NHL First Round Playoff Summary and 2 Round Analysis

Okay, I'm a Western Canadian, so I think it's fitting that I was right on all of the winners for the Western conference NHL playoff first round match-ups. What I wasn't expecting, was Colorado to play as well as they did against San Jose. The other series' went as expected (6-7) games, but it's clear that the Avalanche will be a force to reckon with in the years to come.

The Eastern conference? Well, let's just say that I didn't see those upsets coming. I was 1 for 4, the Penguins were the only one I got right, and yes, my hockey pool is now totally screwed! How did Montreal, Boston and Philadelphia manage to limp in to the playoffs, and fair as well as they did? Goaltending! Boucher .940, Halak .939, and Rask .927 save %. All of these goalies have stolen games from their opponents, and that's what it takes to go deep in the playoffs.

So as for round 2, here are my predictions:

San Jose vs. Detroit - Does Detroit have anything left in the tank? I say yes, Detroit in 6.

Chicago vs. Vancouver - Revenge for the Canucks. They have it together this year, and Luongo is starting to look more relaxed. Vancouver in 6.

Pittsburgh vs. Montreal - I will cheer for the Habs, but you can't bet against the defending Stanley Cup Champs. Crosby and Malkin look like mirror images of last year. Pittsburgh in 5

Boston vs. Philadelphia - Philly's injuries will catch up with them, and sooner or later, Boucher's hot streak will end. I think sooner. Boston in 6.

Thanks for reading!

Blog – 1 year, 9 months ago by Rodney_Dean to Hockey. 441 views, 1 like.