NHL Playoffs - 2nd Round Wrap Up and 3rd Round Picks

2nd Round Results
Otto
3-1 (8-4)
Misses: Nashville,
Dan 
2-2 (6-6)
Misses: Nashville, Philadelphia
Josh
1-3 (4-8)
Misses: Los Angeles, Philadelphia, St. Louis

3rd Round Picks
Eastern Conference
#1 New York vs #6 New Jersey
To me this entire series hinges on game one. The Devils got a couple days extra rest while the Rangers had to grind out the full 7 games against the Capitals. Quieting the MSG crowd in game one would give the Devils some momentum going home no matter what happened in game 2. However if the Rangers take game one they set themselves up to be able to grind out another series. The goalending match up should be outstanding. A rejuvenated Marty against an always solid King Henry. I think the Rangers take game one and hold on in a back and forth series. I see another game seven coming in MSG, a place that just doesn't want to see their teams season end. Rangers in 7.

Western Conference
#3 Phoenix vs #8 Los Angeles
Well here is what we know: Mike Smith is real good, Phoenix is taking advantage of the home ice advantage, and the west played far fewer games than the east this round. Oh, I forgot to mention; Johnathan Quick is making real good goalies look average, the Kings can win anywhere (they are 8-1 in the playoffs), and simply they don't care what you think of them.
For the second round in a row the Kings walked through the highest remaining seed in the playoffs. The are using a balanced attack of outstanding goal tending and scoring enough goals to take the pressure off of the keeper. Not many people would have seen this #8 seed making it all the way to the conference finals.
For as much of a surprise has the Kings have been the 'Yotes have been just as much. No one expected much from this three seed who only got the spot from playing in a weak division. After 5 ot games out of 6 in the first round, they only played one in this round, of course winning it.
Originally I was afraid that the layoff would hurt the kings, however with Phoenix closing out the series the next day they have the same wait before the match up begins. I think the balanced attack of the Kings is going to outdo the Coyotes. The lack of consistent firepower will finally catch up, I'll take the Kings in 6.

Conference Finals

LA over PHX in 6
Like I said before round 2.  The Kings who knocked off the top seeded Canucks are now the favorites in my book.  Plus, I just realized that they or the Rangers have to win the Cup because they are the only two teams left that started their season in Europe.  (The last few cup winners have all started that season overseas).  Dustin Brown (Captain America West) is fighting his teammate Jonathan Quick for Conn Smythe favorite.

NYR over NJ in 7
The Rangers just seem to not get rattled by being tied (having King Henry will do that) late in games.  The blue shirts keep it simple and seem to get a goal whenever they need it.  Ryan Callahan (Captain America East) is leading the charge emotionally and Brad Richards is continuing to take over as a clutch performer from Chris Drury.