The 2nd round of the NHL playoffs started yesterday with the Vancouver Canucks beating the Nashville Predators 1-0. Since I went 7 for 8 in my first round predictions I'll put on my Miss Cleo hat again and give you my round 2 predictions. I'll also copy the analysis I did before round 1 for the teams that are still alive.
East:
1. Washington Capitals: The Capitals haven't had much playoff success lately and have never won a Stanley Cup. In 2008 they were a 3 seed and trailed the 6 seed Flyers 3 games to 1 but forced a game 7 which they lost in OT. In 2009 they were a 2 seed and trailed the 7 seed Flyers 3 games to 1 but ended up winning 3 straight to win the series. Last year they had the top seed and led the Canadiens 3 games to 1 but shit the bed and lost 3 straight and the series. Until this team actually goes on a deep postseason run I'm staying away.
2. Philadelphia Flyers: This team is limping into the playoffs, with a 3-4-3 record in their last 10. I'm not a big believer in this Flyers team but they were 1st in the East for most of the season. They made the finals last year when no one expected them to get out of the first round so I'm not one to bet against them. They might even get Chris Pronger back sometime in Round 1. That's a big "might". As big as Kim Kardashian's ass. Too easy.
3. Boston Bruins: They were the most "unexciting team that won a lot of games in the regular season". If Tim Thomas can get hot he can carry this team. They have a shut-down defense which wins in the playoffs. Some one is going to have to step up and score goals for this team or it will be a short lived playoffs for them.
5. Tampa Bay Lightning: They are the NHL's version of the Oklahoma City Thunder. They have a young stud, people don't expect them to win and they just might surprise people. The Lightning have a mix of ridiculous young talent and veterans who have won in the playoffs before. That can be dangerous. The only question is their goaltending. Dwayne Roloson has been deep in the playoffs before but he is 41-years-old.
West:
1. Vancouver Canucks: They were the best team in the regular season. They have the Sedin brothers. They have an awesome goalie in Roberto Luongo. What else do you want me to say? How about, they never perform in the clutch in the playoffs. How about, one of their best Centers, Manny Malholtra, got hurt on March 17. How about, they have never won a Stanley Cup. How about I just say this - this team is the best team in the NHL.
2. San Jose Sharks: This team always seems to choke in the playoffs but they are loaded with talent. Let's see if that can finally pay off.
3. Detroit Red Wings: The Red Wings have more playoff experience than Jenna Jameson does at making pornos. Never bet against that. Who bets on pornos anyways?
5. Nashville Predators: They traded for Carrie Underwood's husband, Mike Fisher, on February 10. She just so happens to live in Nashville. I like this team. It plays playoff hockey, scoring goals when they need to but also playing great defense. They also ended the regular season on a 7-2-1 run. They've lost in the first round 5 straight times so they have to win sometime, right? Right?
2nd Round:
Here is your conference semifinals TV schedule, courtesy of NHL.com and me for taking all of these screen-shots and formatting them for you. Yes, you're welcome:
East:
1. Washington Capitals: The Capitals haven't had much playoff success lately and have never won a Stanley Cup. In 2008 they were a 3 seed and trailed the 6 seed Flyers 3 games to 1 but forced a game 7 which they lost in OT. In 2009 they were a 2 seed and trailed the 7 seed Flyers 3 games to 1 but ended up winning 3 straight to win the series. Last year they had the top seed and led the Canadiens 3 games to 1 but shit the bed and lost 3 straight and the series. Until this team actually goes on a deep postseason run I'm staying away.
2. Philadelphia Flyers: This team is limping into the playoffs, with a 3-4-3 record in their last 10. I'm not a big believer in this Flyers team but they were 1st in the East for most of the season. They made the finals last year when no one expected them to get out of the first round so I'm not one to bet against them. They might even get Chris Pronger back sometime in Round 1. That's a big "might". As big as Kim Kardashian's ass. Too easy.
3. Boston Bruins: They were the most "unexciting team that won a lot of games in the regular season". If Tim Thomas can get hot he can carry this team. They have a shut-down defense which wins in the playoffs. Some one is going to have to step up and score goals for this team or it will be a short lived playoffs for them.
5. Tampa Bay Lightning: They are the NHL's version of the Oklahoma City Thunder. They have a young stud, people don't expect them to win and they just might surprise people. The Lightning have a mix of ridiculous young talent and veterans who have won in the playoffs before. That can be dangerous. The only question is their goaltending. Dwayne Roloson has been deep in the playoffs before but he is 41-years-old.
West:
1. Vancouver Canucks: They were the best team in the regular season. They have the Sedin brothers. They have an awesome goalie in Roberto Luongo. What else do you want me to say? How about, they never perform in the clutch in the playoffs. How about, one of their best Centers, Manny Malholtra, got hurt on March 17. How about, they have never won a Stanley Cup. How about I just say this - this team is the best team in the NHL.
2. San Jose Sharks: This team always seems to choke in the playoffs but they are loaded with talent. Let's see if that can finally pay off.
3. Detroit Red Wings: The Red Wings have more playoff experience than Jenna Jameson does at making pornos. Never bet against that. Who bets on pornos anyways?
5. Nashville Predators: They traded for Carrie Underwood's husband, Mike Fisher, on February 10. She just so happens to live in Nashville. I like this team. It plays playoff hockey, scoring goals when they need to but also playing great defense. They also ended the regular season on a 7-2-1 run. They've lost in the first round 5 straight times so they have to win sometime, right? Right?
2nd Round:
1 Washington Capitals vs. 5 Tampa Bay Lightning (Lightning in 7)
2 Philadelphia Flyers vs. 3 Boston Bruins (Bruins in 6)
1 Vancouver Canucks vs. 5 Nashville Predators (Canucks in 5)
2 San Jose Sharks vs. 3 Detroit Red Wings (Sharks in 7)
Conference Finals:
3 Boston Bruins vs. 5 Tampa Bay Lightning (Bruins in 5)
1 Vancouver Canucks vs. San Jose Sharks (Canucks in 6)
Stanley Cup Finals:
1 Vancouver Canucks vs. 3 Boston Bruins (Canucks in 6)
Some notes:
The Caps might have beaten the Rangers 4-1 but I still don't trust them winning in the playoffs until they go on a deep run. The Flyers didn't impress me in round 1. The Bruins lost the first 2 games on the road but then won 4 of 5 to take the series. Luongo looked lost until game 7 but redeemed himself and I'm sticking with him and the Canucks even though the Predators look like a tough out. The Sharks vs. Red Wings series might be the best one of this round and I'll be watching that one whenever I can.
Here is your conference semifinals TV schedule, courtesy of NHL.com and me for taking all of these screen-shots and formatting them for you. Yes, you're welcome:
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