Round 2 Prediction Chart

Don't be surprised if the following week is rather silent here at EFotG, as I'll be preoccupied with the regular end of semester hodge podge of presentations, exams, papers and the like. However before I concede my week to scholarly pursuits it's my duty to get the 2nd round prediction chart up. It's been a bit problematic putting it together because it seems as if some of the "NHL experts" have elected not to post 2nd round predictions. As for the bloggers, those guys actually have their stuff together. Once again we've got the prognostications of Sean Leahy from Going Five Hole and the Yahoo! NHL experts blog, Kevin from Barry Melrose Rocks and NHL Fanhouse, Jes Golbez from Hockey Rants and, also, NHL Fanhouse, as well as Dr. Hockey himself, Mr. James Mirtle of his self-entitled blog and the Globe and Mail.

Now as for those other guys, I've looked high and low and it appears as if neither Barry Melrsoe, nor Pierre McGuire, nor Mike Milbury have made 2nd round predictions. How this is possible, I have no idea. Perhaps they are out there and I just couldn't find them. If not, though, this is definitely not acceptable behavior from those who are supposed to be the ambassadors of our sport. For shame.

Round 2 Predictions: San Jose Sharks (2) vs. Dallas Stars (6)

In the opening round the Stars coasted through a easy series against the defending champions, the Anaheim Ducks. The Sharks found themselves in a tough battle with the Calgary Flames that went 7 games. When they meet in the second round it'll be interesting to see how the teams show up. While the Sharks have already been through a war, the Stars barely broke a sweat. Back in my season preview I called for the Sharks to emerge from the West, and I'm sticking with them. San Jose in 7.

Round 2 Predictions: Pittsburgh Penguins (2) vs. New York Rangers (5)

Now comes the pick for the series I have so much of a self interest in I can't possibly be expected to make an accurate prediction. Right now I'm thinking the Penguins are playing as well as they have all season. I called for the sweep of the Senators, and it's taking everything in me to not predict another. Home ice is big, and I don't see them losing in either game one or two. They haven't lost at the Mellon Arena since February 24th. But I think the Rangers could steal a game or two in this series, merely because they are the kind of team that can put up 5 or 6 goals. But I don't see the Penguins losing this series. Maybe it's just the complete homer in me, but I'm calling this for the Penguins in 5. Fleury will be key, I think the long break is probably hard on the goalies, we'll see how they settle in. One thing that will happen without a doubt, former Pittsburgh Penguin Jarmoir Jagr will hear the boos tonight.

Round 2 Predictions: Detroit Red Wings (1) vs. Colorado Avalanche (6)

For the past ten years the Detroit Red Wings and the Colorado Avalanche have had one of the most heated rivalries in hockey. And although in recent years they have taken back seat to the Pittsburgh-Philadelphia battles, this playoff match-up may just be the spark to reignite the ill will. Colorado advanced after getting past the Minnesota Wild in just six games. The Red Wings looked to be in trouble when Nashville came back from being down 2 games, winning games 3 and 4. However with the switch in net, Hasek out, Osgood in, the wheels are once again moving in the playoff machine. The Wings finished with a league best record, but after some disappointing playoff showings over the past few years, there is definitely a cautious approach to this post-season.

Colorado became real contenders in the West when they scored Peter Forsberg in February. They are sending a better team to the ice than their record may suggest. However I think they Red Wings will be able to ride Osgood and their solid defense through another round. Though they aren't clicking like clockwork right now, and in less they get things together I have a hard time seeing them in the Stanley Cup series. But that's later. Now the Wings will take the Avalanche in 5.

Round 2 Predictions: Montreal Canadiens (1) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (6)

With both the Flyers and Canadiens advancing to the second round on the back of game 7 victories, neither team has had much of a break, nor have they had a very impressive showing. Montreal might have celebrated like they won the cup after squeaking through the first round, but they still have a long road ahead of them if they really want to hoist the cup. The games are only going to get harder, and they are playing in front of goaltender that was manning the crease for the WHL Tri-City Americans last season. Carey Price is talented and is the goaltender of the future, but his lack of experience is worrisome.

The Philadelphia Flyers overcame a rough stretch in February, dropping ten straight games, to lock up the 6th seed int East. Against Alexander Ovechkin's Washington Capitals in the first round the Flyers were enigmatic. They lost game 1 after leading by 2 goals in the 3rd period. They recovered to take games 2, 3, and 4. But with the Capitals on the verge of elimination the Flyers allowed them to creep back into the series in games 5 and 6. In the pivotal game 7 Joffrey Lupul won the game and the series for the Flyers in overtime.

Neither series was that pretty, but both teams are still alive. It remains to be seen who will take the opening round as a wake up call. I haven't bought completely in on Carey Price yet, but I don't think the Flyers will be able to overcome their inconsistency. This season wasn't their year anyways, they were aiming to return to respectability. Next year the Flyers will be a bigger factor. Right now, though, I've got the Canadiens in 6.