The first round had its share of surprises, who thinks they can get it right in round 2?
Buffalo vs. Ottawa.
Conventional wisdom would tell you that Ottawa should win this in 5 with their balance of scoring and defence. Buffalo has taken everyone by surprise though with their quickness and with the emergence of Ryan Miller in goal. Hasek is still out and Ray Emery hasn't proven himself just yet. He could be due for a couple of stinkers in this round. The big difference is that Ottawa has a more mobile defence. Chara and Redden are miles above Hatcher and Therrien. That combined with their deadly offensive attack should be enough to overtake Buffalo. Ottawa in 7
Carolina vs. New Jersey
There is really only one question that will determine the outcome of this series: Can Cam Ward continue his roll that saw him almost single-handedly win the series against Montreal? The Devils do not have the most intimidating offence but have shown in the last 20 games that they can win high scoring games as well. If Ward keeps playing like he did against Montreal then it will be a decent series. If not it will be over quick. That said, New Jersey wins either way. Devils in 6
San Jose vs. Edmonton
Could be the closest matchup in this round. Roloson appears to have settled into playoff form nicely and the Oilers' offence seems to be able to get a goal whenever they need it. San Jose had an easier go of it in Round 1 not having to face Vokoun but with Thornton, Cheechoo and now Marleau on a tear, they should be able to solve Roloson often enough. They need to get decent goaltending themselves though from Toskala and whatever minutes Nabokov gets. San Jose in 6
Colorado vs. Anaheim
The Avalanche seem to be able to flick the switch in the playoffs and find another gear. How smart does Pierre Lacroix look now for taking a chance on Theodore? I have to believe that that won't last though. Aside from the final game against Dallas, Colorado was winning almost in spite of Theodore. He was underwhelming to say the least. If he can find his form from a couple of years ago this one will go the distance as I'm not convinced of Bryzghalov's(spelling?) prowess just yet. Selanne might be the wild card of this one. He seems to be getting better every game. Anaheim in 7
There's my picks, not really going out on a limb with any of them but there are a couple of potential upsets in there. Join in everyone!
Buffalo vs. Ottawa.
Conventional wisdom would tell you that Ottawa should win this in 5 with their balance of scoring and defence. Buffalo has taken everyone by surprise though with their quickness and with the emergence of Ryan Miller in goal. Hasek is still out and Ray Emery hasn't proven himself just yet. He could be due for a couple of stinkers in this round. The big difference is that Ottawa has a more mobile defence. Chara and Redden are miles above Hatcher and Therrien. That combined with their deadly offensive attack should be enough to overtake Buffalo. Ottawa in 7
Carolina vs. New Jersey
There is really only one question that will determine the outcome of this series: Can Cam Ward continue his roll that saw him almost single-handedly win the series against Montreal? The Devils do not have the most intimidating offence but have shown in the last 20 games that they can win high scoring games as well. If Ward keeps playing like he did against Montreal then it will be a decent series. If not it will be over quick. That said, New Jersey wins either way. Devils in 6
San Jose vs. Edmonton
Could be the closest matchup in this round. Roloson appears to have settled into playoff form nicely and the Oilers' offence seems to be able to get a goal whenever they need it. San Jose had an easier go of it in Round 1 not having to face Vokoun but with Thornton, Cheechoo and now Marleau on a tear, they should be able to solve Roloson often enough. They need to get decent goaltending themselves though from Toskala and whatever minutes Nabokov gets. San Jose in 6
Colorado vs. Anaheim
The Avalanche seem to be able to flick the switch in the playoffs and find another gear. How smart does Pierre Lacroix look now for taking a chance on Theodore? I have to believe that that won't last though. Aside from the final game against Dallas, Colorado was winning almost in spite of Theodore. He was underwhelming to say the least. If he can find his form from a couple of years ago this one will go the distance as I'm not convinced of Bryzghalov's(spelling?) prowess just yet. Selanne might be the wild card of this one. He seems to be getting better every game. Anaheim in 7
There's my picks, not really going out on a limb with any of them but there are a couple of potential upsets in there. Join in everyone!
