2nd Round Predictions
Well I can’t beat last year’s record but let’s see if I can keep it close. Here are my predictions for the second round.
Eastern Conference
Montreal Canadiens vs. Philadelphia Flyers
The Habs boasted the #1 power play in the NHL during the regular season, but the Bruins were able to completely shut down Montreal’s power play. The Canadiens only scored on 9.1% of their opportunities with the man advantage during the first round. The Philly PK didn’t do quite as well at stopping Washington, but Montreal doesn’t have the kind of firepower that the Capitals possess.
I picked against Philly last round based on the fact they’d be without Simone Gagne and Darien Hatcher. But this time around their scoring depth [7 players - including Mike Knuble who is out for the playoffs - scored 20+ goals] and solid defense are the main reasons I am changing my tune and I’m picking the Flyers to knock off Montreal.
My prediction: Philadelphia in 6
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers
Pittsburgh completely shut down an Ottawa team that was second only to Montreal [by one goal] as far as most goals scored in the NHL during the regular season. Sure, the Sens were missing Daniel Alfredsson but giving up 1.25 goals against per game is pretty impressive.
In my estimation the Penguins have the better forwards and defense but the Rangers have the better goaltending. And that gives the Rangers a chance to win this series. Marc-Andre Fluery looks like he could be in the midst of a breakout campaign but Henrik Lundqvist has already established himself as one of the premier netminders in the league. So I think Henrik Lundqvist is capable of guiding the Rangers to winning this series but I’m going to pick the Pens as the team to advance.
My prediction: Penguins in 7
Western Conference
Detroit Red Wings vs. Colorado Avalanche
Detroit dominated the four regular season matchups, going 4-0 while outscoring the Avalanche 11-2. It was so bad that Avalanche beat writer Adrian Dater wondered if it would be better if Colorado missed the playoffs rather than potentially sneaking in as an 8th seed, as he felt the Wings would likely sweep the Avs.
In my opinion Colorado greatly improved their prospects in this round when - just prior to the trade deadline - they acquired Adam Foote and Ruslan Salei. Their defense was pretty bad before both rugged blueliners were added to the mix. I don’t think there’s any doubt that Theodore has been the primary beneficiary of their arrival: if you look at only the last month of the regular season Theodore had a 91.5% save percentage, which is pretty solid. The question I have is whether Detroit can put 40 shots per game on him like they did on Dan Ellis and how Theodore reacts if that happens. If he can perform at anywhere near the level Ellis did then Colorado has a shot in this series.
Detroit hasn’t faced the full Avalanche forward rotation yet, but given that they’ve only surrendered two goals over four games gives me reason to think they’ll do a decent job keeping the potent Avs offense in check.
My prediction: Detroit in 6
San Jose Sharks vs. Dallas Stars
Based on momentum alone - Dallas knocked off a favored team in Anaheim while the Sharks struggled against the Flames - it is tempting to pick the Stars to win this one. Both teams have fairly inexperienced bluelines, although Dallas will get Sergei Zubov back for this round.
The netminders are about dead even, while the Sharks probably have the better set of forwards. Brian Campbell struggled a bit in the Calgary series while Stephane Robidas quite capably filled Zubov’s skates while QB’ing the power play. The big question in my mind is whether the Stars can contain San Jose’s superior cast at forward. I honestly don’t know but I think the ability of the Dallas forwards to both forecheck the Sharks’ d-men and chip in on defense gives them the slight edge.
My prediction: Stars in 7
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[…] Flyers in 7. This guy knows what I’m talkin’ about. Come on, you didn’t really expect me to pick against them, did you? If Boston can push it to 7 games against this team, the Flyers should be able to win that last game. […]
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