Time is incredibly short at the moment. It is only 45 minutes to the start of round 2 so I better get my picks in. I've got a busy weekend ahead so you'll have to excuse me if I don't take time to wrap up the previous round or provide much details about my picks for this round.
By Monday evening I'll come back and add that information. In the meantime, here's the quick version:
A look back at round 1. Three words I forgot to mention GOALTENDING, GOALTENDING, GOALTENDING. I truly thought going into the first round that each and every series would probably be decided by which goalie played best in net. I think that was pretty much the case in all of them. Even the offensive feast that was the Flyers - Penguins series, Bryzgolov outplayed Fluery when it mattered most.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
NEW YORK RANGERS #1 vs OTTAWA #8
Prediction: NEW YORK RANGERS in 5 - $160
Actual: NEW YORK RANGERS in 7 - WIN
This series was a little bit closer than I expected. Ottawa played terrific and their coaching staff has to be commended for having the team well prepared to face the Rangers. In the end the more talented team came out on top.
BOSTON #2 vs WASHINGTON #7
Prediction: BOSTON in 6 - $120
Actual: WASHINGTON in 7 - LOSS
If you would have told me before this series that Washington's goalie would outplay Boston's I would have told you you were insane. But that is precisely what happened. In addition, Washington somehow transformed themselves defensive team. For once, the forwards were doing their part and making the sacrifices necessary to win. Coach Hunter made a bold move reducing Ovechkin's ice time and forcing the team to rely on team defense. We'll see if that holds moving forward.
FLORIDA #3 vs NEW JERSEY #6
Prediction: NEW JERSEY in 6 - $75
Actual: NEW JERSEY in 7 - WIN
This series had the lowest TV ratings by far and I can completely understand. I watched less of this series than any of the others. What I did catch though was pretty entertaining. Florida gave New Jersey all they could handle and frequently rebounded from early deficits. These teams were evening matched but neither is deep enough for a long playoff run. Florida's run just ended a little earlier than new Jersey's.
PITTSBURGH #4 vs PHILADELPHIA #5
Prediction: PITTSBURGH in 7 - $50
Actual: PHILADELPHIA in 6 - LOSS
I'm sure there were more than a few people entertained by this series. To me, it was almost a comedy of errors. One of the teams, Philadelphia, figured out how to play a little defense and came out on top because of it. The Penguins have to be kicking themselves about now. A golden opportunity was missed and they have no excuses for it. They we embarassed up and down the roster. Seeing Bryzgolov struggle at times wasn't a huge shock. See Fluery struggle the entire series was. The Penguins made the mistake of trying to play an up tempo game against the Flyers. It might be their strength, but it is Philly's as well. They would have been better serve to play it conservative be opportunistic. For that, coach Bylsma drops a notch in my ratings.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
VANCOUVER #1 vs LOS ANGELES #8
Prediction: VANCOUVER in 7 - $20
Actual: LOS ANGELESE in 5 - LOSS
Vancouver quickly (pun intended) found out why no one wanted to play Los Angeles to start these playoffs. All season long LA has been sound at defense and in net. During the last week of the season and in this series, they finally found their scoring touch. In contrast, Vancouver couldn't get anything going on offense and felt that replacing their goaltender was the appropriate solution??? Luongo's replacement was better than he was and probably created a quandry. The Canucks will want to trade Luongo but can't exactly do that until the re-sign Schneider. Schneider knowing that will likely command a big salary, something the Canucks were hoping to a avoid. The result of this series really didn't surprise me, I waffled quite a bit before picking the Canucks.
ST. LOUIS #2 vs SAN JOSE #7
Prediction: SAN JOSE in 6 - $125
Actual: ST. LOUIS in 5 - LOSS
This series shocked me. Not so much that the Blues won but how easily they dispatched with a much more experienced team. There are some serious troubles in San Jose and every retooling they make seems to make the team worse. The Blues used their disciplined forecheck and team defense to smother the Sharks. This Blues team is going to be a force for years to come. I don't think they'll advance to the Cup this year but it won't be long.
