Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs has begun and I suppose I should continue my "analysis" and predictions, just for the hell of it.
But first, a look back at Round 1...
Eastern Conference
1. Washington Capitals def. 8. New York Rangers 4-1 - So the Caps had a bit more D than I gave them credit for. Had not King Henrik and the Rangers collapsed in Game 4, I believe we see a different outcome.
2. Philadelphia Flyers def. 7. Buffalo Sabres 4-3 - Despite using three different goalies in the series, the Flyers proved to be the better team in Game 7. I wonder if they even get that far if Mike Richards was where he should have been, in the locker room, at the end of Game 6.
3. Boston Bruins def. 6. Montreal Canadiens 4-3 - Nothing beats an OT in Game 7. Credit to the Canadiens and Carey Price for almost pulling this one off.
5. Tampa Bay Lightning def. 4. Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3 - Fleury did everything he could in Game 7, but without their Captain the Penguins offence just ran dry.
Western Conference
1. Vancouver Canucks def. 8. Chicago Blackhawks 4-3 - The Canucks had their foot on the Hawks throat after jumping out to a 3-0 series lead, but the Torres hit on Seabrook and the NHL's refusal to exercise logical discipline changed the entire complexion of the series. The Canucks took every last second, and then some, in Game 7 OT to finish the job.
2. San Jose Sharks def. 7. Los Angeles Kings 4-2 - Entertaining series, but too many injuries for the Kings to come back from.
3. Detroit Red Wings def. 6. Phoenix Coyotes 4-0 - The winged wheel rolled over the desert dogs from the series' opening faceoff.
5. Nashville Predators def. 4. Anaheim Ducks 4-2 - The rise of Jordin Tootoo and the continued stellar play of Rinne in the pipes is enough to knock off the Ducks.
My record:
Method 1 ("Analysis") - 4-4
Method 2 ("Coin Flip") - 4-4
On to Round 2... And now that I've proven that my "analysis" is just as good as flipping a coin, I'll spare you the coin flipping.
Eastern Conference
1. Washington Capitals vs. 5. Tampa Bay Lightning - The Penguins superior defence was unable to contain the Lightning's offence over the course of the series. There's no doubt the Capitals have the offence to compete with the Lightning, but I still have many doubts about their defence and goaltending. If this becomes a series of trading chance for chance the Lightning have the edge. Lightning in six.
2. Philadelphia Flyers vs. 3. Boston Bruins - The goaltending edge is with the Bruins, by far. I wouldn't be surprised if we see all three Flyer goalies again in this series. And Chris Pronger looked anything but healthy in his return to action, turning his right hand away from any and all contact. How long until it is re-injured? The Bruins don't have the firepower up front like the Flyers do, so if Thomas falters it could be the difference in the series. However, I see no reason to believe that will happen. Bruins in six.
Western Conference
1. Vancouver Canucks vs. 5. Nashville Predators - Was the seven game series win against the Blackhawks a watershed moment for the Canucks? Or will the emotion of the series be too much for the Canucks to overcome? Luongo looked shellshocked after the Hawks finally came alive in the series but he rebounded well to win Game 7. The Predators methodically beat the Ducks with opportunistic scoring and their usual sound defence and stellar goaltending. In the end, I think the Sedins wake up and the Canucks take this series. Canucks in five.
2. San Jose Sharks vs. 3. Detroit Red Wings - The next installment of a classic rivalry. I, like many, keep wanting to count the Wings out but they just keep on going. And the Sharks are perennial playoff underachievers, one series won't change that reputation. Given those trends... Wings in six.
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