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Well the first round of the NHL Playoffs are complete and I can’t say I’m very happy about the results. Some teams played great and swept their series’, and other teams didn’t necessarily play their best game. But let’s be honest here, with some of the underdog teams I picked, like St. Louis and Calgary, how could I expect a perfect score? However, I did manage to pull off at least 4 predictions correctly, meaning I’m a good 50%! So let’s quickly review what went down in the first round.

FIRST ROUND RECAPS

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Boston annihilated Montreal. They swept the series and advanced to the second round with ease. Montreal didn’t put up quite the fight I thought they would have.

The New York Rangers thought they had the Caps in a strangle hold as they lead the series 3-1 through the first four. But Washington came back for devastating three straight wins to take the series.

A hot team coming into the post season really proved themselves facing off against Martin Brodeur and the Devils, as Carolina turned around game seven in the final two minutes. Carolina buried two behind Brodeur to keep the game from going to overtime and won the best of seven.

I knew from the start that this was going to be a close series to call, and that proved to be true as Pittsburgh took it in six games. Evgeni Malkin showed he could be a dominant force with four goals and nine points to lead all players in the post season.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Yet again, the Sharks faced another early playoff exit. The Anaheim Ducks obliterated the team that everyone thought would dominate in the playoffs. It came to be a surprise for most that Joe Thornton and the Sharks couldn’t produce much throughout the series, and the Ducks advanced.

As expected, the Detroit Red Wings, being the powerhouse team that they are, destroyed the inexperienced Columbus Blue Jackets. Steve Mason wasn’t enough for Detroit’s stellar offense, and the Jackets offense were shut down by the experienced defense, at least until game four.

My hopes for the Blues to take out the Canucks in the first round were diminished when Vancouver embarrassed St. Louis in a complete series sweep. Roberto Luongo was of course up to par, as he only let in 5 goals, and even recorded a second game shut out.

I can’t express my anger against the Flames after they faced a fourth consecutive first round exit. But you can’t win a series if you can’t win on the road. Calgary got their asses kicked by a bunch of kids (though very talented kids at that) and just couldn’t keep their physical play up to contain Chicago’s speedy team.

ROUND TWO PREDICTIONS

Alright, now we move on to the second round. Eight skilled teams proved themselves in the first round knocking out their opponents, and now move on to the conference semifinals. Here are my predictions for the second round.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Boston – Carolina

The Boston Bruins will be out to show the NHL that their success throughout the season and in the first round was made through hard work. They want to go far in the playoffs and I actually think they will. The Carolina Hurricanes want to prove that they can face off against a powerful team like Boston, and they might be able to do that behind their newfound offense in their first line and stellar Goaltender Cam Ward. Look for Boston to take this all the way to seven.

Washington – Pittsburgh

This could possibly be one of the more exciting match-ups in round two, with lots of hype behind the rivalry of Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. Both teams are soaring and are following up some impressive first round wins. Aside from Sid and Alex, don’t forget about superstar Evgeni Malkin with the Penguins who lead the league in scoring this season. But don’t think Pittsburgh has the offensive advantage with their Crosby/Malkin combo; Washington’s Backstrom and Semin both played great against New York. I hope to see an offensive series and don’t expect Crosby and Ovechkin to disappoint, as far as their rivalry goes.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Detroit – Anaheim

Right off the bat, I want to point out that Detroit has complete control in the offense department. But I also have to give Anaheim’s defense recognition with four of the best defensemen in the league (Niedermayer, Pronger, Beauchemin, and Whitney). Even though the Ducks surprised a lot of people by beating the all mighty San José Sharks last round, you can’t forget that Detroit whipped through the first round with ease. Part of me wants to go with Anaheim on this one, but I can’t deny the depth of Detroit’s offense along with their overall play.

Vancouver – Chicago

This is Chicago’s first second round appearance since 1996, but clearly showed against Calgary that they deserve to be here. This inexperienced and young team has come far in their play and could really surprise through this series. The only problem they face, though, is… well, Vancouver in general. For starters, Vancouver has the number one goalie in the league, a good combination of offense and defense, and most of all they’re due. After destroying St. Louis in the first round, the Canucks are going to be out to win it starting off the second. I like Chicago, I really do, but I think their year is the 2009/2010 season, not this year.

CONCLUSION

In the second round, you’re going to find four superb series that are actually pretty even. If it’s anything like the first round, we’re all in for some exciting playoff hockey. Let’s hope I get my predictions a little better this time around.

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