NHL Predictions 2011-12: Predicting the Second-Round Matchups

This article is a continuation of my first round picks article which can be found here.

Here are the elite eight teams that I think will have survived after their first round matchups:

East

• (1) Washington Capitals
• (2) Pittsburgh Penguins
• (4) Tampa Bay Lightning
• (6) New York Rangers

West

• (1) San Jose Sharks
• (2) Vancouver Canucks
• (4) Los Angeles Kings
• (6) Anaheim Ducks

Let's being with the next round. 

(1)Washington Capitals vs. (6)New York Rangers

Seems familiar doesn't it?

For the second time in two seasons the Rangers meet the Capitals in the postseason. Although this year the Rangers have climbed two spots in the standings because of the addition of Brad Richards, they still come in as huge underdogs to the Capitals.

This series will be low scoring but look for both Ovechkin and Ryan Callahan to put up about five goals a piece in this six game series. 

Overall Lundqvist is rock solid as usual and the Caps have to switch to their backup for the first time these playoffs because of a lower body injury to Tomas Vokoun. Neuvirth, however, registers a shutout during his stint and plays like the Calder cup winning champion everyone knows him to be. 

The series ends in a Game 6 with Washington advancing 4-2.

The Capitals advance the farthest they ever have under Ovechkin leadership. 

(2)Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (4)Tampa Bay Lightning

This series will be won or lost by the appearance of Sidney Crosby. These teams have so much star power and offensive ability that the only way it could be tipped in Tampa's favor is if Crosby isn't playing. 

The Tampa Bay Lightning may have a great coach and GM tandem in Boucher and Yzerman but I don't think it will be enough in this series. Last year the Lightning showed grit and determination by extending their series against the eventual Stanley Cup winning Boston Bruins to a one goal Game 7. 

This year, however, won't be their year. Tampa needs one more year to be an elite force and to finally make it back to the Stanley Cup finals. Martin St. Louis, Lecavalier and Stamkos aren't going anywhere soon so this team has a lot of opportunity in the future. 

In this series the Penguins once again go into a pivotal Game 7 against the Lightning and narrowly escape a second round upset, winning the game by one goal and an empty netter.

Pittsburgh advances 4-3. 

(1)San Jose Sharks vs. (6)Anaheim Ducks

An all Californian match up pits the Western Conference leaders against the surprising Anaheim Ducks. The Ducks continue their postseason run on the back of Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry as they face off against a very hungry and optimistic Joe Thornton.

Sharks fans can feel that this is their year and they don't want another postseason upset, especially to another California team.

Although this series will be exciting because of the talent on both sides of the ice, there will be a clear winner.  The Sharks will take another trip to the Conference finals (the third time in three years) by defeating the Ducks 4-1. 

The Finnish Flash retires and Hiller once again experiences symptoms of vertigo—probably because the speedy San Jose offense skates circles around him. 

(2)Vancouver Canucks vs. (4)Los Angeles Kings

This series will be the most exciting of the second round. 

The Los Angeles Kings have much improved this offseason and are looking forward to a deep playoff run while the Vancouver Canucks are trying to stave off another postseason disappointment. Needless to say, both teams will be putting it all out on the ice for a date with the San Jose Sharks. 

Ryan Kesler once again shows off some playoff poise and registers an impressive nine points in this seven game series, including three goals. Kopitar, who was absent these past playoffs, will also showcase some poise by netting four goals against Roberto Luongo. 

Here is where the hate comes. The Kings advance to the next round by a score of 4-3. Although the Canucks show they have the skill to advance, they fail to make a return to the Conference Finals against the much improved LA Kings. Luongo however isn't the issue as he puts up an impressive .930 save percentage during this round.  

A division rivalry and a Californian sprawl is in the making for the Conference Finals. 

Thanks for Reading!

The Conference Finals will be posted in the coming days. 

Thanks for reading! I look forward to more heated discussions in the comments section.

P.S. Can I get a Roll Tide?