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Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals are making their 10th run in the past 11 seasons at the Stanley Cup, but can they finally break through to the Finals in 2018? Their first round isn't as easy as one would think. Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images

NHL Playoffs: Eastern Conference preview

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 4/10/18

Any NHL player, coach, or fan will tell you that the regular season doesn't mean jack once the playoffs get underway. To an extent, that is very true. But when we look at the matchups for Round 1, all we really have to rely on is how these opponents fared against each other during the regular campaign. Such is the case for the four matchups out East — all of which promise to be exciting, whether they mimic regular season play or take a completely unexpected turn. Here's a look at the Eastern Conference teams participating in Round 1 of the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New Jersey Devils

Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) shoots on goal as New Jersey Devils defenseman Sami Vatanen (45) defends during the second period at Amalie Arena on Feb. 17, 2018. The Devils won all three of their games against the Lightning this season. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Regular season record: New Jersey won all three of the regular season meetings, all by one goal.

Big storyline heading in: Hart Trophy hopeful Taylor Hall became the figurehead for the young New Jersey squad this season as they went on a rollercoaster ride to prove they can play with the big boys. The Bolts, on the other hand, maintained a dominant stance in the league all season as they rebounded from a dismal 2016-17 season. While the Devils took the regular season series, Tampa Bay's playoff experience is expected to play a big role.

X-factors: Defense will be a defining factor in this series. For New Jersey, goaltender Corey Schneider will have to play on a whole other level all series. Tampa Bay brings speed, size, and a scoring punch, and Schneider will be the last line of defense. The Bolts' Victor Hedman-led blue line corps will be tasked with keeping the Devils' speedy young scorers from giving Andrei Vasilevskiy too much work.

Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron (37) takes a pass ahead of Toronto Maple Leafs forward Leo Komarov (47) in the first period at Air Canada Centre on Feb. 24, 2018. The Leafs won three out four games against the Bruins this season. Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Regular season record: Toronto won three out of the four regular season meetings.

Big storyline heading in: This is one of the most anticipated series to kick off the playoffs, given how well both teams played across the board this season. The Auston Matthews-led Leafs squad is building on their success from last season, while Boston's veteran corps brings a stellar 2018 campaign — and previous playoff experience — to the table.

X-factors: With multiple 30-plus goal scorers on their roster, Toronto is expected to find the back of the net plenty this round. But they face challenges from a Boston team that can both score and frustrate their opponents with their physical play. The Bruins are also an incredibly confident bunch — injuries and player suspensions couldn't even simmer their hot streak in the regular season.

Washington Capitals vs. Columbus Blue Jackets

Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Nick Foligno (71) battles for the puck with Washington Capitals center Jay Beagle (83) during the second period at Capital One Arena on Feb. 9, 2018. The Caps won four of out their five games against the Blue Jackets this season. Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

Regular season record: Washington took four out of the five regular season meetings

Big storyline heading in: These teams enter postseason hockey with different expectations. The Caps enter for the 10th time in 11 seasons, while CBJ is in search of their first playoff victory in the history of the franchise. That being said, this series is widely considered to be the biggest toss-up in the Eastern Conference.

X-factors: Goaltending and special teams. This could be a high-scoring series if players get sent to the box a ton, because neither Washington nor Columbus is good at killing penalties. This puts even more pressure on Braden Holtby and Sergei Bobrovsky, who both need to play at otherworldly levels if they want their respective teams to make it past Round 1.

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Phil Kessel (81) celebrates his goal with teammates against Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Petr Mrazek (34) during the first period at Wells Fargo Center on March 7, 2018. The Pens swept the Flyers in the regular season. Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Regular season record: Pittsburgh swept the regular season series, four games to none.

Big storyline heading in: If you only hear one storyline all first round, it's how the Pens and Flyers have a long history of hating each other's guts. The last time they met in the playoffs was 2012, in a series full of goal-scoring and flying fists.

X-factors: These teams are actually more well-matched than many people think. Pittsburgh is almost automatically given the edge by virtue of being the two-time defending champions. But the young Philly team — led by Hart hopeful Claude Giroux — isn't going to go down quietly.

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