Stanley Cup Picks: The East

Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

(1) Boston vs. (8) Montreal
It remains to be seen whether the Bruins have enough for a long, hard playoff run. But Montreal is the ideal starter opponent. Undisciplined and defensively lax all season, the Habs showed little improvement down the stretch. The injury to defenseman Andrei Markov is a fatal blow. Deeper at every position, Bostonuins should end this quickly.
Bruins in Four

(2) Washington vs. (7) New York Rangers
Given their lack of scoring, the Rangers will have to do it with defense and goaltending. It's a tempting upset pick, as Henrik Lundqvist gives New York a clear advantage in net. But the Rangers power play was bad all year and the Caps are one of the best home-ice teams in the NHL. Under those circumstances, Ovechkin and friends will score enough to get the job done.
Capitals in Six

(3) New Jersey vs. (6) Carolina
Two of the NHL's hottest teams down the stretch. But the Devils streak ended a couple of weeks ago, while the Hurricanes are still playing over their heads. The forward comparison looks like a saw-off. Carolina has the edge on defense, and 'Canes goaltender Cam Ward has looked every bit as good as Martin Brodeur in recent weeks.
Hurricanes in Six

(4) Pittsburgh vs. (5) Philadelphia
The teams are as evenly matched as their records. The Flyers counter the Malkin-Crosby punch with a more balanced attack. Each team can swing wildly between sound defensive play and terrible breakdowns. The goalies are solid... usually. The difference is that Philadelphia played its best hockey around midseason, while the Pens are peaking now.
Penguins in Seven

Stanley Cup Picks: The West

Stanley Cup Game Schedule and TV Listings
Guide to the Stanley Cup Playoffs
Stanley Cup History

Photo: Are Eric Staal and the Hurricanes ready to do some damage? (Dave Sandford/Getty Images)