NHL Second Round Predictions

After a first round that lived up to many picks but also brought a few surprises, eight teams move on the getting one step closer to the coveted Stanley Cup. The biggest upset came out of the Western Conference where once again San Jose failed to meet expectations and fell the to 8th seeded Anaheim Ducks. While the Ducks underachieved throughout the whole season, they were finally able to put all the pieces together, including starting Jonas Hiller at goalie, to dismantle the Sharks. Even though they had a new coach, the Sharks were not able to receive the needed production from former MVP Joe Thornton, Captain Patrick Marleau, and other stars. Instead of continuing on to what seemed like a guaranteed long playoff run, the Sharks are once again out before May rolled around. The Eastern Conference also did not fail to disappoint in terms of surprises. While no series ended with a shocking winner, as many predicted the Hurricanes to upset the Devils, the Rangers and Capitals' series lasted longer than many expected. Behind the Henrik Lundqvist's great goaltending, the Rangers jumped out to a 3-1 series lead, a lead they have never lost before in their playoff history. Unfortunately for them, there's a first for everything. After game 4, Lundqvist became human again, Alexander Ovechkin found the back of the net, and the Capitals claimed the next three games. The next round should prove to contain just as much drama and excitement as the intensity increases.

Western Conference 

2) Red Wings vs. 8) Anaheim Ducks

In what may be one of the most intriguing 2 vs 8 matchup in NHL history, the Ducks look to develop a string of upsets and take out the defending Stanley Cup Champions. This series is a battle between the last two Champions and maybe the two best all-around teams in the league. The Red Wings, who became the first defending champion to win a first round series since the Avalanche in 2002, have some of the best two-way players in the NHL, specifically MVP candidate Pavel Datsyuk and Conn Smythe (MVP in playoffs) winner Henrik Zetterberg. Their defense may be the most experiences in the league, with 46-year old Chris Chelios and 6-time winner of the Norris Trophy (best defenseman) Nicklas Lidstrom. The only weakness may be at goaltending, but Chris Osgood has proven to be a winner as long as he has a team that can help him. The Ducks also have great players at all positions and carry over a very similar team that won it all two years ago. This will be a hard fought series, but home-ice advantage may prove to be the difference. 

Red Wings in 7

3) Vancouver Canucks vs. 4) Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks are finally back in the second round for the first time since 2002, led by great play from young players and the veteran defenseman Brian Campbell and goalie Nikolai Khabibulin. This is a young team that relies on speed, energy, and desire for motivation. Besides Campbell and Khabibulin, there is little to no playoff experience, but the blend has proven successful. The Canucks on the other hand are an older team with more experience and desperation. There are many old players who have yet to get their hands on Lord Stanley's Cup, including Mats Sundin, Pavol Demitra, and Sami Salo. However, this is not to say that they do not also have their share of young scrappers. Ryan Kesler, at only 24, has been nominated for the Selke Trophy, awarded to the best defensive forward. However, this is a team that relies on its goaltending first, as they are backed up by Roberto Luongo, arguably the best goalie in the world. This series will come down to who can carry their team farther, Luongo or Khabibulin.

Canucks in 6

Eastern Conference

1) Boston Bruins vs. 6) Carolina Hurricanes

Coming off a complete dismantling of their primary rivals, the Montreal Canadiens, the Bruins are feeling confident and ready to win their first Stanley Cup since 1972. Led by likely Vezina Trophy (Best Goalie) winner Tim Thomas, the Bruins feature both the best offense and defense in the Eastern Conference. Great setup man Marc Savard leads a young offense that features some of the best scorers in the league. The offense does not only rely on one line either, which makes it almost impossible to stop. The Bruins' defensive players are nothing to scoff at either. Two-time Norris Trophy finalist and captain Zdeno Chara is a stalwart at the defensive end and a threat at the offensive end, possessing the hardest shot in the league and one of the hardest in NHL history. However, if the Bruins think they can roll in and sweep the Hurricanes like they did the Canadiens, they will be behind and fast. The Hurricanes enter the second round with enormous momentum after winning game 7 against the New Jersey Devils with only 31.7 seconds left to play. Eric Staal's series winning goal came only 48 seconds after Jussi Jokinen scored a goal to tie the game. The Hurricanes are 1:20 away from heading to the golf course before they snatched away a victory from the formidable Devils. This series will be decided by what wins out, the Bruin's skills or the Hurricane's momentum.

Bruins in 6

2) Washington Capitals vs. 4) Pittsburgh Penguins

This series is the series that NHL executives have been waiting for ever since Sidney Crosby was drafted in 2005. It will feature the best young players in the NHL, with Ovechkin, Crosby, Pen's Evengi Malkin, Cap's Alexander Semin, and more. The Penguins enter the series after taking care of their inter-state rivals Philadelphia Flyers in 6. The series win only continued to prove that this is a different Penguins team that looked like it wouldn't even qualify for the playoffs earlier in the season. It also marked the first time a losing conference finals winner made the second round since the Dallas Stars made the second round in 2001. The Penguins hope they can find a little more success against a team that has quickly developed into a primary rival. There is much bad blood between these two teams, as both Crosby and Ovechkin have traded words. Malkin and Ovechkin also have a history, going back to agents in Russia. Not to feel left out, Semin also threw his hat in the ring with some critiques of Crosby. This four way battle between four of the best young guns in the league will provide enough drama to keep anyone watching. However, the series will be determined by not young forwards but young goaltenders. The Penguins are backed by 24-year old and former number one overall pick Marc-Andre Fleury while the Capitals are backed up 20-year old rookie Simeon Varlamov, who took over Jose Theodore after game 1 of the Rangers' series. While Varlamov looked good in round one, he will face a much tougher test, as the Rangers were the worst offensive team in the league and the Penguins are one of the best. These are both unpredictable goalies, so which ever one decided to step up will be the one to take his team to the conference finals.

Penguins in 6

-A.S.

NHL Playoff Predictions: West

While the East stars some of the best young, offensive teams in the league, the West primarily relies on tough defensive play, so one might expect very physical series from the other coast.

Western Conference

1) San Jose Sharks vs. 8) Anaheim Ducks

Despite winning the Stanley Cup only two years ago, the Ducks find themselves in a vulnerable position facing what has been far and away the best team in the league this season. The Sharks have been contenders for the past few years but the firing of Head Coach Ron Wilson over the summer and the acquisition of Dan Boyle seems to have put them in a better position than ever before. The Sharks have the best defense in the Western Conference and the best record at home in the league. Meanwhile the Ducks, while talented and dangerous, always find themselves a man short, which might define the series considering the Sharks have the 3rd best power-play in the league and the Ducks have the 8th worst penalty kill. Don't be surprised if the Ducks win a few games but the Sharks did not play this well in the regular season to lose in the first round, especially to a division and in-state rival.

Sharks in 6

2) Detroit Red Wings vs. Columbus Blue Jackets

The only similarity these two teams may have is that they both play in the Central Division. After that fact, these two teams may have the most different histories in any series this year. The Red Wings are 11-time Stanley Cup Champions (including last year), have made the playoffs for 19 straight years, and have finished in the top two spots in their division for 17. The Blue Jackets historical records look like this: 9 years of existence, 1 playoff appearance. The Blue Jackets are the last time in the NHL to make the playoffs but they've finally done it lead by amazing goaltending from rookie Steve Mason and strong offensive play from the 2004 NHL leading goal scorer and captain Rick Nash. Unfortunately, this may be the first and only series for the Blue Jackets this year. The Red Wings only got better from last year, benefitting from strong goalie play from Chris Osgood and Ty Conklin and career seasons from many role players. The only way the Blue Jackets pull out the victory is if Mason plays better than he already has the whole season. Expect very dominating games on the Red Wings part but closer scores than the games indicate.

Red Wings in 5

3) Vancouver Canucks vs. 6) St Louis Blues

The percentage of hockey experts who predicted the Blues to be in playoffs as the 6th seed might be lower than the seed itself. The Blues seemingly came out of nowhere to nab a playoff spot after missing the big dance for the last three years. Many thought they would be playing for a good draft position and they were until the second half of the season when something clicked. It may have been the organization's refusal to participate in the yearly fire sale at the trade deadline, but whatever it was, it has worked the Blues get to play past mid-April again. Unfortunately, they must get past the also red hot Canucks in the first round. After starting the season well, the Canucks seemed to have lost their magic after signing former Leafs captain Mats Sundin half way through the season. They lost a franchise record 10 straight at home and seemed to be in free fall. However, as quickly as they fell they seemed to get right back up, going on a strong run the finish the season as the Northwest Division Champions, an achievement that seemed impossible two months ago. The Blues have a good young team but will probably not have enough for the fired up Canucks.

