Originally Posted by CDSmith

A few things about the Habs...

People say they're a so-so team riding on their hot goaltender's hot streak. Not exactly true. In fact they are the leading team for blocked shots so far in these playoffs with a whopping 180 so far, far more than any other team. They have had a very effective penalty kill as well, and in instances where the Caps lapsed in some way or otherwise opened the door even a crack the habs almost always took advantage of it. Witness Moore's goal where he was able to steal the puck from Green and almost immediately popped it by Varlamov.

Pens may very well prove to be the tougher team for Montreal to face in these playoffs but by the numbers put up during the course of the regular season the CAPS are by far the stronger team. 121 points vs the Pens who finished with 101, a full 10 games behind Washington.

But that's by the numbers. Actual play in round 2 will show who has the chops and who doesn't. I just hope Montreal brings and maintains their A game for this series because if they don't it's going to be a short one.

My hockey sense says Pens in 6, but my heart and sense of rooting for the underdog tells me to go with Habs in 7.