So after the opening round eight teams remain.
To recap Newman went 5 for 8 hitting the nail on head with the Preds in 6 and the Sharks in 6.
The Rev was one better going 6 for 8 and hit the bullseye picking the Lightning in 7.
So the second round begins tonight. Here are our thoughts:
The West:
VANCOUVER CANUCKS VS NASHVILLE PREDATORS
NEWMAN: The Canucks win over the Hawks was huge in so many ways for this franchise. It boosted Luongo's confidence which is key for any future success of this team. Don't underestimate the Preds though as they are one of the hardest working teams in the league and won't just lie down on the tracks and wait for the train to come. Still think the Canucks prevail...as much as it pains me to say it.
Canucks in 6.
THE REV: Vancouver showed some of their weaknesses in their first round series; mostly their heads. They should have rolled over the Blackhawks and didn't. I have no reason to think they'll be able to roll over Nashville, another team they should beat with ease. Having said that, they're still a much better team than Nashville, who's defensive core will be overmatched by the Sisters et al.
Predators in 6. (Again, I cannot pick the Vancouver Canucks; I hate them.)
SAN JOSE SHARKS VS DETROIT RED WINGS
NEWMAN: This is going to be a great series, that's all I know. Niemi will have to find his game if the Sharks intend on winning this series. Instead of the good game bad game streak, he will have to have a couple solid ones in a row against a much more powerful Wings offence. With the return of Zetterberg, the Wings might have the edge here, but it's a coin flip in my mind and I'm sticking with the initial predictions I made at the start of the playoffs.
Sharks in 7.
THE REV: I was confident in Detroit's veteran team in the first round and I'll stick with that against the Sharks. San Jose has a history of coming up short in the playoffs, and playing a very well rested Red Wing team isn't going to change that. The return of Zetterberg only helps. Detroit won't coast as they did against the Coyotes, but they'll be able to make chum out of the Sharks before going to a game 7.
Red Wings in 6.
The East:
WASHINGTON CAPITALS VS TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
NEWMAN: Ok so I was wrong about the Rangers upsetting the Caps. It was closer than the 5 games it ended in though. Anyways, the Caps are a different team this time around, that much is obvious. They aren't that offensive powerhouse they once were and instead play a defensive style of play that might actually help them win a championship. Neuvirth played great in the Ranger series and will have to continue playing well if he hopes to stop the high powered Lightning attack. The Lightning, or Ning for short, had probably the quietest playoff comeback in league history. With everyone focusing on the other series, especially out west, no one paid much attention to their triumphant comeback. Roloson is playing well and has brought an underdog team far in the playoffs before. This is the Caps series and possibly playoffs to lose though now.
Capitals in 6.
THE REV: I didn't realize the Capitals were still in the playoffs. To be honest I didn't really follow their series against the Rangers after Newman's 'UPSET ALERT' saying New York would prevail. I see he's changed his tune. The Capitals have changed from a run n' gun to a more complete style of play, and it'll carry them deep into the playoffs. While the Lighnting were able to fend off a weakened Penguins team, they don't have enough in them to take down a much stronger Washington team. Fred Brathwaite's old back up won't have enough to fend off the Capitals; he's simply over matched in this one. The Capitals will have a good week off while they wait for Boston and Philly to duke it out.
Capitals in 5.
BOSTON BRUINS VS PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
NEWMAN: Both teams played grueling seven game series in the first round. The Bruins will be looking to exact some revenge on a Flyer team that did what only two other teams in history have ever done and that's come back from 3-0 down in the series (not to mention down 3-0 in Game 7 as well). The Flyers have Pronger back who will make a big impact and help the shaky goaltending they have become known for. I think the Bruins will pull this one out though.
Bruins in 7.
THE REV: I see this one being the closest series of the all. Both teams had hard fought victories in the first round and both will be looking to end this series a little earlier. This time, I think goaltending will be the difference. Boston has it, Philadelphia doesn't. Ryan Miller was almost able to stop the Flyers, Tim Thomas will be able to. Add Andrew Ference's hot finger(s) and the Bruins pull this one out in the end.
Bruins in 6.
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