Second Round of Puck

The next round of hockey playoffs is upon us. A couple surprises came from the first round, but mostly everything went as planned. Sadly the Caps are out, but they will be back for sure next year. I really thought the Senators would show some type of fight, considering they were last year's Eastern champs, but the Penguins dispatched them quite easily. The same can be said for the Ducks, they got completely outplayed by the Stars. Also, Marty Brodeur and the Devil's really showed poorly as they got out worked by the old Rangers. The best hockey games out of the first round happened between the Sharks/Flames and Avs/Wild. The Sharks and Flames really battled it out, just check the video on Sarrich's hit on Marleau. The Sharks were finally able to bury a few consecutive goals in game 7 to seal the deal, but they will have a serious battle on their hands with the Stars. The Avs and Wild played very exciting up and down hockey, trading shot for shot. Theodore was better than Backstrom and that was the difference. It's a good thing Theodore is used to seeing a ton of shots because the Wings love to pepper goalies. Jeff's first round pick record: East 1-3 West 3-1 .500 eh, not very impressive

Second Round Matchups -
East: Penguins vs. Rangers
The Pens high powered offense destroyed the Senators. The Rangers have a better defense and are much more physical. The Pens are also very fresh and ready to go. The Rangers easily handled the Devils poor offense, but they will see a whole new attack from the Pens. The Pens have shaky goal tending, but the Rangers have a shaky defense. If the Rangers forwards can keep scoring and hitting, then they will make this a long series. The Rangers are old and the Penguins are not. Pens win 4-2
Canadiens vs. Flyers
It took the Habs 7 games to get rid of the Bruins, thats 3 more games than it should have taken. I think the Canadiens were thinking about the second round while still playing the first and accidentally let the Bruins win a couple. The Canadiens won't let that happen this round. The Flyers barley escaped the Capitals and as a result are very tired and beat up. I expect the Flyers to play with a ton of emotion, but they will hit a brick wall. The Canadiens are firing on all cylinders, all their lines are scoring. Only Danny Briere is scoring for the Flyers. This series won't be close. Canadiens win 4-1

West: Red Wings vs. Avalanche
If it wasn't for Dan Ellis standing on his head, the Wings would have crushed the Predators in 4. The Wings offense is generating a ton of shots, which usually means a lot of goals. The Avs are also generating a ton of offense and scored more goals than the Wings did. However, both teams style of play does allow for counter attacks. The Wings are use to this and rely heavily on skilled d-men to regain control of the puck. The Avs are not used to this style of play and rely on Theodore to hold down the fort. If the Avs can out muscle the Wings and cycle the puck then they can win this series. If the Wings can actually put the puck in the net then the Avs are doomed. This will be a good series. Wings win 4-3
Sharks vs. Stars
This should be the best series of the second round. Both teams are big, skilled, disciplined, and well balanced. I was surprised at how well the Stars defeated the Ducks, especially since they beat them at their own game. The Ducks just didn't show up to play, the Sharks will be a different story though. Roenick has put some emotion into the boring Sharks, which is what they finally needed in order to outplay the Flames. Like the Flames, the Stars will also play with a lot of emotion. This series will come down to who wants to win more. Both teams have good goalies and play good team defense. Special teams will also be a huge factor, the more power plays will = more goals. Stars win 4-3

I could watch this all day: