2nd F'ing Round, Baby

Well, glad that's over. I'd like to note [see posts below] that I got 50% right for the first round. Of course, I was bold in several places and failed (noteably, picking Columbus). However, the main losers of the first round have got to be, obviously, San Jose, and perhaps not-so-obviously, the painful-to-watch New York Rangers, who blew a 3-1 lead over the Caps.

The story of the postseason so far has got to be the Carolina Hurricanes. There are few things in this world that make me happier than to see Marty Brodeur get upset. Brodeur sure blew this one for his team, giving up 2 goals in less than a minute in Game 7. Even though his coach doesn't agree, I say the blame falls on POBRE MARTY. Kudos to the Canes for showing a little heart, something lacking in several clubs this playoff.

In any event, the round is over and done with. Here, I give you my predictions for the second round and for the rest of the playoffs -- while naming as few players as possible, simply because I don't feel like it -- not because I don't know who they are.

BOSTON BRUINS VS. CAROLINA HURRICANES

This should be a strong series. The Canes are coming off a strong series, and they've got several weapons that shouldn't be underestimated. However, I think the Bruins showed in the first round that they are the team to beat in this playoff. That 4-game shlacking of Montreal demonstrated to the hockey community that although it sometimes might not seem like it, the B's mean business. They are not the weak-yet-seemingly-strong Devils. They'll take the series with relative ease.

PREDICTION: BRUINS IN 5

WASHINGTON CAPITALS VS. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

The inevitable Ovechkin-Crosby (even though Malkin is better) showdown. This one isn't so easy to predict. I'd like to pick the Caps, but I'm having trouble seeing it. Yes, Simeon Varlamov is playing as well as he could be right now, and yes, Ovechkin seems to have gotten his game back. However, the Pens are simply hotter. Moreover, if the Caps had such trouble putting away the Rangers, one of the NHL's weakest teams offensively, how will they do against one of the NHL's best in that department?

This should be a very interesting series. The Caps and Penguins met infiniti times in the playoffs while I was growing up, and from memory, it seems the Pens almost always had the upper hand. If the Capitals can get it together, they'll win [sound advice, eh?]. Varlamov might even have the upper hand on the weak Marc-Andre Fleury.

PREDICTION: CAPITALS IN 7

DETROIT RED WINGS VS. ANAHEIM DUCKS

Ok, so I was horribly, horribly wrong about Columbus upsetting Detroit in the first round. However, I was just as wrong about San Jose sweeping Anaheim. Anaheim is the best 8 seed we've seen in a while for two main reasons: 1) their young goalie is playing out of his mind; and 2) their team hasn't changed all that much since they won the Cup -- it just seemed like it had at points during the season. They're a threat to be taken very seriously this playoff, and I think they will oust Detroit.

Detroit can be taken down! Remember when they lost 8-0 to Nashville this season? We only see the dominant Red Wings, but must take a step back and realize that this team is far from invincible, especially in the goaltending department.

PREDICTION: DUCKS IN 6

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS VS. VANCOUVER CANUCKS

Perhaps the best series on the bill this round. I don't know much about either team, but I like the way Chicago plays the game. I think the series will go for a while with Luongo eventually pulling the Canucks through. He will be the difference-maker.

PREDICTION: CANUCKS IN 7

BOSTON BRUINS VS. WASHINGTON CAPITALS

That leaves the Bruins facing the Caps in the East. I'm conflicted yet again, but have to go with the Bruins. Here's why: 1) Tim Thomas has played out of his mind this season. The Bruins will have the uppper hand in goaltending, whether any Varlamov-lover wants to face that or not; 2) When the Bruins faced the Caps this season and lost, they didn't have their whole team, i.e. Phil Kessel. This is Kessel's year, and you'll see a clear difference; 3) Home ice means more to the Bruins. It just does. Most Capitals "fans" didn't start caring about the team until relatively recently (and I'm not talking about all of you); 4) The team has come together better than most realize. For example, Chara, once thought of as a stiff by yours truly, has proven to be quite a leader and used his shot rather effectively. Savard has also had a marvelous year, as has Krejci. All the pieces are in place for a trip to the Finals.

PREDICTION: BRUINS IN 7

VANCOUVER CANUCKS VS. ANAHEIM DUCKS

First of all, that rhymes. Second of all, this is where the Anaheim show ends the Luongo one begins (again). The Canucks proved their dominance in the first round over the lowly Blues, and they'll keep it up in this round over the Ducks, who won't be able to take any more after Detroit (assuming they win, which I still maintain they will!). Folks, Vancouver is going back to the Finals (but this time without Pavel Bure!).

PREDICTION: CANUCKS IN 6

BOSTON BRUINS VS. VANCOUVER CANUCKS

Hmmm. Hmmm. Hmmm. I'm going to predict this one when it happens just like I say it will. Until then, or as they say in Argentina, hasta luego amigos!