Thanks to two NHL head coaches (of non-playoff teams) for playing along with me and sharing their thoughts of the first-round matchups in the East.



They spoke on the condition of anonymity, which is key in getting a more honest assessment.



Here are their thoughts, followed by my picks for each series. The Western Conference predictions come Tuesday.



Lightning vs. Blue Jackets



The Blue Jackets should have contended for the Metropolitan Division title this season. This is no wild-card team. Not on paper, anyway. But the No. 8 seed they are.



Nice prize for a Lightning team that won 62 games this season.



“One of the first things that struck me was that you’re Tampa, you just tied the record with the Detroit Red Wings, and now you got to play Columbus,” head coach No. 1 said. “The difference between Columbus or Washington is nothing. I mean, it’s miniscule. And I think Tampa is the deepest team in the league...