Here we go in round 2. Lost in Skates went 6 for 8 in round 1 and knew Anaheim would be the strongest upset candidate. It was just those over achieving Canucks that surprised! Or did they surprise? Perhaps not the Vancouver faithful…Really, it was the closest 4 game sweep you’re likely ever to see–those young bucks on St. Louis (Oshie, Backes et al) were just cutting their collective playoff teeth and couldn’t continue their strong regular season finish.

Canucks vs Hawks

Very tempted to pick the Hawks with their awesome offensive skills and many pronged attack. Will having gone 6 with Calgary in round 1 mean less left in the gas tank for Chicago?  I think so. But they are a young team, looking at times like a junior team, bouncing back from hits and getting around with considerable zip. Goal tending, too, is strong….

The way Vancouver has gelled just in this last series with St. Louis, though, makes me feel that they can endure the frenzied Hawk attack. Players like Raymond, Hordichuk, Bernier, O’Brian have all stepped it up and are contributing impressively. Defensively Luongo trumps the Bhulin Wall, and the Nuck backend is a tad more solid than their Chicago counterparts. But above all it’s  the unpredictablely creative play of Kesler, Burrows and Wellwood along with the methodical (and also creative) play of the Sedins that I think will make the difference.  As long as they don’t take too many penalties, take Vancouver in 6.

Shall take a look at the other 3 series tomorrow.

The West…

San Jose vs Anaheim

This series could be the closest of all the first round match ups. You’ve got the team that HAS to finally get the job done in the post season-San Jose- against a team that is largely intact from having done just that a mere two seasons ago. To have the Sharks go out in the first round–unthinkable. But if they were to, who better to than at the hands of the cup experienced Ducks. I think not having players like Moen (now on the Sharks) and Kunitz  though, is going to hurt Anaheim.

Sharks in 7

Detroit vs Columbus

Lots of fire power on both teams, really. Columbus has come of age. And while they’ll be out gunned by a higher powered Red Wings team, their goal tending is superior. That’s why they’ll hang around a tad longer than people are predicting.

Detroit in 6

Vancouver vs St.Louis

Fantastic run for the Blues over the last half of the season. Has the clock struck midnight for them!? Don’t think so. It’s Bobby Looo stealing a couple of games for the Sundin era Nucks, but that’s it. The tenacity and wave of confidence  the Blues are riding might again have the hockey world doubting the Sedins in the post season. Watch for Oshie to step it up; for Tkachuk to show his meddle; and for Mason to keep on showin’ he’s the little engine that could.

Blues in 6

Chicago vs Calgary

Young bucks in Chi town against some weathered playoff vets in Cow town. Injuries are key right now and with Regehr out, especially, along with a few other hobblers the Flames are looking a tad vulnerable.  On the other hand Chicgo has next to no playoff experience which is a bit of a draw back. The Hawks have home ice, however, and Khabibulin has owned Calgary.

Hawks in 7

The East….

Washington vs NYR

This has the makings of the most lopsided series to my thinking….? The Run and gun Capitals should make short work of the Blue Shirts. The Rangers are a ragged bunch with a cowboy-come-lately behind the bench. Their only real strong point has been good penalty killing. Not enough, though. Ovie and co. will ride roughshod over those new yorkers.

Caps in 5

…the rest of the East tomorrow…