Round 2 predictions

So looking back on my first round predictions I got all the teams right with the exception of Washington. That final game 7 went into overtime and after watching the highlights from that game one of Phillies goals shouldn't have been allowed (after pushing a player into the goalie)

So first round I went 7/8 but I wasn't very good at choosing the number of games. Going 1/8 I only predicted Colorado in 6 correctly.

For the Second round here are the match ups

Eastern Conference

• Montreal Vs Philadelphia

While the Habs had a tough time against Boston in parts of the first series I still have to give the edge to Montreal. Game 7 of the Boston / Montreal series showed what Montreal can do. Namely expect great goal tending from Price and good offense from a variety of sources. Also for Montreal is the return of Koivu, just having him back in the lineup gave Montreal a good jump in their step. If only they can get the PP back to how it was in the regular season.

Philly has a few good offensive weapons and solid goal tending from Biron. They are likely to play a similar game to Boston in trying to shut down the Various Montreal weapons. The keys to Philly will be Briere and Biron if they can get Biron to steal games and Briere to rack up the points then they will be in good shape.

That being said I expect Montreal to win in 6.

• Pittsburgh vs New York (Rangers)

Pittsburgh may suffer a little bit for beating the Senator's a little too easily. After having a week off the question is there as to whether the rust will show in game 1. Pittsburgh though has so many offensive tools the Rangers will need to shut them all down. The keys for Pittsburgh are Malkin, Crosby and Fleury. Fleury will need to be on his game but there should be ample scoring to cover and lapses.

The Rangers have experience, and a good all around team on paper. The problem is that the team hasn't played as expected for most of the year. If they can get Jagr / Gomez / Drury etc to play like they can then they will give Pits a run for their money. The key factors for the Rangers are Lunqvist who wil be expected to steal games with his superb goal tending and Sean Avery who was key in the first round in aggravating Brodeur to the point that he refused to shake his hand at the end of the first round.

I wish I could wait till the first game ti get a sense out of both of them but I think the Penguins will continue on their march to the Eastern Conference finals.
Penguins in 7

Western Conference

• Dallas vs Sharks

While I had predicted the Sharks to win the first round I was still rooting for Calgary to take them down, and they almost did. The Sharks are going to need Nabakov to continue his soon to be Vezina winning season and steal some games. If he does and Thornton, Marleau and crew wake up then they will rock the house. I just don't think they will.

The Stars are riding high and seemingly getting better and better. With Zubov expected to come back soon that just adds another offensive weapon on a team that already is overflowing. Turco has shown that he can play well in a series and I expect he will be a much more formidable opponent then Kipper was in the first round.

The Sharks are the favorite of many to win the cup this year but I see Dallas going to the Western Conference finals having taken out last years cup winner and this years favorite.
Stars in 6

• Detroit vs Colorado

Colorado was able to dispatch the wild just as I had predicted in 6 games which I also predicted. They got the presence and leadership from their veterans which were able to get them through. If they are going to get through Detroit though they will need Stastny to rack up a few points after being invisible in the first round.

Detroit (my favorite to take the cup) is still flying high. With 2 solid net minders when Hasek faltered Osgood stepped in and showed why he was at the all star game with a very impressive performance. The wings also have various offensive contributors and hall of fame defense in Lidstrom.

Unless something tragic happens I predict Detroit to win this series. I'll be happy though if either team wins as I love to watch the old Colorado team back together again.
Detroit in 7

NHL Hockey Playoff Predictions 2008

I am going to tune into my inner ouji board and make some fearless predictions on the outcome of the first round of the Stanley cup playoffs.

Eastern Conference
(1) Montreal Canadiens vs. (8) Boston Bruins
Being a Montreal fan (and resident) I have to go with the Habs, although it is easy seeing as they have beaten the bruins in all 8 of this seasons games. The only thing I was worried about was the loss of Koivu, when Montreal lost him in thier last playoff series the team fell apart. Luckily the team has stayed on course and this series should be over pretty quick.
Montreal in 5 games

(2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (7) Ottawa Senators
This series is a battle of offense, both teams have explosiveness but with Alfredson possibly out for a month (rumor is an MCL injury) I have to go with the Pens. The Senators have been on a slide for a while and the Pens have been rolling even without Sid.
Pittsburgh in 6

(3) Washington Capitals vs. (6) Philadelphia Flyers
Washington comes from no where and ends 3rd in the east, more evidence that the current match up system needs work. That being said, this is a match up of one hot team behind a hot goalie (Was) VS a team thats been struggling to stay in the playoff picture. I dont think Philly will roll over and die but I think the Caps have their number. Secretly I hope Philly can beat them though it would be a boon to my SSFHL.com playoffs!
Washington in 6

(4) New Jersey Devils vs. (5) New York Rangers
Lundqvist vs Broduer this is what the series will be billed as, both goalies are expected to steal games and both can. What this will result in is a likely a low scoring series but I expect the Rangers to have the edge given that NJ has a lot less offense.
Rangers in 7

Western Conference
(1) Detroit Red Wings vs. (8) Nashville Predators
Unfortunately for Preds fans this is not the same team as last year and they dont have the power to get past Detroit. The wings have them beat in every single category and as good as their Goal tending has been Ellis would need to steal every game, and I don't see that happening.
Detroit in 4

(2) San Jose Sharks vs. (7) Calgary Flames
Again this year is "the year" for the Sharks, but maybe this year they have the pieces they have been lacking. With Campbell SJ got the powerplay jockey they have been lacking and he has fit in just fine at about a point a game pace. The Flames will put up a good fight but the sharks will feast in the first round.
Sharks in 6

(3) Minnesota Wild vs. (6) Colorado Avalanche
I really like Minnesota's development, they have come into their own this year and Gaborick has finally had a complete season and delivered a fine performance and Backstrom has been very solid in net. On the other side Col has been plagued by injuries with Sakic, and Smyth going down for a good part of the season. The additions of veterans like Foote and Forsberg bring back visions of Colorado's last Stanley cup. Then there is Theo, he is playing like Col was hoping he would the last couple years, and has ownded the #1 job. If the Colorado vets can stay healthy (and they currently are) I have to give the advantage to Colorado.
Colorado in 6

(4) Anaheim Ducks vs. (5) Dallas Star
I'll say it right now, this series could go either way very easily. Both teams have solid net minding. With an advantage in offense to Dallas and an exceptional defense to Anaheim. Even with Zubov out though I think Dallas has a slight edge despite the experience Ana has.
Dallas in 7