NHL Round 2 Preview
The NHL first round didn't have a series go to a game 7, but they did have 18 total overtime games, which is a first round record. Round 2 of the playoffs should be just as exciting.
Four out of the top seven teams in the league were eliminated in the first round: Chicago Blackhawks, Minnesota Wild, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Montreal Canadiens.
The Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Anaheim Ducks are the three out of the top seven teams that remain in the postseason. Either Washington or Pittsburgh will be eliminated in the next round because they play each other.
Eastern Conference: Metropolitan Division: (2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs (1) Washington Capitals: Remember when people thought the Capitals were going to get more rest heading into this series than the Penguins? Well, that is going to be the complete opposite. Washington played in five overtime games in the first round against a pesky Maple Leafs squad. Pittsburgh was able to eliminate Columbus with ease. The Penguins will be well rested and the Capitals could be fatigued. It is very possible it could show in this series. Marc-Andre Fleury will be in net for the Penguins to start the round, but Matt Murray could return later in the series. Washington is overdue, but Pittsburgh has the championship pedigree. The pick: Pittsburgh in 6.
Atlantic Division: (WC1) New York Rangers vs (2) Ottawa Senators: The speed of the New York Rangers was the reason why they defeated Montreal in the first round. The Rangers will face a difficult 1-3-1 trap the Senators love to play. That's why Boston struggled and they are sitting home. Ottawa plays a good structured game. Craig Anderson and Henrik Lundqvist will be a solid goalie battle. At the end of the day, Erik Karlsson will make a difference on the back end, something which the Rangers don't have. The pick: Ottawa in 7.
Western Conference: Central Division: (WC2) Nashville Predators vs (3) St. Louis Blues: It is surprising that the Nashville Predators swept the Chicago Blackhawks with ease in the first round. Well, Nashville is going to be tested big time in the trenches in the second round. Chicago didn't really have enough depth or enough defenseman that can grind and get in your face. The St. Louis Blue do possess that quality. They have defenseman that will knock you on your heads, and they have decent third and fourth line scoring. Nashville has a better offense. St. Louis has a better defense. The deciding factor in this series will be who will play better between the pipes: Pekka Rinne of Nashville or Jake Allen of St. Louis? The pick: St. Louis in 7.
Pacific Division: (2) Edmonton Oilers vs (1) Anaheim Ducks: Connor McDavid was very quiet in the first round for the Oilers against the Sharks, but his teammates helped him out. Cam Talbot wasn't shy in his first ever playoff series. As the spotlight gets brighter, how will he handle it. Well, the Ducks dismantled the Flames in four games, but they know the Oilers aren't a team to take for granted. Edmonton has good snipers, but Anaheim's Getzlaf and Perry are just as dangerous. The pick: Anaheim in 6.
