What a second round the NHL has given us this year. Eight very deserving teams, four very wide open series. Well, almost. After a 6-2 first round, here is my stab at round two's winners.
East
(1) Boston vs. (6) Carolina
This is the only series where I'm pretty sure who will win. The Bruins are just too strong, while Carolina will be tired after a long seven game series with the Devils. Thomas will continue to stand on his head, while the youth in Boston will continue filling the net. Still, Ward will steal a game or two for the Canes, but it won't be enought
Bruins in 6
(2) Washington vs. (4) Pittsburgh
Ovechkin vs. Crosby; Bettman could not have wrote this one better. This should be the series of the round, and I have very high expectations for this one. Crosby and Ovechkin will play their best, and in the end it could come down to a coin toss. If you're Washington, you need more from Mike Green. In the end, I think the Penguins will take it, but will be punished severely along the way.
Penguins in 7.
West
(2) Detroit vs. (8) Anaheim
The Ducks look to go 2 for 2 in the upset department when they take on the defending cup champs. We've seen this before, and the results was a Ducks sweep. The Ducks won't sweep, but they will win the series. They say defense wins championships, and Ducks have the best top four in the NHL.
Ducks in 7
(3) Vancouver vs. (4) Chicago
What a series this should be. Luongo vs. Khabibulin. While both of these goalies are at the top of their games, it will be interesting to see how both fair against each others offenses, which are both rolling along. Look for Havlat to have a big series, but look for Luongo (and Alex Burrows) to have an ever bigger one.
Canucks in 7
So there we have it. There's the talk, now it's on to watching the games! I can't wait for these series to begin, and I won't have to as it all kicks off tonight.
Expect my next blog on Saturday or Sunday. I am moving, and the internet apparently won't be hooked up until Saturday. I'll keep my fingers crossed for tomorrow! For the latest in the meantime, check out the team bloggers section at http://hockey-leaks2.blogspot.com.
