Round 2, fight!

Round 2 of the 2009 NHL playoffs start today. I was 6 for 8 in my first round predictions; let's see if I can be 3 for 4 in my second round picks.


Series: Detroit Red Wings (1) vs. Anaheim Ducks (4)

My Prediction: Red Wings in 7.

Thoughts: The underachieving Ducks--who finished 8th in the Western Conference--knocked off the Sharks in 6 games. Can they repeat their success against the Red Wings? Nope! I don't know why the Sharks keep sabotaging themselves each year, but the Red Wings don't seem to have this self-destructive tendency. I'm not saying the Ducks will go away that easy; this series will go down to the wire.



Series: Vancouver Canucks (2) vs. Chicago Blackhawks (3)

My Prediction: Blackhawks pull UPSET in 6.

Thoughts: Yes, I'm pulling for my team here, but they've won two and lost two against the Canucks during the regular season. The Hawks will win if they can steal a road game early--if it goes to seven games, then the Canucks will draw upon the power of playing on their native Canadian soil and win the series.



Series: Boston Bruins (1) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (4)

My Prediction: Bruins in 5.

Thoughts: If you use your imagination, you can pretend it's a Bruins-Whalers matchup (there I go again, living in the past). While Carolina upset the Devils, the Bruins averaged 4 goals a game against the Canadiens. Tim Thomas is having a hell of a playoffs (1.50 GAA so far), so the Bruins will make it to the Final Four.



Series: Washington Capitals (2) vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (3)

My Prediction: Penguins UPSET in 6.

Thoughts: This one will be interesting. Capitals rookie goaltender Simeon Varlamov kicked ass in goal against the Rangers. Can he continue to do so against the Penguins--a team who will push him to his limits. I think Alexander Ovechkin is a better player than Sidney Crosby, but I think the Penguins have the better team.