that featured tensions rising and suspensions getting handed out. New York’s Chris Kreider ran into Montreal goaltender Carey Price, injuring him and knocking him out of the series. Players have long memories, so expect it to be another physical series.
Maple Leafs vs. Capitals
The Capitals aren’t the perfect opponent for Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs’ first playoff series. Toronto has nine players who haven’t played in an NHL playoff game, but coach Mike Babcock doesn’t want anyone to wade into games this time of year.
“If you want to dip your toe into the water you’re going to find out its boiling,” Babcock said. “You might as well just jump in. Run down the dock and jump right in.”
Bruins vs. Senators
Coming off shattering his career high with 85 points – and being suspended for spearing – Brad Marchand will have to be the key if the Bruins make a run. The suffocating Senators are up first and have home ice, but if Marchand can get on a roll and pile up the points, Boston won’t be an easy out for anyone.
