Here are my first-round series matchups, and below my series-by-series predictions. As always, I’d love to see your picks today. Maybe, if we can get a volunteer from our regulars to do the accounting, I can award a prize or two or three to the best selectors. No promises.
Rangers-Penguins matchups:
FORWARDS: The Penguins are probably without injured Evgeni Malkin (arm) until late in the series, but Sidney Crosby has played some of the best hockey of his career since December. Ex-Ranger Carl Hagelin and a rejuvenated Phil Kessel provide tons of dangerous speed, and the Pens have plenty of firepower in guys like Chris Kunitz and Patric Hornqvist, among others.