Predictions for Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

What a first round for hockey! We witnessed the defending champs getting de-throned, our hometown Red Wings ousted in the first round for the first time in 6 years, and watched stunning upsets as well as classic series. The 2nd round can only bring more excitement and anticipation for the players, as well as the fans.

Let's analyze the matchups:


Western Conference:

#4 Nashville Predators VS #3 Phoenix Coyotes.

Regular Season Series: Tied 2-2.

Overview: The Predators are coming off a fairly easy series in which they eliminated the Red Wings in 5 games. Phoenix is coming off a grueling series in which they ousted Chicago in 6 games, with 5 of them going to overtime.

This series will be a matchup of strength vs speed as well as how hungry either team is. Mike Smith and Pekka Rinne are studs in goal for both teams. It should be a good series.

Prediction: Phoenix in 7.


#8 Los Angeles Kings VS #2 St. Louis Blues

Regular Season Series: Kings won 3-1.

Overwiew: Both teams are coming series in which they eliminated their opponents in 5 games. Both teams are also riding hot goaltenders. Brian Elliot is a reliable goaltender for the Blues, while Jonathan Quick played like an All-star last round for the Kings. Something has to give in that key matchup. This will be a series of youth vs experience. Can the Blues veterans lead them to victory, or will the Kings young guns be crowned royally? This is definitely a fun series to watch.


Prediction: Kings in 6.



Eastern Conference:

#7 Washington Capitals VS #1 New York Rangers

Regular Season Series: Tied 2-2.

Overview: These two teams have a mini rivalry with each other. The Capitals have won the last 2 times they have played each other in the playoffs. The big question is which team's goaltender will step up to the plate: Henriq Lundqvist, or Braden Holtby. Both are capable of stealing a game here-and-there. Look for special teams to play a definitive role in this series as well.


Prediction: Rangers in 6.


#6 New Jersey Devils VS #5 Philadelphia Flyers

Regular Season Series: Tied 3-3.

Overview: These Atlantic division rivals are riding a wave of momentum from their last series. I'd be a little worried about the Devils though. They went through a grueling 7-games series with the Florida Panthers, and at times looked vulnerable, especially on th.e PP. Philadelphia dominated their series with the Penguins through the first 3 games, suffered a minor collapse in games 4 and 5, yet regained their composure in time to win the series in 6.

Both teams have a high-powered offense, as well as role-players who can make significant contributions at pivotal moments. This should be a good series to watch.

Prediction: Flyers in 7.


All in all, we can only hope the 2nd round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is just as fun and exciting as the first. May the best teams win.