In a time of the annual greats such as Sidney Crosby, Malkin, C.Giroux, Gaborik, S.Stamkos, and the rest of the top players in the East, the talent level in the east compared to the west is unquestionably unfair. This is also a good reason why the All Star Game is a joke, and why they have the All Star Draft. Who would represent the West? A few guys from Vancouver, and a scrap load of other players? The competition from the East is too great, and to skilled for the West this season.
My call is that this series is over in 6 by way of New Jersey. I also wouldn't be surprised if its over before this, but refs will always try to extend the series and force teams to win the last game cleanly.
We know what Jeff Carter and Mike Richards could do when the led Philly into the playoffs all those seasons. The other is we also know what to gauge the talent on by way of the L.A Kings. Most seasons, this dynamic duo would be couped up when trying to lead the Flyers into the playoffs. It wasn't until these two players were re-united in L.A, that the Kings actually became a good team. On that note, the L.A Kings have been gauged as to what they have when matching up against the New Jersey Devils.
Overall, the New Jersey Devils have to face tougher competition, better teams, and better conferences. This should be a no-brainer as to who wins the series. For those who might lay down a little coin on this series, just beware of L.A bets jacking up the odds, so that the New Jersey pay outs should be good, if not great.