Another Round
Putting aside the fact that my predictions for the first round of the playoffs were mixed (at best), it is time to gear up for Round Two.
Let's start back East...
1. Buffalo Sabres will defeat the New York Rangers in 6 games
Buffalo were solid in the first round, sending the Islanders packing in 5 games (which I called correctly). What should scare the Rangers is that the Sabres haven't played their best hockey yet. What should scare Buffalo is that the Rangers are playing their best hockey of the year right now. That said, the downside of the Rangers sweeping Atlanta is that the long layoff will have killed that momentum. Buffalo is deeper all around and I think they're offense will pick the Rangers defense apart. The only reason this could go 6 is Henrik Lundqvist in net for the Rangers.
2. New Jersey Devils will defeat the Ottawa Senators in 7 games
This should be a very good series. The teams are equally talented, though I would give Ottawa the edge in offense. Normally this would put a team over the top. But I've learned not to bet against Martin Brodeur (unless the guy in the other net is named Patrick Roy). Ray Emery was solid in goal for the Sens against the Penguins but he's going to see a lot of pucks this go-around. So will Brodeur. But Marty will stop them when it counts the most.
Now, looking out West...
1. San Jose Sharks will defeat the Detroit Red Wings in 6 games
I know...I could be accused of being a Wings hater but, seriously, with the exception of Todd Bertuzzi there isn't a Wing worth the energy left to hate. They're a solid team in every department and they outplayed and outclassed Calgary in Round 1. But that was then and this is now and San Jose are dangerous. As good as Detroit is defensively I just can't see them stopping the 1-2 punch that is Thornton and Marleau. In net I'd call it a draw. Hasek vs. Nabakov should be pretty stellar. This is a tough one to call even as I predict San Jose in 6. The six games forecast in this case means this: If it goes to 7, Detroit will win because they'll be at home. And they've dominated all season at home.
2. Anaheim Ducks will defeat the Vancouver Canucks in 5 games
Too much energy spent blowing a 3-1 series lead only to win out in Game 7 versus Dallas will ultimately cost Vancouver as they face a deep, fast and hungry Anaheim team. If the Sedins and Naslund thought Dallas' defense was tough, try having to deal with Pronger and Neidermayer for a series. Anaheim is for real. The games will be tight but the bounced will go the way of the Ducks.
If my predictions are correct it will lead to two Conference Finals that will be ones for the ages. I love this time of year!
Let's start back East...
1. Buffalo Sabres will defeat the New York Rangers in 6 games
Buffalo were solid in the first round, sending the Islanders packing in 5 games (which I called correctly). What should scare the Rangers is that the Sabres haven't played their best hockey yet. What should scare Buffalo is that the Rangers are playing their best hockey of the year right now. That said, the downside of the Rangers sweeping Atlanta is that the long layoff will have killed that momentum. Buffalo is deeper all around and I think they're offense will pick the Rangers defense apart. The only reason this could go 6 is Henrik Lundqvist in net for the Rangers.
2. New Jersey Devils will defeat the Ottawa Senators in 7 games
This should be a very good series. The teams are equally talented, though I would give Ottawa the edge in offense. Normally this would put a team over the top. But I've learned not to bet against Martin Brodeur (unless the guy in the other net is named Patrick Roy). Ray Emery was solid in goal for the Sens against the Penguins but he's going to see a lot of pucks this go-around. So will Brodeur. But Marty will stop them when it counts the most.
Now, looking out West...
1. San Jose Sharks will defeat the Detroit Red Wings in 6 games
I know...I could be accused of being a Wings hater but, seriously, with the exception of Todd Bertuzzi there isn't a Wing worth the energy left to hate. They're a solid team in every department and they outplayed and outclassed Calgary in Round 1. But that was then and this is now and San Jose are dangerous. As good as Detroit is defensively I just can't see them stopping the 1-2 punch that is Thornton and Marleau. In net I'd call it a draw. Hasek vs. Nabakov should be pretty stellar. This is a tough one to call even as I predict San Jose in 6. The six games forecast in this case means this: If it goes to 7, Detroit will win because they'll be at home. And they've dominated all season at home.
2. Anaheim Ducks will defeat the Vancouver Canucks in 5 games
Too much energy spent blowing a 3-1 series lead only to win out in Game 7 versus Dallas will ultimately cost Vancouver as they face a deep, fast and hungry Anaheim team. If the Sedins and Naslund thought Dallas' defense was tough, try having to deal with Pronger and Neidermayer for a series. Anaheim is for real. The games will be tight but the bounced will go the way of the Ducks.
If my predictions are correct it will lead to two Conference Finals that will be ones for the ages. I love this time of year!