So..., the defending champs are gone and with it, a new champion will be crowned. Of the four Eastern teams left, the number one seed is still playing, the seventh seeded team is hanging in there and it's a crapshoot to determine the winners of this round. But, what the hell.

1) New York Rangers vs. 7) Washington Capitals

The Caps finally came alive in the Boston series, winnnig it on an overtime goal by Joel Ward and with that, the racial slurs began n Boston. Regardless of what happened in that series, it was more competitve then I and a lot of others thought it would've been. The Rangers took care of Canada's only hope left in Ottawa but it was a tough series as well... this one won't be any different.

Rangers in 6

4) Philadelphia Flyers vs 6) New Jersey Devils

Oh if only Scott Stevens was still in the league. Philadelphia manhandled Pittsburgh in their series, both physically, mentally and on the scoreboard (not counting the 10 Pittsburgh put up in an elimantion game). Philly's been off for a while, getting rested and healing from injuries, Bryz' playing great and their point scorers are ready for NJ. NJ needed double OT to oust the upstart Panthers so, they won't be rested enough before Saturday when this series starts. I see a lot of hitting, lot of scoring and in the end, the orange and black should prevail.

Flyers in 5