It’s my Parting Shot for Part 1 of the Fearless Predictor’s Stanley Cup Playoff picks for Round 1…..

I will also have my prediction for who gets to hoist the big mug and who they beat in the final to close out tomorrow’s picks, but on to the Eastern Conference quarter-finals…

Let’s start with the Metropolitan Division pennant-winning Rangers against the second wild-card qualifier from Washington. The Capitals had to play playoff-style hockey down the stretch and won a lot of big games to get to this point. Does that mean Alexander Ovechkin and company are physically and emotionally spent? Or just getting revved up? I lean more towards the latter, but the Rangers are really good and will advance in five games!

Then comes the Atlantic Division pennant-winning Panthers against cross-Florida state rival Tampa Bay, the first wild-card. Only 12 points separated the two teams at the end of the season and I think the Lightning were getting their act together at the end – moreso than Florida. I’m going with a, so-called, upset and taking the Bolts in six games!

My next Eastern opener to look at is Metropolitan second place Carolina against the third place Islanders. Patrick Roy is in the playoffs and nobody should bet against him – even as a coach. He got the best out of the Isles down the stretch after taking over behind the bench in mid-season and I think they can handle the Hurricanes in seven games!

Lastly, Toronto against Boston – third place against second place in the Atlantic Division. First, the N-H-L’s playoff format needs to change or else the Maple Leafs will never get past Round 2. They haven’t beaten the Bruins in a playoff series since 1959!! That was the year I was born!!! Even without Patrice Bergeron, Boston is superior to Toronto and will win in six games!

Tomorrow, it’s the Western Conference prognostications!

That’s my Parting Shot. I’m Les Lazaruk…and it turned out nice again!…..