from Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun,

Now the real games begin.

With the NHL regular season having come to an end on Sunday, the two-month grind that is the road to the Stanley Cup begins this week. Here is a brief breakdown of the eight opening round series.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

WASHINGTON CAPITALS vs. PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

Why the Caps can win: Depth.

With the emergence of young star Evgeny Kuznetsov and the off-season additions of talented T.J. Oshie and multiple Cup champion Justin Williams, stopping Ovie and Nick Backstrom no longer guarantees opponents of beating the Caps.

Why the Flyers can win: Momentum.

No team comes into the post-season on a bigger high than the Flyers, who went on a 14-5-3 run to clinch a playoff berth on Saturday.

Keep your eye on: Caps G Braden Holtby.

On paper, he easily should win the goalie matchup versus the Flyers’ duo of Steve Mason/Michal Neuvirth. Nevertheless, now is the time to walk the walk.

continue for a mini breakdown of the seven other playoff series...