2010 Playoff Prognostications, round 2

April 28th, 2010 Graig Posted in Uncategorized |

Well, ho-lee crap, what a weird, wild round one that was. Every single series started off the first two games with an even split, the bulk of the games were one-goal games and too-many men penalties were off-the-charts. Early signs pointed to some big upsets, and there were but only in the east.

Recap: EAST
A. Caps v. Habs - Up.set. Serious up.set. Washington looked pretty good to start, stymieing both Price and Halak until the game 5 slow-burn 2-1 victory which led to a 4-1 loss in game six and the 2-1 death knell at home in game 7. Habs shot blocking, their defensive posturing and Halak’s superhuman goaltending led to victory.
(I had predicted a 4-0 sweep by Washington.. oops)

B. Devils v. Flyers - Up.set. #2, but lesser so since Philly managed to straight outplay Jersey and win the series 4-1. (I predicted a NJ win in 6.. oops)

C. Buffalo v. Boston - At one point (before game 6 and 7 of Caps/Habs) Miller was considered to be the hottest goalie on the ice. But with Vanek injured mid-way through the series Buffalo lost their goal-scoring edge and succumbed 4-2 to a tenacious Boston, young goaltender Tukka Rask and veteran player Marc Recci. (I had predicted Buffalo in 7).

D. Pens v. Sens - Pittsburgh didn’t really dominate this series until the fourth game where they dominated the Sens 7-4. The Sens won game 5 4-3 in OT and the reverse happened in game six to give the Pens a 4-2 series win. (I actually called this one, Pittsburgh in 6)

Recap: WEST
E. Sharks v. Avs - The Avs fought valiantly and for four games and made it look like they actually had a chance of toppling the mighty Sharks (who have a history of tanking in the post-season). After a brilliant 1-0 game 3 OT win and a heartbreaking 2-1 OT loss in game 4, the Avs were routed in game 5 5-0. Game six the Avs put up a tremendous fight, but they were outclassed almost the entire way and they knew it. (I called it Sharks in 5, so, close)

F. Hawks v. Preds - The Preds looked dangerous often in the series but the Hawks often looked solid. Game 1: 4-1 Nashville, Game 2: 2-0 Chicago, Game 3: 4-1 Nashville, Game 4: 3-0 Chicago. Game 5: 5-4 in a crazy last-second Chicago comeback/OT win which took all the fight out of Nashville. (I actually called this one, Chicago in 6)

H. Canucks v. Kings - Wow… this one was crazy, scoring was happening left right and center, especially on the King’s power play which killed the Canucks often, Luongo even getting pulled one game. But the Canucks figured it out their last two games and got their scoring and goaltending in order, decisively winning the series 4-2. (I called the Kings in 7… oops)

I. Coyotes v. Wings - This one went to seven awesome games (well, game six was a frustrating ‘Yotes rout of the Wings) but the Wings showed their poise, their experience, and their ability to push it to the next level in game 7. (I said Phoenix in 7, but its tradition for me to predict the Wings losing).

And now…

ROUND 2 - EAST

Pittsburgh Penguins (4) v. Montreal Canadiens (8): so… did all that shot blocking and goaltending and stymieing of the normally high-scoring Caps take the wind out of the Habs sails? Or will they have yet another helping of the same for defending Cup winners Pittsburgh? It’ll be interesting. I say Pittsburgh in 6.

Philadelphia Flyers (6) v. Boston Bruins(7): well, nobody was expecting this quarterfinal match-up. Two very tenacious and pesky teams going head to head. Both like a touch of the ultra-violence, playing very physical games. Philly’s very well rested, Boston only slightly lesser so. But Rask gives the Bruins the edge. Boston in 5.

ROUND 2 - EAST

San Jose Sharks (1) v. Detroit Red Wings (5): The Sharks have had a few days rest, the Wings only get a day between their game 7 and the first game of this series. Will Thornton maintain his usual disappearing act? Will Jimmy Howard )and the insanely good Wings defence) be able to keep their firepower in check? Yes, Detroit in 6.

Chicago Blackhawks (2) v. Vancouver Canucks (3): Perhaps the series I’m most looking forward to. The Hawks are young and uber-talented but uneven, while Vancouver is on a scoring streak. It comes down to Niemi and Luongo, each rather spotty themselves. I honestly don’t know how to call it, so I’ll say Vancouver in 7.