1st Round Results
Otto
5-3
Misses: Vancouver, Chicago, Pittsburgh
Dan
4-4
Misses: Vancouver, Chicago, Boston, Pittsburgh
Josh
3-5
Misses: Vancouver, Chicago, Detroit, Boston, Pittsburgh
2nd Round Picks
Eastern Conference
#1 NY Rangers vs #7 Washington
The Capitals got here using a technique that was brand new to them, pound and grind the opponent and outwork them. Evidently Ovie hasn't bought into this and well, the capitals don't seem to care at all. He played around 15 minutes in every game of the series. The Rangers on the other hand have used this style all year. Holtby looked solid in goal for the Caps but was shaky at times, Ill give the goal tending advantage to the Rangers with the King in net. I also think the Rangers big name scorers with the big contracts will start to earn them a little more this round. It wont be easy but I'll take the Rangers in 7 again.
#5 Philadelphia vs #6 New Jersey
Philadelphia proved they can score goals, stopping them is another story. The Devils proved that they can win under pressure, winning games 6 and 7 in OT after falling behind 3 games to 2 to the surprising Panthers. To put it in perspective their were only 5 more goals scored in the Panthers-Devils 7 game series than the Flyers scored in their 6 games. The goal tending is still a major question in Philly since nothing was really proved beyond that they just managed to out power the mighty pens. My theory that Marty will go out with a big bang will be tested this round, the firepower of the Flyers is much greater then that of the Panthers. I think he will do just enough, combined with the inconsistencies of Bryz, to give the Devils the series in 6.
Western Conference
#2 St Louis vs #8 LA Kings
Home ice can make all the difference in the playoffs, then again so can being on a hot stretch. Look at any professional sport the last few years. St. Louis make quick work of a very veteran San Jose team while to Kings make the standings look reversed in their first round win. I'll take the kings in 6, they got rolling at the right time and looked good knocking off the top seeded Canucks.
#3 Phoenix vs #4 Nashville
I think this one will come down to the experience in the playoffs. Nashville continued to build off of their recent playoff history and knocked off the storied Wings in their first round series. Phoenix showed how much they like to play overtime hockey as they battled their way out of the first round versus Chicago. I will take Nashville with their experience in 6 although watch for Smith to steal an extra game and nothing is certain for a team playing a game 7 in front of their home crowd.
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