I had another 10 Jim Playfair posts ready and waiting to go, but I've decided to let that issue rest for awhile. At this point, I'll just be angrying up the blood for the express purpose of beating a dead horse.
So onto the rest of the league...
I went 6 for 8 in the first round. My misses included my homer pick (ugh...the Flames) and the Nashville Predators, who just naturally send a chill of fear down my spine owing to my being a Flames fan. I ran the board in the East, however, which makes me think I should contain my gambling to that particular Conference from now on...
Eastern Semi-finals:
Buffalo vs. NY Rangers -
The Rangers have played well over the last little while, mainly thanks to the Lundqvist renaissance and the surprising play of Sean Avery (and, perhaps, Nylander!). Unfortunately, they are meeting what I consider to be the Juggernaut of the East - the Buffalo Sabres. Whereas most teams have "role players" and "checking lines" as the 3rd unit, the Sabres have the trio of Thomas Vanek, Derek Roy and Maxim Afinogenov who are just ready and willing to tear apart soft opposition. Look no further than Vanek's ridiculous +/- rating during the season for proof of that fact. Talk about depth. The only thing that will deny the Sabres a berth in the Eastern finals is an injury to Ryan Miller.
Prediction: Sabres in 6.
Ottawa vs. NJ -
The Devils don't have a prayer in this one. The Senators have been kicking ass since January and it's starting to look like Daniel Alfredsson has conquered his play-off demons. NJ had trouble with the Lightning, and the Senators have more depth up front, better defencemen and better goaltending.
Prediction: Ottawa in 6.
Western Semi-finals:
Anaheim vs. Vancouver -
The Canucks are now in over their heads. The only reason their offensive deficiencies didn't cost them in the first round was they met up with an equally deficient Dallas Stars squad. Luongo's the best goalie in the series, but the Ducks have the overwhelming advantage in just about every other area.
Prediction: Anaheim in 5.
Detroit vs. San Jose -
Detroit proved to be efficient and committed in the first round, but their mettle hasn't properly been tested yet. San Jose has excellent goaltending and probably superior depth on forward. Detroit has the best player in Nick Lidstrom, but even he can't be on the ice for 60 minutes every game. Wilson will find a way to exploit the Red Wings poor special teams and will probably orchestrate a Hasek meltdown by sending Bernier and Grier to stand in his face all game.
Prediction: San Jose in 7.
