NHL Second Round
Posted by
Kevin
I know, the games have started, but I haven’t looked at the scores.
Eastern Conference Semi-Finals
- Flyers vs. Canadians Montreal did not look particularly good against the Bruins, but the Flyers almost gave upa 3-1 series lead, and probably would have if Ovechkin had chosen to take that shot. The Flyers don’t score particularly well and while thier defense is good it is not great. Montreal’s young goalie will probably give away a game, but the Habs offensive will eventually overpower the Flyers. Habs in Six
- Rangers vs. Penguins The Penguins just might be the best tam in the East right now. The big question is how much the long layoff has hurt them, though that is ususally overrated. The Penguins have a lot of firepower, but they also play solid defense and have, at least, above average goal-tending. They wont be pushed around by the Rangers and they will have to many offensive weapons for the Rangers to cope with. The Rangers might have the goalie playing better right now, but even if they do, the difference wont be enough. Penguins in Six
Western Conference Semi-Finals
- Avalanche Vs. Red Wings This should be a great series. These are both tough, veteran teams with a decent amount of firepower. They are both solid on the blue lines and have forwards who will score regardless of how much abuse they have to take to do it. There is a lot of bad blood between the franchises and so the games should be tight and exciting, filled with big hits and big plays. Much has been made of how old the Avs best players are, but I think Foresberg in particular is rounding into mid-season shape. In the end, I think that this comes down to goal-tending. Osgood had a nice last couple f games agaisnt the Predatos, but they played a good chunk of that time without there best offensive weapon. Considering that Osgood is a not-quite great goaltender and that Theodore is playing like a great goalie, and I think the edge has to go to the Avs. Avs in Seven
- Stars vs. Sharks Earlier I said that the Sharks were playing the best hockey in the league. Either the Flames were playing the second-best hockey in the league or the Sharks were exposed a bit. I think the Sharks were exposed a bit, but I also think they found their form in the last couple of games. Dallas is a little bit under rated, I think. The addition of Richardson (who should have been a Blackhawk, damn it) has made their offense more effective and they are a solid defensive team with solid goal-tending. But they are just a solid team; when the Sharsk starting clicking, though, they are just this side of unstoppable. Sharks in Six
Of course I definitely agree with the Sharks. I think tho the Red Wings will win out over the Avs. And agree on the Eastern front. GO SHARKS!
Comment 4/25/2008
This should be fun. This round, we agree on only one of four series (the Pens). I’m looking good on the Sharks & Red Wings, and the Flyers/Habs series is up in the air. But frankly, I’d prefer if you went 4-0, and I went 1-3.
Comment 4/27/2008