Eastern Conference
1.) Washington Capitals vs 5.) Tampa Bay Lightning: Washington blew the New York Rangers away in 5 games to make it to this point. The Caps are a much different team than they were last year. The team now has a nice balance of offense and defense. On the other hand, the Tampa Bay Lightning are a young team with a lot of offense, but a big question mark on the defense. Both these teams are capable of scoring big numbers, but I feel that the Capitals will win this series in 6 games. I wouldn't be surprised if the Lightning win the first two games of the series before their defense and goaltending start to crack. Roloson is a great goalie, but he is old as far as hockey standards are concerned and will probably tire from the onslaught of Ovechkin and the Capitals. If that does not happen though.... The Lightning could be the upset of the playoffs.
2.) Philadelphia Flyers vs 3.) Boston Bruins: The Flyers and Bruins both advanced to the semis by beating two very game teams in the form of the Buffalo Sabres and the Montreal Canadians. The Bruins were led by the goaltending of Tim Thomas and the Flyers were led by the goaltending of.......... Well....... It's hard to say since it was a merry go round of goalies in the first round. Anyway... The Flyers are getting healthier with the return of Pronger who will now meet once again, Zedeno Chara. Last year is still fresh in the minds of the Bruins who were eliminated after leading 3-0 in the series. I think that the Flyers will eliminate the Bruins for a second straight year. I think this will be another 7 game struggle with the Flyers coming out on top thanks to some home ice advantage.
Western Conference
1.) Vancouver Canucks vs 5.) Nashville Predators: Not much of a contest here I don't think. Predators won a close series against the Anaheim Ducks and the Canucks eeked by the Chicago Blackhawks. Still though, I think Vancouver will get their acts together and eliminate the Predators in 5 games at most.
2.) San Jose Sharks vs 3.) Detroit Red Wings: The series to watch this round as far as I'm concerned. Detroit swept the Pheonix Coyotes and the Sharks eliminated the very young and dangerous Los Angeles Kings. Both of these teams are fast, hard hitting, all around teams. I can't give an edge to either team in any category but goaltending. I feel that Niemi is probably the better of the goalkeepers and he is a defending champion. The Red Wings are no strangers to the playoffs and have had great success. The Sharks have been hyped hyped and hyped again, and have yet to produce the cup. If they manage to defeat the Wings, it will go a long way in giving confidence to the Sharks. I think the Sharks will be able to do this, but it will take a full 7 games to accomplish.
My picks...
