NHL Playoffs: Second Round Preview

The first-round of the NHL playoffs is finished, and it has been marred by three upsets, all happening in the West. The Washington Capitals were shocked by the 8th-seeded Montreal Canadiens. Two-time MVP Alex Ovechkin was helpless in preventing the Canadiens from completing a monstrous upset. New Jersey won only one game against the streaking Philadelphia Flyers. And the Bruins put a clamp on the 3rd-seeded Buffalo Sabres.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Montreal Canadiens

The defending champs proved that there’s absolutely no defense that can keep their offense from cranking up the goals. The Penguins’ offense will be tested against the scrappy and physical play of the Canadiens. Montreal is coming off a huge Game 7 that eliminated the Capitals. If the Canadiens can give Ovechkin problems, it’s possible that Sidney Crosby may have a hard time against Montreal.

Penguins in 6

Boston Bruins vs. Philadelphia Flyers

The Bruins are slow starters but manage to wear down their opponents as the game goes on. The Flyers held a 3-1 lead before finishing off the Devils. The Bruins slow starts may be taken advantage off by a Flyer team that looks like it has developed a killer instinct.

Flyers in 5

San Jose Sharks vs. Detroit Red Wings

The Red Wings showed that they still have some left in the tank with their hard earned series win over the Coyotes. The Sharks have finally advanced to the second round after losing in the first round in their four previous playoff appearances. Detroit is a veteran team and their craftiness will pose a challenge for the Sharks. Goalie Craig Anderson is the x-factor — he has the most saves in the postseason so far.

Sharks in 5

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Vancouver Canucks

This is a great match-up between two defensive minded teams that can also score to win — not to mention a lot of bad blood brewing between the two teams. It will be a physical series — the Blackhawks never give up as shown in last year’s match up when the Canucks had an opportunity to go 3-1 but lost in overtime.

Series will go seven games with the Blackhawks prevailing.

The road to the Stanley Cup continues. Stay tuned puckheads, the second round promises to be as exciting as the first.

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