Second Round Picks

Great matchups in the second round! This has the potential to be a top-memory playoffs

1 Detroit vs 6 Colorado
As I mentioned before, we should not expect a cake-walk in this series. Colorado is playing solid hockey and Jose Theodore is rejuvenating his play of late as well, so look for a close, low-scoring series. Both teams have talent to put the puck in the net, so I think the difference maker will be on the defensive side. This is where the Wings have the slight advantage. As long as Lidstrom, Rafalski, Kronwall, Cheli, etc. show up and do what they've been doing, then they will be the x-factor over the deeper defensemen on the Avs like Sauer and Liles who tend to make mistakes from time to time. I wouldn't be surprised if the Avs pulled off the upset on us, but I'll be optimistic this round. Promise........
Prediction: Red Wings in 6 and 1/2

2 San Jose vs 5 Dallas
San Jose looked like an unstoppable machine in Game 7. Look for that to roll into the next round. This series will tell us how good Dallas really is. They have speed and solid goaltending, but San Jose will wear them down physically.
Prediction: Sharks in 6

1 Montreal vs 6 Philadelphia
I'm looking forward to this one. Two teams with a lot of offensive talent that have a starting goaltender with little playoff experience. Montreal fans got a little Michigan State on us by burning cars and other things after their first round series win. I hate to see what happens if they get through the Flyers. Get the tear gas ready.......
Prediction: Habs in 7

2 Pittsburgh vs 5 NY Rangers
I won't underestimate the Rangers in this round. I'll give them a few wins. Both teams are well-rested as one got a sweep and one got a 5 game victory. Rangers stun the Pens with two road wins to start the series, then the Pens wake up and win the next 4.
Prediction: Pens in 6


Going to Game 1 tomorrow! :)