With Round 1’s predictions, I went a decent 5-3. Not bad, but I think Nostradamus’ legacy is safe for a while longer. I incorrectly picked Calgary (turns out, they really do suck at home), Dallas (I was right that Turco would be good, but the team let him down) and Atlanta (um, guh.).
Here’s my thoughts on Round 2:
East
Buffalo (1) vs New York Rangers (6): Full disclosure: I hate the Rangers and I hate Sean Avery. And, I think the Sabres are a terrific hockey club. So, why would I pick New York? They seem to be clicking at the right time and have a goalie that can carry a team in a series. That statement applies to the Sabres as well, of course. The x-factor here is Sean Avery, a miserable scumbag on the ice who started getting under the skin of the Sabres two days before the first puck was dropped. I think Buffalo, under the guidance of hothead coach Lindy Ruff, will focus too much on the antics of Avery and risk taking the rest of the Rangers for granted. This should be the series to talk about. New York in 6
New Jersey (2) vs Ottawa (4): Against Tampa, Brodeur was off his game a bit. But, “off his game” to Martin Brodeur still was enough to win. He’ll need to be better against the high-scoring Senators, because New Jersey won’t be winning many offensive shootouts. Zach Parise and Brian Gionta scored 11 goals in the first round. The rest of the Devil’s combined scored 8. I think this series will go back and forth, and Brodeur will end up being the difference maker. New Jersey in 6.
West
Detroit (1) vs San Jose (5): Both of these teams were involved in some nastiness in the first round. That will probably carry over a little bit into round two, but I don’t expect it to be a huge factor. Detroit’s Dominik Hasek seems to be exhibiting some chinks in the armor, and he was largely outplayed by Mikka Kiprusoff in the first round. I think this will be an exciting, emotional, physical series which the Sharks win. Barely. San Jose in 7.
Anaheim (2) vs Vancouver (3): Roberto Luongo was outstanding in the first round. He’ll be just as good in round two, but the Ducks just have too many weapons. Minnesota didn’t have an answer for Anaheim’s size and strength in the first round, and the Canucks won’t either. Luongo will steal a couple, but the Ducks are just too good. Anaheim in 6.
My picks weren’t that strong in the last round, though my Anaheim vs Ottawa final prediction still survives.
These picks are in hindsight since some have already played a game, ie not real strong prognostication going on here.
Buff v Rangers. Yeah, I hate Avery too. Why is it that hockey teams with guys like Avery, Draper and Neminen do so well in the playoffs? I think it’s because they are so emotional anyway that those guys can just exploit it. I’ll take Buffalo in 7 with Drury getting key goals. This of course will torture two GMs, Lacriox’s gaff will grow and Buffalo will secretly crying at the possibility of losing him in the off-season.
NJ vs Ottawa. The Senators will get it done this time. They are deadly on three lines and I think just about everyone in Ottawa knows the NJ game by know, made even more predictable with Lou back behind the bench. NJ only pulls this out if Brodeur steals it. Which is entirely possible. Sens in 6.
Detroit vs San Jose. Detroit seems to baffle teams with that puck possession game. I thought Calgary would be physical enough to slow Detroit down but they turned in to the goon squad and it backfired. But let’s be clear, Ron Wilson is no Playfair. He will have that team playing the same physical hockey they always play but he will have them playing smart. Not only that but Wilson is a tactician to the nth degree. He gets live video replays to pc tablets on the bench for review (only in Silicon Valley folks). Detroit generally isn’t your grind it out with hard work type of squad. I think San Jose can slow down that system and take it in 6.
Anaheim vs Vancouver. I hate the offensive depth of Vancouver. The only people that like to watch Vancouver play hockey are Vancouver fans, and even then, only if they win. They are that dry. Luango is gaining dog years on his goaltending body at this rate. Anaheim just has too much depth and too many defensive weapons for Vancouver’s one line team. Luango might steal a game but I think they are totally outmatched. Watching Vancouver play just kills me because I know the Avs could beat this team. Anaheim in 5.