The Next Round: NHL

The NHL Playoffs

There were 4 game 7's in the first round of the playoffs this year. There were only four game 7's during the entire 2010 playoffs last year. What excitement, what drama. If the 2nd round can live up to the first round i'll be tickled pink.

Before the playoffs, I had predicted that Boston and Vancouver would make it to the finals. My prediction is still intact but I was worried both Vancouver and Boston went to 7 game's and in the 7th both teams needed overtime, can the teams rebound in time for their next series ? We'll see....

A Preview for the 2nd Round

2nd Round Playoff Picture is as follows-

In the East:

-Boston will take on Philly

Boston and Philly tied their season series 2 games a piece

Boston finished the season 3 points ahead of Philly in the season standings

Injuries - Philly is without Carter and Boston is without Savard

-Washington will battle Tampa Bay

Washington won the season series 4-1-1

Washington are fresh, they have been off 5 days

Tampa are hot winning 3 straight to beat the Penguins in 7

In the West:

-Vancouver will try Nashville

Teams split season series winning 2 games apiece

Nashville are into the 2nd round for the first time

Nashville's Mike Fisher is avg 1 point a game

-Detroit and San Jose will renew rivalries

San Jose won season series 3-1

Wings beat phoenix in 4 games

San Jose beat LA in 6 games

Some thoughts for the 2nd round:

Vancouver and Nashville - how tired and beat up are the Canucks? Nashville has been waiting for over 4 days to see who they will play and Vancouver has only had one day of rest to prepare for the 2nd round.

Boston and Philadelphia - both teams first round series went to 7 games. This will be a heck of a series. Remember last year Boston looked like they were going to sweep Philly after Boston went up 3-0 in the series only to see the Flyers win 4 straight and make one of the most amazing come backs in NHL playoff history.

Washington and Tampa - Washington disposed of New York in 5 games and have had 5 days off whereas Tampa went 7 games with Pittsburgh. Both teams have deep rosters with skill, size and toughness.

Detroit and San Jose - This will be the fifth time the teams have met in the playoffs. Detroit coasted thru Phoenix but San Jose will be no walk in the park. There are a few question marks with injuries - How healthy is Franzen and will Zetterberg play?