Hockey Predictions, Second Round
by KevinMay 5th, 2006
So, I didn’t do to well in the first round, did I? So, for future refernece: if you use my picks for gambling purposes, large men with names like “Vito” will come and have long discussions with you about interest and debt repayment obligations. For the record, here is how I did in the first round:
- 1 Detroit vs. 8 Edmonton: Detroit in Five: WRONG Edmonton in six.
- 2 Dallas vs. 7 Colorado: Dallas in Six: WRONG Colorado in five.
- 3 Calgary vs. 6 Anaheim: Calgary in seven: WRONG Anaheimin seven. Should have given into temptation.
- 4 Nashville vs. 5 San Jose: San Jose in Five: RIGHT I even got the series length right!
- 1 Ottawa vs. 8 Tampa Bay: Ottawa sweeps: RIGHT Not a sweep, but still an easy win for the Senators.
- 2 Carolina vs. 7 Montreal:: Carolina in Six: RIGHT Again, nailed the length of the series.
- 3 New Jersey vs. 6 New York: Jersey in five: RIGHT Jersey swept. Man, did the Rangers look awful.
- No. 4 Buffalo vs. No. 5 Philadelphia: Philly in Seven: WRONG Buffalo in six. And It wasn’t even that close. the Sabres just looked dominate.
Ironically, I have seen far more Western Conference games than Eastern Cofnerence games. I think the fact that every underdog won testifies to the strength of the teams in the West. 4-4 overall. Good enough to make the playoffs in the NBA, so let’s continue.
First, out West:
- (5) San Jose v. (8) Edmonton This should be a fun series. San Jose has the best offenisive player left in Thornton, but he wasn’t really a factor in the first round. He may not be in the second, either: Edmonton plays very good defense and their goalie is top notch. Edmonton looked faster than Detroit, but Detroit is old and Legacy did not have a good series, letting in at least a handful of soft goals. San Jose in six.
- (6) Anaheim v. (7) Colorado. Colorado looked almost unstoppable in rolling over Dallas. They are firing on all cylindars and are better rested than Anaheim. Colorado in five.
Out East:
- (1) Ottawa v. (4) Buffalo: Another great series, but I think ottawa is the class of the East with good team skill, good defense, good speed and good goaltending. The Sabres’ team speed will win then a couple, but in the end, Ottawa is the more complete team. Ottawa in seven.
- (2) Carolina v. (3) New Jersey: Montreal showed that Carolina can be out-skated. Carolina won that series by emphasing defense and frustrating Montreal’s plan to play the series at a high octane pace. A slower pace won’t bother the Devils, and I think they are the more physical team. Carolina could try to do what they did in the regular season and turn on the jets, but Jersey has the ability to skate with them or to slow them down. Jersey in six.
I agree with all four.
I am confused. It is the second month of baseball. It is warm and sunny outdoors. People are still playing hockey?
Ted:
It can snow in Colorado (not to mention Canada) well into May or even June.
And I love baseball as much as the next guy, but every now and again I enjoy watching a sport where people aren’t just standing around 95% of the time. 
Devils start up tomorrow, and I got tix for as deep as they go. With Brodeur one of the best to play the game and Elias in midseason form, Devils have to be feeling pretty good.
And Ted, re: your post, if it’s warm and sunny, why do people want to be in a smelly gym?
Tonight, we could have the unique privilege of going 0-for-4.