No. 1 Capitals vs. No. 8 Canadiens
Where » Verizon Center
When » Thursday, 7 p.m.
TV » VERSUS
It’s their first playoff meeting. Montreal has the grandest tradition in hockey with 24 Stanley Cups. The Caps have … well, none. But they are favored this time after finishing with the NHL’s best record. Since 1994, the Canadiens have won just four playoff series and have never made it past the second round. Ironically, Caps goalie Jose Theodore won two of those series for Montreal.
No. 2 Devils vs. No. 7 Flyers
Where » Prudential Center
When » Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.
The Flyers are a mess. Goalie Ray Emery (hip) is done for the year. Michael Leighton was signed off waivers and still was deemed better than Brian Boucher — until Leighton hurt his ankle. Now everything is on Boucher. New Jersey, meanwhile, added an elite offensive player in Ilya Kovalchuk at the trade deadline and has future Hall-of-Famer Martin Brodeur in goal.
No. 3 Sabres vs. No. 6 Bruins
Where » HSBC Arena
When » Thursday, 7 p.m.
Buffalo goalie Ryan Miller became an American hero with his performance at the Winter Olympics in February. Can he lead the Sabres to a Stanley Cup? Boston is without star center Marc Savard (concussion) and is the NHL’s second-lowest scoring team (206 goals). Both of these teams rank in the top four in fewest goals allowed so don’t expect any high-scoring games.
No. 4 Penguins vs. No. 5 Senators
Where » Mellon Arena
When » Wednesday, 7 p.m.
Pittsburgh is the defending Stanley Cup champion and the two-time Eastern Conference champion. But the Penguins curiously struggled against the other top teams in the conference. These two teams split their four meetings. Ottawa will have to contain Rocket Richard co-winner Sidney Crosby (51 goals). Brian Elliott (.909 save percentage) will make his first playoff start in goal for the Senators.
