Round 2 Predictions
By Ray Calder HockeyObserver.com
First round series record 6-2 (missed on San Jose, NJ)
Eastern Conference ;
#1Boston vs #6 Carolina
Analysis : Carolina did a nice job in 7 games getting by New Jersey . Cam Ward outduelled one of the best playoff performers ever in Marty Brodeur and Carolina got balanced scoring across their lineup . Boston made quick work of the Canadiens and have rested for a while . Both teams come in to the series healthy . I feel like the Bruins are getting balanced scoring in their own right and despite Wards play in the Devils series , I also feel that Tim Thomas gives the B's an edge there, although a slight one . The pick is Boston .
#2Washington vs#4 Pittsburgh
Analysis : The dream series . This is the one everybody wanted to see and it promises to be intense and probably reasonably high scoring . The Capitals expended a great deal of energy in getting down to the Rangers and then having to roar back and win the series in 7 . Pittsburgh had a very physical series against their cross state rival in Philadelphia, but are pretty well rested . I'm not sure there's a big edge in net for either man so it's going to come down to who can create offense from their blueline and who will get some scoring from someone other than their top line . The pick here is Pittsburgh .
Western Conference ;
#2Detroit vs #8 Anaheim
Analysis : Detroit made quick work of playoff first timers in Columbus and are pretty healthy (though they may be missing Brian Rafalski for game one) . Anaheim pulled the upset as the 8th seed over the team many had picked as a cup finalist in the west, San Jose . The Wings are the deepest, most experienced group left in the tournament . The Ducks are getting outstanding play from rookie Bobby Ryan and young netminder Jonas Hiller . I expect this to be a close series, but I do believe the Wings are just a little too strong for the Ducks this time around and it's likely too much as an 8 seed for Anaheim to take down both the Sharks and Wings . The pick here is Detroit .
#3Vancouver vs #4 Chicago
Analysis : The Canucks made very quick work of the Blues in round one and come in here very well rested . The Hawks won a huge physical battle in the opening series against a Calgary team that has to be stunned that their season is already over . The Canucks do have an edge in net with Roberto Luongo though the Hawks Nikolai Khabibulin has had playoff success in the past as well . If the Hawks have an edge it's probably that I like the skilled puckmovers on their blueline (Campbell, Keith, Seabrook) a little bit more . I think this series will be closer than some expect but I'm going to stick with the favorite here . The pick is Vancouver .