NHL Playoff Picks- Round 2!
Well, the first round of the playoffs is over, and my Rangers were the only team to sweep. Went 7 for 8 in my picks in the 1st round, I really thought the Penguins would win, but in retrospect, I might have been expecting too much from a young team. On to my picks for the 2nd round beginning tomorrow, once again linking to Scott Burnside's breakdowns.
Eastern Conference
Buffalo Sabres (1) vs. New York Rangers (6)
This should be a really fun series. The Sabres are fast and skilled with good goaltending, the Rangers are a little slower but more skilled and have great goaltending. The Rangers need to avoid getting in trouble early, and if they can steal one of the first two games in Buffalo, they'll be in good shape. If the Rangers stars can score early, King Hendrick can carry them to victory. Rangers in 7.
New Jersey Devils (2) vs. Ottawa Senators (4)
The Sens really impressed me with the way they played the Pens in round 1. The first game they absolutely owned the Penguins everywhere on the ice, and they didn't let up for the rest of the series. The Devils had a little trouble with the talented scorers on Tampa Bay, but opportunistic goals and great goaltending gave them the win in the series. I'm tempted to pick the Senators, I think they have good depth and their stars stepped up in the last series. But, to be honest, I just can't pick against Brodeur. Devils in 7.
Western Conference
Detroit Red Wings (1) vs. San Jose Sharks (5)
I think this will be a fun series also (ok, I think all playoff hockey is fun). The Wings matched the Flames physical play last series, and have the skill to make things happen. I don't think the Sharks are quite skilled enough to match the skill of the Wings, and the Wings showed last series that they won't be knocked off their game by physical play. Goaltending on both ends is really, really good. I'll take the Red Wings in 7.
Anaheim Ducks (2) vs. Vancouver Canucks (3)
The Canucks are going to be tired going into this one, having just completed a 7 game series yesterday. The Ducks have the monster defensive tandem of Niedermayer and Pronger, plus some very good skill forwards. The Canucks have The Sedein twins, Naslund and Luongo in goal. I just think the Ducks are too deep and too good for the Canucks to beat. Ducks in 6.
Eastern Conference
Buffalo Sabres (1) vs. New York Rangers (6)
This should be a really fun series. The Sabres are fast and skilled with good goaltending, the Rangers are a little slower but more skilled and have great goaltending. The Rangers need to avoid getting in trouble early, and if they can steal one of the first two games in Buffalo, they'll be in good shape. If the Rangers stars can score early, King Hendrick can carry them to victory. Rangers in 7.
New Jersey Devils (2) vs. Ottawa Senators (4)
The Sens really impressed me with the way they played the Pens in round 1. The first game they absolutely owned the Penguins everywhere on the ice, and they didn't let up for the rest of the series. The Devils had a little trouble with the talented scorers on Tampa Bay, but opportunistic goals and great goaltending gave them the win in the series. I'm tempted to pick the Senators, I think they have good depth and their stars stepped up in the last series. But, to be honest, I just can't pick against Brodeur. Devils in 7.
Western Conference
Detroit Red Wings (1) vs. San Jose Sharks (5)
I think this will be a fun series also (ok, I think all playoff hockey is fun). The Wings matched the Flames physical play last series, and have the skill to make things happen. I don't think the Sharks are quite skilled enough to match the skill of the Wings, and the Wings showed last series that they won't be knocked off their game by physical play. Goaltending on both ends is really, really good. I'll take the Red Wings in 7.
Anaheim Ducks (2) vs. Vancouver Canucks (3)
The Canucks are going to be tired going into this one, having just completed a 7 game series yesterday. The Ducks have the monster defensive tandem of Niedermayer and Pronger, plus some very good skill forwards. The Canucks have The Sedein twins, Naslund and Luongo in goal. I just think the Ducks are too deep and too good for the Canucks to beat. Ducks in 6.
posted by Richard at 3:53 PM
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