Predictions for the Eastern Conference in the First-Round of the NHL Playoffs

New York Rangers vs Washington Capitals

It's crazy to think that the Penguins - with Crosby and Karlsson - missed the playoffs but the weakest Capitals roster in a decade somehow made them.

I think Pittsburgh could have defeated New York, but I don't believe that Washington has any chance.

In fact, I don't think Washington will even win a game.

The Rangers have better forward.

The Rangers have a much better blue-line.

The Rangers have a better goalie.

In fact, this is probably the most lopsided series in the entire playoffs. While anything can happen in the NHL's Annual Tournement of Variance, the Rangers losing to the Capitals seems pretty unlikely.

The Rangers won't be able to get by the Leafs or the Panthers, should it come to that, but they should have absolutely no trouble with the Washington Capitals.

Then again, maybe Alex Ovechkin goes on a late career renaicance and the Capitals become a Cinderella team and caputure our hearsts with the romance of a legacy team getting one final kick at the can.

Actually, that would be awesome. Outside of the Toronto Maple Leafs winning the Stanley Cup, it's the best thing I can imagine.

But it ain't happening.

I predict that the New York Rangers win in five games. (But I hope I'm wrong and will be cheering for Ovechkin and the Capitals).