NHL Playoffs - Round 2
Well, the first round of the NHL playoffs has been completed, so it is time for a look back on my picks, as well as second round predictions. For everyone's information, I was 7-1 with my opening round predicions, the only one I missed was the Pittsburgh-Ottawa series. That's good stuff.
Eastern Conference #1 Buffalo over #8 New York Islanders in Six - The Sabres offense will be just too much for the Isles #2 New Jersey over #7 Tampa Bay in Five - I like the Lightning's scoring, but the Devils suffocate you with defense #6 NY Rangers over #3 Atlanta in Seven - Jagr will explode in this series, and i think the Rangers' experience helps #5 Pittsburgh over #4 Ottawa in Five - I just feel like the Pens have things going rightWestern Conference
#1 Detroit over #8 Flames in Six - I'm going to regret this pick. The Wings aren't good with the Flames...
#2 Anaheim over #7 Minnesota in Four - this is probably the only sweep I'll predict. I just don't feel it from the Wild.
#3 Vancouver over #6 Dallas in Seven - Dallas will make this close, despite bad goaltending from Turco
#5 San Jose over #4 Nashville - the beginning of the end for the team in Nashville.
So, the second round has the following matchups (followed by my predictions):
Western Conference
#1 Detroit vs. #5 San Jose - This is a tough one. San Jose is a better team than Calgary, and the Wings are going to have trouble stopping them. I think this one will go seven, with the Wings coming out on top. Wings in seven.
#2 Anaheim vs. #3 Vancouver - One of two Canadian teams left, the Canucks have no scoring. Matching up against one of the best defenses in the NHL in Anaheim (and the 'big three'), will not be kind. Anaheim in five.
Eastern Conference
#1 Buffalo vs. #6 New York Rangers - The Rangers destroyed Atlanta in four, and they've got some mojo. The Sabres looked less than stellar against the Islanders (probably because they are overrated). However, I have to go with Buffalo's depth here. Sabres in six.
#2 New Jersey vs. #4 Ottawa - This is a tough one for me. As much as I want to see the Canadian teams eliminated, I think Ottawa has a good chance here. I'll take Ottawa in seven.