PHOENIX #3 vs CHICAGO #6
Prediction: CHICAGO in 6 - $40
Actual: PHOENIX in 6 - LOSS
Talk about an emotional roller coaster of a series. 5 of 6 games went to overtime and Chicago managed to tie 4 of the games in the last 5 minutes of the contest. In the end the Coyotes had the better goaltending and their offense delivered the most timely goals. Chicago still has some big holes in their lineup they haven't filled since the salary cap casualties post Cup win. Fortuantely, they have some youth in the pipeline.
NASHVILLE #4 vs DETROIT #5
Prediction: NASHVILLE in 7 - $0
Actual: NASHVILLE in 5 - WIN
Obviously, this one didn't end the way I want. I cannot say I'm surprised though. I refuse to use injuries as an excuse but I do think that losing Helm in game 1 had a big impact on the series. He filled a roll no other Wing could replace. Combine that with luck that just didn't go there way plus sound defense by the Predators and the Wings get bounced once again. However, it wasn't as lopsided as many suggest. All the games were close on the scoreboard and the Wings outplayed the Predators in a couple of their losses. The Predators deserved to win because Rinne was sensational and they were able to get the timely goals. There is a reason they were my pick for team from the West.
That's a terrible 3-5. One of my worst picking sessions in years. Good thing New York and New Jersey pulled out their game 7s.
$590 bet only $235 in winnings. I'm down $355 and have only $645 of my original $1000 to be on the next round.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
NEW YORK RANGERS #1 vs WASHINGTON #7
Prediction: NEW YORK RANGERS in 6 - $80
The Capitals had better play the same way they did against Boston or the Rangers will make quick work of them. The Rangers are better than any other team at dicatating tempo and playing consistently. The Capitals will need to find a way to score against Lundqvist because a low scoring series favors the Rangers due to the inexperience in the Capitals net. Coach Hunter must find a way to get Ovechkin involved in the series without creating a defensive liability. I suspect the Rangers will come out on top based on the strength of their defense and goaltending. Washington is still the much more fragile team.
PHILADELPHIA #5 vs NEW JERSEY #6
Prediction: PHILADELPHIA in 6 - $90
One of the few series where I do not think goaltending is the key. While neither goaltender can afford to play subpar, I don't expect either to steal the series. This one may end up being decided on the power play. New Jersey would be wise to stay disciplined as the Flyers power play sets the tempo for their team. Kovalchuk needs to play sound at both ends of the ice as turnovers will turn into quick goals by the talented Flyers offense. Look for Giroux to continue his tear help to put the series out of reach early. Jersey's next questions will be whether or not they can keep Parise in town and Broduer from heading to the retirement home.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
ST. LOUIS #2 vs LOS ANGELESE #8
Prediction: LOS ANGELES in 7 - $25
On paper, this looks like a series that could be very low scoring with lots of overtime contests but I have a feeling Los Angeles's offense is going to continue to produce. St. Louis's goaltending must continue to be their strength because scoring more than a couple goals a game against the Kings will be extremely difficult. Coach Hitchcock will have to do his best to keep his young roster in check as I think they'll be faced with more ups and downs than all season. The Blues must stick to the team first concept and work hard every shift. Goals for them won't be the pretty type so they'll have to get to the front of the net and fight for pucks in the corners.
PHOENIX #3 vs NASHVILLE #4
Prediction: NASHVILLE in 6 - $130
These two teams are very much alike. Each features excellent coaching, sound team defense and superb goaltending. Neither has superstars on offense but can get scoring from all over the lineup. Nashville has a bit more playoff experience but the Coyotes have seen a few series the last few years. But the way I see it, Nashville is notch better in every area. Rinne is better than Smith. Weber and Suter are better than anything Phoenix can put out there and Nashville's offense is more potent 5 on 5 and especially on the power play.
As I write this, Phoenix already has a 2-0 lead. Rinne and the Nashville defense hasn't been as effective as they were during the season or against the Wings. However, they haven't lost at home yet and it wouldn't shock me to see the Preds pull this on off.
A total of $325 bet.
Since my Eastern Conference Cup finalist, Pittsburgh is now out, I revise my pick to be Nashville vs New York with Nashville coming out on top. Pekka Rinne for the Conn Smythe. I know this looks a little off due to the status of the Nashville - Phoenix series but that's the choice I made a couple days ago.
I'll be back again at the end of this round. Until then, you know where I'll be, parked watching some hockey.
