NHL Playoffs round 1 is done, round 2 predictions
I know I never posted anything on the NHL playoffs in regard to round one but that will do little to keep my opinions on round two in check.
Round 1 of the 2011 NHL playoffs was nothing short of stunning. I honestly can’t think of a better way to describe the suspense and excitement every game seemed to bring to the table. I found myself watching every game my cable provided. The sheer greatness of the Hockey being played was enough to keep me hooked.
Lets take a look at why Round 1 was so exciting.
14 overtime games: Nothing creates drama like overtime in the NHL playoffs, well maybe one thing.
2 game seven overtimes: Do or die this is what it all comes down to. Sudden Death has a new meaning when you are literally playing to move forward or start your summer.
4 series going the distance to game seven: Overtime or not game seven isn’t something you see everyday and almost everyone is a nail biter. Especially when you have your netminders playing like they were, which brings me to…
9 shutouts: some of you may argue that shutouts are boring. Since I have a small obsession with the armored defenders of twine I can honestly say that the anticipation of watching as a goalie gets a shutout is on par with watching a team defend a one goal lead in the dying moments of the third, when the opponents pull the goalie for the extra attacker.
I could go on about the sheer joy of watching goalies but perhaps I will save that for another time. I should probably get to my predictions for round 2.
EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS
#1 Washington Capitals vs #5 Tampa Bay Lightning
This is a series I will be watching with much interest. The things Steve Yzerman has done in HIS FIRST YEAR with the lightning have already improved the team by leaps and bounds. They were shaky early on against the Penguins but were able to overcome their inexperience in the playoffs and beat the Penguins in a battle of attrition in game 7. Dwane Roloson is a huge part of the reasons why. If Roloson can stay hot and the young talent on the Bolts can get going, expect to see the Lightning ride Rollie the Goalie into third round with St. Louis’ guns ablazing.
Washington has finally figured out that offense alone does not win hockey games. With the new (and very good) more defensive minded play of Alex Ovechkin and the gang make the Capitals a more balanced team and a much heavier contender for the cup than they have been in years prior. They will need the new defensive gameplan against the Bolts who have a lot of potential for explosive scoring bursts. But if the Caps can keep them contained their own talent (which they have plenty of) will be enough to get them by.
My Prediction: The pressure is on the Caps to win the series and the Bolts have nothing to lose. Win or lose the Bolts are getting a lot out of this playoff run. Expect to see them come out fearless and surprise the Capitals. Bolts in 6.
#2 Philadelphia Flyers vs #3 Boston Bruins
The Bruins are coming off a dramatic game 7 win over playoff rival Montreal. One demon down one to go. The Bruins are up against the team that game back from being down 3 games last year to beat the Bruins in game 7, and don’t think they don’t know it. However they are a different team and it’s a different year. If the Bruins can return to playing the way they did most of the season they have a good shot at quieting the naysayers. Tim Thomas proved he still has plenty left in the tank coming up huge for Boston when their sloppy play gave Montreal FAR too many chances. If Thomas stays at this level of play Philly will have a hard time scoring… just like they did with Ryan Miller when he was playing his best hockey.
Philadelphia played ok against what seemed to be a very un-energetic and un-inspired Buffalo team in the last round. They will have to be better against the Bruins. Unlike the Sabres who all but quit playing in the last game the Bruins proved that they are in it for the long run. They never gave up despite bad breaks and a lot of mental errors down the stretch. Hopefully Boucher will stay consistent and stop the revolving door or goaltenders in Philly. They need a strong showing in net if they want to keep up with Thomas and the Bruins.
My Prediction: Boston to me has more potential to go far in the playoffs. Riding a super hot goalie that makes big saves after huge misplays is often a momentum changer. I think Boston puts their act together, reworks their TERRIBLE powerplay and forces Philly to play on their heels. Meanwhile Philly’s goalie situation will only add to their problems. Confidence is Key. Thomas has it Boucher/leighton/bobrovsky don’t. Boston in 5
I will continue with the west tomorrow Granted after watching day one tonight but lay off im busy! So for safety sake just to say I called it prior Wings in 6, PREDATORS in 7
