After all game ones are over in the East, here's a general outlook and keys for winning team to take the rest of the series. (Key fact +) Enjoy!
Pittsburgh - Ottawa:
High scoring as expected, as winning teaming in all regular season game had atleast 4 goals for. Role players stepped up and were vital parts of both teams offensive output. Defense on both sides are willing to sacrifice. Game 1 ended 5-4 Sens.
+Malkin, scoring 2, stays hot vs Sens. 5 goals during regular season.
Keys for Sens
-Realize their luck in Game 1.
-Continue to block lanes between Crosby and net, 2 shots in 21 mins in Game 1.
-Elliot must rebound from Pittsburgh goals, will be a high scoring series.
-Toughness while shot blocking and in corners has been their M.O.
New Jersey - Philadelphia:
Tight game, momentum swinging back and forth. Team defense will be a big factor moving forward, on Pronger's goal and Zajac's goal both plays originated from the points. Game 1 ended 2-1 Flyers.
+Pronger now has 1 goal and 7 assists in 7 games vs Devils this season.
Keys for Flyers
-Boucher will have to continue to play as strong as he's been playing recently.
-Penalty Kill was outstanding in Game 1 (NJD PP - 0/5), will have to continue.
-Keep Kovi's shots to the outside, makes his living in and around the slot. (4 shots in Game 1, 1 in slot)
-Get Gagne going, he's the all time scoring leader vs Brodeur in regular season.
Washington - Montreal:
Both fast teams, they like a quick style of play. Teams seemed very famillar despite only meeting 4 time during regular season. Game 1 ended 3-2 OT Montreal.
+Plekanec backs up his talk beating Theodore in OT.
Keys for Habs
-Keep Ovi off net, 0 shots in 25 minutes of play in Game 1.
-Halak saved 45 of 47 shots, he established himself as #1 and is backing it up.
-Smart defensive puck decisions, Caps forecheck feed off unforced errors.
-Quick, small offense have to take advantage of the holes they will get in Caps D.
Boston - Buffalo:
Just as expected, a defensively fought game. Buffalo fans were jumping, expect the same when the series turns to Boston. Both teams have quick offensive schemes, defenses will have to adjust. Game 1 ended 2-1 Buffalo.
Keys for Sabres
-Miller Time, Miller went 38 of 39 he's one of the best and is playing like it.
-Tyler Myers played over 23 minutes in his 1st playoff game, 3rd to only Montador and Lydman.
-Explosive offense led to a lot of chances ;ate in 3rd, look for that to keep up.
^Picture - Rod Brind'Amour scored a goal in all but one series openers during the Cane's post season run in '06, including the Stanley Cup Final.
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