Hockey Betting: NHL Eastern Conference Quaterfinals Playoffs Preview

#8 Montreal Canadiens (+475) vs. #1 Washington Capitals (-600) Montreal will try to contain the explosive offense of the Capitals in this best-of-seven series. The Canadiens scored 101 fewer goals than Washington during the regular season. On defense, Montreal did allow ten fewer goals than Washington. While the Capitals have four of the top 21 scorers in the league, Montreal's top scorer (center Tomas Plekanec) finished in a tie for 26th in league scoring during the regular season. With left wing Alex Ovechkin and center Nicklas Backstrom both finishing in the top four in NHL scoring, the Capitals were the only club in the league to score more than 300 goals this season. #7 Philadelphia Flyers (+195) vs. #2 New Jersey Devils (-235) Despite needing a win over the Rangers on the final day of the regular season just to reach the postseason, Philly is viewed as a dangerous club in this series. The Flyers are third in the conference in scoring. While Philadelphia doesn't have a player that ranks in the top 48 in league scoring, the squad has a balanced attack on offense. New Jersey wins with its defense. The Devils were the only team in the league to allow fewer than 200 goals this season. Veteran goaltender Martin Brodeur is still on of the NHL's best net protectors. #6 Boston Bruins (+145) vs. #3 Buffalo Sabres (-165) Of the16 playoff squads, Boston is last in goals scored at 206. However, New Jersey was the only team to allow fewer goals than the Bruins this year. Goaltender Tuukka Rusk allowed an average of less than two goals per start to lead the league. The Sabres also have an excellent goalie to counter with. Ryan Miller finished second behind Rusk by allowing an average of 2.24 goals per start. On offense, Buffalo was able to score 29 more goals than Boston. #5 Ottawa Senators (+235) vs. #4 Pittsburgh Penguins (-275) Ottawa allowed the most goals of any of the 16 playoff clubs during the regular season. On offense, longtime Senators standout Daniel Alfredsson (71 points) will be counted on to keep pace with some dynamic Pittsburgh offensive performers. The defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins are led by standout center Sydney Crosby. The top scorer in the conference helped the Penguins to rank second in the East in scoring. Like Ottawa, Pittsburgh also has some defensive concerns after allowing just one fewer goal than the Senators.