The East

These playoffs have been very close. Thus far, not a single team has been able to get more than a one game lead. Early on, the big surprises were Montreal, Philadelphia, and Ottawa. However, as we progress deeper into the first round, the better teams are starting to look like it.

New Jersey and Buffalo are struggling and now there are doubts that they can progress to the next round.

In game three, the Capitals showed why they won the President's Trophy, with a blowout win over Montreal. Pittsburgh has been looking a lot better, also winning convincingly in game three. These two teams look destined to meet again this year. However, the story this year will probably be different. The Capitals look like they have what it takes to edge the Penguins. My sports betting instinct tells me Washington will be in the finals this year.

The West

Again, no team has been able to get more than a one game lead. In fact, nobody seems to be very dominant at all.

The Sharks and the Canucks are now trailing their respective opponents, which comes as a rather big surprise. Both teams were expected to come out stronger than they have.

Phoenix and Detroit are entangled in a bitter battle to survive the first round. With Doan out for game four, it will be interesting to see how Phoenix responds without their captain. It looks like the NHL betting odds have been adjusted for this, as Detroit is a favorite to win this game. We will have to wait and see if they are right.

The really interesting game tonight should be between the Blackhawks and the Predators. Going in all tied up, someone has to take the lead and that should be a bitter battle.

The point is, there is still no clearly dominant team in the West. A few more days should clarify the picture.