Eastern Conference
1. Boston Bruins vs 6. Carolina Hurricanes
This might be the most boring series of the 2nd round. There is a good chance that Boston finishes the Canes off in either 4 or 5 games.
The key to this series for the Canes will be Eric Staal. Whenever he is on the scoreboard, the Hurricanes seem to win games…simple as that.
If the Bruins can stop Staal, then I see them winning this series in 5 games.
Bruins 4-1 in 5 games
2. Washington Capitals vs 4. Pittsburgh Penguins
Gary Bettman’s dream series has finally come true. He is going to market the crap out of this series and rightfully so. Arguably the three best players in the world will be on the ice together.
Prior to the playoffs, if given this matchup, I would have said the Pens in 5 or 6 games. That was while Jose Theodore was in net. Now that Simeon Varlamov is net, I see this series going to 7 games. The NHL will make sure that happens just so they get the most money out of it.
Capitals 4-3 in 7 games
Western Conference
2. Detroit Red Wings vs 8. Anaheim Ducks
I know we all like to see the big upsets, but I doubt we will see it twice by the same team.
Anaheim still took a ton of penalties versus the Sharks, but the Sharks simply did not cash in on them. If the Ducks give the Red Wings those same powerplays, expect their snipers to take full advantage of them.
The only way this is a series is if Jonas Hiller can stand on his head. But I really believe that Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Franzen, etc… will make short work of him.
Red Wings 4-1 in 5 games
3. Vancouver Canucks vs 4. Chicago Blackhawks
I know were already 1 game into this series. That is because my crappy PC decided to die on me and I am a day or two behind in posts. But the first game could have gone either way, so my decision wont be affected by it.
This series is simple: Nikolai Khabibulin vs Robert Luongo. Who will win? I would take Roberto Luongo because he has the ability to steal games by himself. Khabibulin is a great goalie and played amazing in the firt round, but I think a ton of that has to do with his defense.
I expect this series to be a “home team” series.
Canucks 4-3 in 7 games