Canucks in 5

4) Chicago Blackhawks vs. 5) Calgary Flames

The once great Blackhawks are finally back in the playoffs and in serious contention to make some noise. In what has been a three year process, the Blackhawks regained their lost fanbase, drafted young skilled players, and played their way into the playoffs for the first time since 2002. This year has been a great story for Chicago and they hope they can continue against the sinking Flames. The Flames main problem has been inconsistency, lack of chemistry, and injuries. After making a splash at the trade deadline that seemed to cement them as NW Champions and Stanley Cup contenders, they lost their division lead and their seemingly invincibility. Even stalwart goalie Miikka Kiprusoff seems to have lost his touch. If the Flames want to win this series, they will have to find their pre-March magic and step up to a determined Blackhawks team.

Blackhawks in 7

-A.S.

NHL Playoff Predictions: East

Its that time of the year again, when the snow starts to melt and the ice rinks get hot with playoff fire. After a grueling regular season, 16 teams have made it into one of sport's hardest tournaments to find the best of them all. Beginning Wednesday, teams will finally have a chance to play for the most honored and prized trophy in all of sports, Lord's Stanley Cup. However, before they lift this prize, they must make it past the first round, which has proven difficult for any seed, whether it be the 8th or 1st. 

Eastern Conference

1) Boston Bruins vs. 8) Montreal Canadiens

This may seem like a train wreck waiting to happen, featuring one of the best and most consistent teams in the league versus a spiraling team in the midst of turmoil, but it could turn out better than expected. While the Canadiens started off hot, they struggled terribly after the All-Star game and only made it into the playoffs due to a tie breaker with the Florida Panthers, as each finished the season with 93 points. Firing Head Coach Guy Carbonneau was supposed to set a fire under these uninspired Canadiens but only resulted in more losing as players fought and young all-star goalie Carey Price lost all confidence and flash he has previously shown. Meanwhile, the Bruins are coming off the second best season this year, finishing with 116 points and leading the Eastern Conference in both goals scored and fewest goals allowed. However, the X-factor in this series is the historical rivalry between these two teams. The Bruins and the Canadiens have met in the playoffs more times than any other two teams in history and just about every series is a good one. Still, the Bruins are too good and the series will be over quick.

Bruins in 5

2) Washington Capitals vs. 7) New York Rangers

This series will be decided by how many of Washington's Conference leading shots can Rangers' goalie Henrik Lundqvist stop. The Rangers have one of the worst offenses in the league and unfortunately, their defense isn't that much better. They will have to completely rely on their young Swedish goalie just as they have the whole season. The Caps are a different story. Their offense is amazing, lead by reigning MVP Alexander Ovechkin, their defense is solid, featuring the dangerous Mike Green, but their goalie is mediocre. If Lundqvist can hold the Capitals to one or two goals a game, the Rangers may be able to force a few lucky goals to take the series. However, that is much to optimistic, and while the Rangers can claim some games, four may be too many to ask.

Capitals in 6

3) New Jersey Devils vs. 6) Carolina Hurricanes

While the seeds may favor the Devils in this one, momentum clearly goes the other way. For much of the season, the Devils seemed like an unstoppable force, even threatening to grab the number one seed only a month ago. However, a miserable second half of March, which saw them lose seven of eight games, has put a damper on the parade planning. Still, they were able to save some face in April, including a season ending victory over Carolina, and they still have Martin Brodeur, a winner of three Stanley Cups. The Hurricanes came out of the All-Star game out of the playoffs and like a team with no direction. However, bringing back ex-Head Coach Paul Maurice seemed to have struck a chord with the players and they lost only three games in March, two of which were overtime losses. These two teams have a little bit of a history, so expect some sparks and a good series.

Devils in 7

4) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers

This rematch of last year's Eastern Conference Finals features some of the best young players engaged in a hot Pennsylvania rivalry. While the Flyers have been in the playoff picture basically all year, due to great play from captain Mike Richards and league's second leading goal scorer Jeff Carter, the Penguins have arisen from what seemed like a lost season. After suffering through what seemed like never ending injuries to the defensive corps and ineffective coaching from Michel Therrien, the Penguins found themselves unable to crack the playoff bubble and get into fighting position. However, standing five points out of the 8th spot, the Penguins finally fired Therrien and have never looked back. New Coach Dan Blysma led the team to an 18-3-4 record to secure the 4th seed and home ice advantage in the first round. The Flyers hope they can stop the Penguins' strong surge with good defensive play and the league's most dangerous penalty kill. 

Penguins in 6

-A.S.