Unscientific Second Round Predictions

What a MAGNIFICENT Stanley Cup Quarterfinal Round we just witnessed.  That has to go among the best ever, right?  WOW!  Happy Stanley Cup Playoffs, indeed.  That was 15 days of insanity.

To recap, on teams picked correctly I went 5 for 8 in the first round (losing Phoenix and Anaheim in the West and Buffalo in the East).  The only pick that was right on the money?  Picking the Capitals in 5 over the Rangers.  For someone who is making unscientific predictions based on minimal analysis and some emotion, I will take it.  Small victories are still victories.

Now we go to the Eastern and Western Conference Semifinal Round predictions.  Again, all predictions right or your money back:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Matchup: #1 Washington Capitals vs. #5 Tampa Bay Lightning

Prediction: Capitals in 5

Synopsis: The Lightning are on a rush of blood to the head after hitting a 3-1 series deficit against the Penguins, then scoring three victories in a row (Hey Blues fans, our team has done this too – 1991 over Detroit).  But, I wonder if the Bolts have run out of gas.  And the Caps looked VERY impressive in their series with the Rangers, especially Michal Neuvirth in between the pipes.  When you have THAT combo of play at the goal line and all that firepower the Caps have on offense, it’s hard for me to pick against them.

Matchup: #2 Philadelphia Flyers vs. #3 Boston Bruins

Prediction: Bruins in 6

Synopsis: Both of these teams just finished up some very emotional series against bitter longtime rivals, and I would not be shocked if there’s a bit of carry-over.  Both teams have skilled players and some ruggedness both up front and on the blue line.  While I’m concerned about the Bruins power play (which, as my friend Ann points out here, was “-1-for-21” against the Canadiens), the goaltending of Tim Thomas should win out over whichever of the triumvirate of goalies the Flyers are going to throw out there (and at this point, I’m guessing it’ll be Boucher).

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Matchup: #1 Vancouver Canucks vs. #5 Nashville Predators

Prediction: Canucks in 6

Synopsis: That whole “F*** CHICAGO” Canucks-in-4 pick didn’t work out, and in fact, the Blackhawks played a HELL of a series from Games 4 to 7 against the President’s Trophy winners.  But now, it’s another Central Division opponent for the only Canadian Six team left in the dance.  A bunch of folks want to give Nashville a chance in this series, but the fact is that while the Predators have a GREAT team from the blue line back, they have NOWHERE near the offensive firepower the Blackhawks possess.  The Canucks should be able to handle these guys, and I wouldn’t be shocked if it goes less than six, actually.

Matchup: #2 San Jose Sharks vs. #3 Detroit Red Wings

Prediction: Sharks in 5

Synopsis: I just want the Red Wings out of the playoffs, just like I wanted the Blackhawks out of the playoffs.  Is that too much to ask?  The Sharks were the team that knocked the mighty Red Menace out last season, and I anticipate they can do this again.  The Sharks have had a few days to rest up after an emotionally-charged series with their rivals from down the California coast, while the Red Wings had a long layoff.  I think there’s something to be said for long layoffs and how they can adversely affect a team, even one as good as Detroit is.  That, and again, I want these guys OUT OF THE PLAYOFFS.

If any of you use these predictions for betting purposes, you are legitimately crazy.  But more power to you if you do.  And I will be flattered.

I’ll see you again to predict the Conference Finals!