NHL Playoffs: Second Round Predictions

With the Stanley Cup field narrowed to eight teams, the Bleacher Report's Mike Burse tells you what to expect in the second round of the NHL playoffs.

Eastern Conference

(1) Buffalo Sabres vs. (6) New York Rangers

Sean Avery is an amazing pest, and was very effective against the Thrashers in the first round. However, this Sabres team has a wealth of playoff experience and can get good offensive and defensive balance from each of its four lines. The Rangers, on the other hand, only have two (maybe three) lines that they can feel comfortable putting on the ice in any situation...and don't have the depth to keep pace with Buffalo.

Prediction: Buffalo in 5

 

(2) New Jersey Devils vs. (4) Ottawa Senators

This series will come down to whether New Jersey's physical style of play can frustrate the skilled Senators. If it can't, the Devils are facing an Ottawa team with line-depth comparable to Buffalo's. The Sens' Daniel Alfredsson played like a man possessed in the first round he's throwing his body around and finally looks like a true leader. Martin Brodeur must have an outstanding series for the Devils to advance.

Prediction: Ottawa in 6

Western Conference

(1) Detroit Red Wings vs. (5) San Jose Sharks

Prediction: Sharks in 6

(2) Anaheim Ducks vs. (3) Vancouver Canucks

Prediction: Vancouver in 6

That's all I've got for now. Enjoy the games...and respond here with picks of your own.