NHL Playoffs: Round 2 Preview

The first round is in the books. Wow, what an amazing couple weeks of hockey we got to enjoy. Every series had its own flavor. Some more physical, others more skilled, some blowouts and a lot of overtime. Is there anything better than playoff overtime? I think not.

There were a few surprises in the first round. No one expected the Predators to sweep the heavily favored Blackhawks. I doubt anyone thought the Maple Leafs would give the President's Trophy winning Capitals a scare. Lastly, who would have thought the best goalie in the first round would be Jake Allen in St. Louis, but here we are.

With the second round primed to start, we are breaking down each of the second round match-ups. We will start in the west and then head east.

ANAHEIM DUCKS (1) vs. EDMONTON OILERS (2)

This is a classic playoff match-up. The veteran and playoff tested Ducks vs. the upstart Oilers. On one side you have the Ducks depth, size and physicality led by great veterans that all have been to the Stanley Cup finals. On the other side is a young Oilers team with very little playoff experience, but more speed and skill than any other team still alive in the west. I picked against the Oilers in round one because I underestimated their heart. In this they are going to have bring even more to the table. The Ducks breezed through round one with a sweep of the Flames. As long as Anaheim's goaltending stays strong, I expect them to handle their business against an Oilers team that plays a similar style to the Flames. However, I would not be shocked if the young superstar, McDavid, pulled off some magic and pushed for an upset.
Prediction: Anaheim in 6

ST. LOUIS BLUES (3) vs. NASHVILLE PREDATORS (WC2)

I doubt many folks had this match-up in their NHL Bracket Challenge. Nashville shocked everyone by dismantling the mighty Blackhawks in round one. They absolutely dominated ever facet of the series. Great goaltending, impressive defense and a dominating forecheck launched them into this round. On the side, the Blues had a nearly as impressive round one win. The dispatched a very good Minnesota team in only five games. Maybe proving that Kevin Shattenkirk was not such a big part of their team. What was proven is that Jake Allen is a legitimate #1 goalie in the NHL. He was not only the best player in the series, he was the best player in the playoffs. The two teams played an even round, but the Blues won the series so easily because Jake Allen was just that good. This will be an interesting match-up. Neither team expected to be here. So it will be a major over-achievement for whoever makes it to the Western Conference Finals.
Prediction: Nashville in 7

OTTAWA SENATORS (2) vs. NEW YORK RANGERS (WC1)

This is a good series between two very different teams. The Rangers Henrik Lundqvist set out to prove in the first round that he is still the best goaltender in the NHL. He certainly helped to prove that the Metropolitan Division is far superior to the Atlantic. The Rangers offer a variety of players that can be successful in any type of game. They have tons of size and defensive acumen. Players like Nash, Kreider and Zuccarello make them a scoring threat at all times. The Senators do not have the depth the Rangers do, but Ottawa's top players are playing at an exceptional level. Karlsson looks like the best defenseman in the NHL. He dominated the series against the Bruins. This series will come down to who can be the most successful in their defensive zone. I think the Rangers depth and elite goaltending puts them over the top.
Prediction: New York in 6

WASHINGTON CAPITALS (1) vs. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (2)

The NHL got exactly what they wanted again, Crosby vs Ovechkin. Crosby's Penguins are 2-0 against Ovechkin's Capitals in the playoffs. Both times Pittsburgh went on to win the Stanley Cup. Once again this series feels like whoever comes out on top will go onto to hoist Lord Stanley. Both teams are highly skilled and playoff tested. Endless amounts of talent on both benches. The Capitals looked a little overwhelmed by the Maple Leafs speed and hunger. in round one That is where the Penguins can take advantage of the Capitals lack of speed. However, Washington is a much larger and more physical team. They can use this to lean on and wear out the much smaller Penguins. This series is a toss up, but I believe the injury to Kris Letang will prove to cripple the Penguins breakout and give Washington the advantage.
Prediction: Washington in 7