NHL Playoffs: Round Two Predictions

Montreal Canadiens versus Philadelphia Flyers

Prediction: Montreal in 5 games

Some may say that the Penguins tanked their last game so that they can take on the struggling Ottawa Senators, but it's the Habs that now continue to be the benefactors of that "decision". For starters, they got past a Bruins team that not only took them to game 7, but showed a young team what it takes to win in the playoffs. Now they take on what has to be a tired Flyer's team that had to play back to back games with Washington, with the last game going into overtime, who now have to travel to Montreal and play at the Bell Center with less than 48 hours rest. Montreal has re-found their team chemistry, thanks in part to the return of team captain Saku Koivu, and will not let up against the Flyer's, nor take them lightly. The Flyer's had the 2nd best power-play going into the playoffs (after Montreal), and have enough speed and depth to match the Canadiens (...for the most part). But, Montreal does beat them if you match up position by position (yes, I will take game 7 Price over Biron), so I have to think that Montreal will take it, and take the series rather easily.

Pittsburgh Penguins versus New York Rangers

Prediction: Rangers in 6

Why: The Penguins are an offensive juggernaut, match only by perhaps the Red Wings (remember, they only got Hossa at the deadline, and Crosby was injured. A full season with those two, and they would lead the league in goals scored). I know there is a lot of hype now about Marc-André Fleury having found his game, so now supposedly their goaltending is back to being top notch, but they still have questionable defense.

The Rangers are just a solid team from start to finish. Henrik Lundqvist outplayed Martin Brodeur. Their top 4 defensemen could be top 4 is most NHL clubs. They have offense, they have speed, they have grit, they have power, and they can play defense. Rangers are to me, the most complete team in the NHL, and a better team than the Ducks that one the cup last year. My head tells me that they will go all the way, starting with Pittsburgh.

Detroit Red Wings versus Colorado Avalanche

Prediction: Detroit in 7

Why: A new favorite dark house is emerging out of the Western Conference. Some hockey fans ridiculed the age that was added to this team by brining in Forsberg, and brining back Adam Foote. But these guys got it done against a tough defensive team in Minnesota. Now they face the complete opposite in a great offensive team. I have to think that if the Red Wings can overcome their brewing goalie controversy that started when Hasek was benched in favor of Osgood, and be willing to stretch this series out to 7 games if need be, I think age will become a factor. Sure, Detroit is no spring chicken (yeah, looking at you Chelios), but they have been doing it all season, and do have some great young talent that can match up well against the Avs. And really, can Theodore stay that good for yet another series?

San Jose Sharks versus Dallas Stars

Prediction: Sharks in 5

Why: Sure, I am a little biased here. I can't stand the Stars, and I can't stand Ribeiro. However, they still don't have their top 2 defensemen, and they still only beat an injury depleted Anaheim team. I simply don't think that Dallas has enough firepower to get past the Sharks, even after the acquisition of Brad Richards. I am going to go with the depth and the Sharks, combined with better goaltending as the key factors in deciding the outcome of this series.