After an ABYSMAL first round of predictions, I’m on to the second round after going 3-for-8.
Eastern Conference
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Ottawa Senators – PIT in 6
The Penguins need to count their lucky stars that they are playing in the second round. The Islanders gave them almost more than they could handle and if New York had better goaltending, we would be talking about who the Islanders would be facing. Pittsburgh is in tough this round, mainly due to the fact that the Islanders showed other teams how to play against them. Ottawa is getting healthy at the right time and if you mix in the Cooke-Karlson business, this series will definitely have a lot of emotion. The Sens were also a bit lucky getting past the banged-up Canadiens. Craig Anderson was the main reason for the Sens’ victory and look for him to be strong against the Penguins. If they can solve Anderson, then Pittsburgh will have a fairly easy time of it. If they can’t, then the door is open for the Sens. Ultimately I don’t see that the Senators have enough firepower to go toe-to-toe. They will give it a good fight but Pittsburgh’s offense will carry the day.
Boston Bruins vs. New York Rangers – NYR in 6
Despite the fact that the Leafs totally collapsed in the last 10 minutes of game 7, they did make the Bruins look vulnerable. Most of Boston’s scoring came from one line and in the playoffs, that is never a good thing to rely on. The Rangers, on the other hand, won their game 7 by having phenomenal goaltending. They worked hard and made the Capitals have to force the issue which led to mistakes, which led to New York goals. If the Bruins cannot find additional scoring, I can’t see them outworking the Rangers, who will be willing to play a bang-and-crash style if need be. With the edge in goaltending going to New York, I see them taking it in 6 for the upset.
Western Conference
Los Angeles Kings vs. San Jose Sharks – LA in 5
The Kings-Blues series was one of the best I think I’ve ever seen. The hockey was intense in every game and it was a shame that one team had to lose. The series definitely could have gone 7 games, but fortunately for LA, it didn’t. The Sharks, on the other hand, played lacklustre hockey against a Canucks team that I had honestly expected to be stronger. Vancouver never looked dangerous for more than the odd player her and there and so the Sharks coasted to an easy victory over an easy team. LA will be anything but easy. I don’t think the Sharks will be ready to play a strong, physical team and they will find themselves in a hole very quickly. LA will pound the sharks into submission and their goaltending will give the Sharks fits. I won’t predict a sweep because San Jose does have good goaltending that could maybe steal them a game or two (although to be honest, it was never really tested in the Vancouver series), but it won’t be enough.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Detroit Red Wings – CHI in 6
Isn’t it funny how a team that is too old, or missing too many key pieces, makes the playoffs for the 22nd year in a row and then knocks off a team that is tougher and faster than they are? The Red Wings surprised many by making the playoffs, but they showed a lot of grit and heart beating a tough Anaheim team. Chicago, on the other hand, just rolled against the Wild, continuing on the roll they started way back on game 1. My biggest concern with the Blackhawks is that they really haven’t faced much adversity this year. If Detroit can steal a few games, will the Hawks be able to maintain their roll? On paper, this series should be over quickly, but I just think the Wings will give them trouble. If Chicago can expose the Detroit defense then they will have success. The bottom line is that Detroit will give it a go, but won’t have the legs or experience on the back-end to beat Chicago.