Second Round Baby!

I have to say, the NHL second round match ups are pretty spectacular.

Redwings vs Ducks
Not only have the Ducks knocked off the Wings before, they just booted the President's Trophy Winning Sharks. Detroit has been so good this season that I cant see the Ducks getting past them. As sad as it is to say, I think Detroit is going to the finals. I hope the Ducks at least push them to a game seven...but the brain says Redwings in five.

Canucks vs Blackhawks
This is the one match up I dont have a stake in one way or the other. I would hate to see Coach Q succeed since i think he's a bit heavy handed. However, the Blackhawks have been so sad for so long that I really like the idea of them moving to the next round. If the Avs were any better, i would have to root against the Canucks since they have been are our division rivals (say what you will, the Northwest is the toughest division). But, since the Avs are a hot mess, i wouldnt mind seeing Vancouver advance. Like i said, its a moot point since i think Detroit is your western conference champ.

Bruins vs Hurricanes
I am still in awe of the Canes win over the Devils. Talk about letting your guard down Brodeur. The face of the Devils when the final buzzer sounded was...complete shock. That being said, I am rooting for the Bruins here. I have much love for the oft forgotten Boston team. They look good this year and are well rested after ousting the Habs in just four games. During the regular season they won all four meetings with Carolina. I do think that the Playoff Canes will surprise them however. I see this going to at least game six.

Capitals vs Penguins
This is the most exciting match up of the second round and possibly the playoffs. Everyone is talking about it. Finally a series pitting Crosby and Ovechkin. They drafted #1 and #2. They battled for the Calder, they battle for the Art Ross, they battle for MVP. The Penguins have Malkin but the Caps have Semin, a guy who-like Malkin-has been able to step up his game in the shadow of a superstar. Sadly, Semin is no Malkin. The supporting cast for both teams is pretty respectable. The Penguins have a better keeper in Fleury...Varlamov has no idea what he is in for and that could be the deciding factor. I like Ovechkin's style of play better...though both teams can be pretty gritty. This will be a tough battle but, as they say, dance with the one that brung ya. Caps in seven.


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So there you go Hockey Fans. The breakdown from a bird that is totally unqualified to be breaking down anything.

Enjoy the second round starting tonight with the Canucks and Blackhawks.

~It puts the lotion in the basket!~
B