It's time for my 2nd round predictions. In the 1st round, I had 6 good predictions out of 8 (75%). It's the exact same result as last year. I'm on pace to beat the 50% mark, but it's obviously not done.
The 2nd round is tougher to predict. You have to look at the surprises, the number of matches each team played to come trough, the injuries and how each team played in their first matchup. I'll do my best, as always!
In the East, we have David vs Goliath in it's purest form. The Pittsburgh Penguins should easily beat the Ottawa Senators. However, the Sens surprised everyone this year and were able to beat the number two seed in the East. Craig Anderson did miracles against Montreal. On the other end, Pittsburgh had all the difficulties in the world to beat a young New York Islanders squad. Tomas Vokoun stabilised the situation in net when Marc-André Fleury was clearly not in his zone for the start of the series. The Cinderella story behind the Sens will end in this round but it will probably be longer than expected.
We have the chance to have two Original-6 matchups in the 2nd round this year. Both the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers played 7 games in the first round. However, the Rangers victory was a lot more surprising than the Bruins one. I think that the Bruins will face a much better defensive core and goaltender this time around. Even if it will be tougher for the Bruins, they do have a playoff type of team and their late comeback against the Leafs will give them the momentum to take the lead in the first match and never look back after that.
In the West, the Chicago Blackhawks will square off against the Detroit Red Wings. The Hawks are more rested than the Wings. It might bite them tought, since the Wings had to play very well to beat the Ducks while the Blackhawks had it relatively easy. I believe the Red Wings could win the first match but the Blackhawks will come back in the series and win it. Jonathan Toews must provide more offense for it to happen however.
Finally in an all Californian matchup, the Los Angeles King will meet the San Jose Sharks. Even if the Kings are the number 5 seed, they will have home-ice advantage since three surprises came off the West this year. That might be the difference in the end. I love the Kings dynamic and overall toughness. The Sharks are well rested but as always, they might disappoint.
Pittsburgh vs Ottawa
Boston vs New York Rangers
Chicago vs Detroit
Los Angeles vs San Jose
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