NHL Playoffs – Second Round, Round Up (Pun Intended)

So I didn’t really get a chance to post my second round predictions, but truthfully, after a strong first round of predictions, I’m not fairing so well thus far.

I predicted the New York Rangers over my beloved Pittsburgh Penguins in 7 games, Sharks over the Stars in 6, Flyers of Montreal in 6 and the Red Wings over Colorado in 5.

So very likely I’ll go 50/50 on the teams, however after the Sharks battled back last night (with some help from the refs), perhaps they could overcome the near impossible 3 game come back with a little momentum.

Some would argue that the Red Wings have yet to play any seriously challenging team, however if the man-handling that was this last series with Colorado is an indication, the Wings are cup bound.  (Yes, the Wings were my favourites going into the playoffs this year… not much of a bold pick I suppose)

As much as I’d like to Montreal make a come back, how can you deny Philly’s potent offense and tight checking?  In the interest of full disclosure, I have Brier, Prospal, Carter and Umberger in my pool, so deep down, I hope they move on. (Here is a link to our NHL Playoff Pool. Yes, that’s me in first!)

Finally, my Penguins.  What to say, what to say?  As a rabid Pens fan growing up, you would think i’d be elated to see them push this far (and with such force!).  Of course I am… stupid.

But really, coming into the playoffs, I just wasn’t convinced this team was as good as everyone else made them out to be.  Call me stupid perhaps, but I just thought maybe they needed another year, maybe they needed to be strong, maybe they needed to gain some playoff experience.

I was obiouvly proven wrong, and for once, I’m very glad to be!  The Pens seem to be a team possesed.  Frankly, I think it’s on Flurey now to make this happen and get them to the finals.  Perhaps hindsight is 20/20 (it obviously is), but the way they’re playing, I can’t see Philly or Montreal even putting up a fight.

Regardless, this playoffs has been shaping up to be quite an eventful affair with the climax beginning to show it’s colours.

Here’s hoping those colours are black and gold.