Round Two Predictions

Round One Results (5-3)

Round 2 only means there are fewer games for me to screw up. Let’s start on the West, you’ve got the Sharks and the Wings and the Hawks and the Canucks.

San Jose/Detroit

With the San Jose/Detroit series its so easy to say that the Sharks will flop because of their reputation. But then you think, Evgeni Nabokov has to be able to outplay Jimmy Howard right? Right?! But then at the same time reputations are with reason, and the wings have a huge playoff pedigree. This one won’t be an upset, but don’t call it comeback either, they’ve been here for years.
Wings in 6.

Canucks and Hawks
This year every Canuck fan and player has payback on their mind. You can tell in interviews and sound bytes, these Canucks have been festering. I’m expecting them to come out and smash Blackhawks through the boards. They’re going to will their way to victory. I know the hawk defense is deeper and stronger right now, but they also just have Niemi in net. Luongo will outplay him. We’ve also added Ehrhoff and Samuelsson to the lineup, a step up to their predecessors the year before. And at the end of the day you don’t think about meeting one team all year, and not beat them. These Canucks have faced adversity in the first round, and they’ve come out stronger. Its going to be one hell of a series.
Canucks in 6.

Penguins and Canadiens
Its awesome to see another Canadian team in round two. Its unreal to see a team like the Habs knock off the Capitals. How’s that for an upset? Eighth seed comes back from 3-1 down to beat the number one seed? Get outta town! So can they carry that forward, or more importantly can Jaro Halak carry it forward? The Penguins have played more games in the last three years than any other Eastern team, so I’m thinking fatigue has to play a part sometime soon. This Cinderella story doesn’t end in round two.
Montreal in 6

Boston and Philadelphia
Two great hard working sports teams, from two great working class sports towns. I’d call this one closer if Philly wasn’t fighting the injury bug, they’ve lost leading scorer Jeff Carter, Simon Gagne, and playoff tested Ian Laperriere. On the flip side Marc Savard returns to the Bruins. Boston beat a very good goalie and team in Buffalo without Savard and a poor series from Milan Lucic. Philly isn’t as strong a team as Buffalo was, so this aint going the distance.
Bruins in 5