My Belated Second Round NHL Playoff Preview

First off, let me appologize for the tardiness of this column. I had it written before the 2nd round started, but due to internet complications I was unable to post the blog. With that said, did the Washington Capitals get screwed? In case you missed it, the Capitals lost in game 7 to the Philadelphia Flyers due to a power play goal in overtime. I will give the refs the foul, Tom Poti did in fact commit the tripping penalty he was accused of. True, the Capitals did get away with a similar trip minutes before so how could they let them get away with it again. Well, Poti did not committ the trip on a breakaway or even in the Flyers attacking zone. He tripped the play in front of the Flyers bench in the neutral zone. I feel the referees need to sit on their whistles in overtime (especially game 7) of any playoff game unless there is a breakaway situation.

(1) Monreal Canadiens vs. (6) Philadelphia Flyers

The question in this one will be who has enough gas in their tank to endure another 7 game series. I beleive that is what it will take to win this series, another 7 game set. Philadelphia will upset the Canadiens to advance.

On paper the Canadiens are a good bet to win the series, the Kostitsyn brothers are playing well and Kovalev looks primed to lead Montreal past Philly. So, why should Philly win? One reason, Carey Price will not be able to contain Daniel Briere and Vaclav Prospal. Briere led the first round in goals with 6 and Prospal led in assists with 6. If Philly can pick up where Boston left off, by pressuring the puck and finishing their checking, Philly can prevail.

(2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (5) New York Rangers

If the Rangers were playing any other team, I would pick them to advance. As it is they are up against a Penguins team that have too many weapons. The Penguins will advance in 5 games.

Despite the Rangers veterans playing well, Crosby and Malkin will prove to be too much. Jaromir Jagr, Scott Gomez, Brendan Shanahan, Chris Drury and Martin Straka all had more points than games played (5). But, Marc Andre Fleury is playing like Broduer was 5 years ago. Fleury's goals against average is 1.26 and his save % is a mind blowing .955

Fluery has won 18 of the last 21 games so beating him in 4 out of 7 is a tall order.

(1) Detroit Red Wings vs. (6) Colorado Avalanche

This matchup should prove to be another chapter in a storied and physical rivalry. You may not see the goalie fight we saw in 1997 but Darren McCarty does not seem like he drops grudges easily. Expect a lot of fights, alot of penalties but in the end a Detroit victory. I like the Red Wings in 6 games.

Jose Theodore was spectacular in the first round, 1.88 GAA and .940 save % (6 games) The difference in this series is the Detroit offense is much better than the Wilds. One overwhelming factor is the Red Wings home ice advantage. Colorado was a mere 17-19-5 on the road this year.

(2) San Jose Sharks vs. (5) Dallas Stars

The Sharks struggled to get past the Calgary Flames and the Stars exercised demons of their early exits the past 3 years. Look for Dallas to carry the momentum to a series victory in 7 games.

Key Factors: Evgeni Nabakov, his .895 save % must improve or else this series will be over quick.

Dallas' young defense needs to continue to play beyond their years. Mark Fistric, Matt Niskanen, Nicklas Grossman, and Trevor Daley have been impressive thus far, giving Marty Turco some relief.

Home ice advantage may be a disadvantage. San Jose mustered 22 home wins this year which was 9th (out of 15). The only consolation is that Dallas had only 23 wins.

Also, the series was tied 4-4 during the regular season, but San Jose won 2 of their 4 in overtime.

Again, I wish this article went out before the second round started but, I can assure anyone that this is the article you would have seen had I got it out on time.

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