We have two quality match-ups here, with the feature series consisting of Sid's Pens versus Ovie's Caps. Here's who I like...
(1) Boston Bruins vs. (6) Carolina Hurricanes
While the Hurricanes persevered in a back-and-forth seven game series against the Devils in the first round, the Bruins were able to sweep the lowly Canadiens in four games.
This series' outcome hinges on these three battles:
1. Chara vs. Staal
The possible Norris Trophy winner versus the young but playoff proven playoff performer. Size vs. size. Determination vs. determination. Best Bruin vs. Best Cane.
This will be a good one.
Staal will be around the net all series, and plays with too much determination come springtime for Chara to shut him down. Expect a quality series from both players...
2. Bruins' offensive depth vs. Canes' offensive depth
Both of these teams are loaded from top to bottom up front. Jussi Jokinen, Carolina's fourth line center, had a monster first round. Boston consistently gets contributions from up and down their lineup, from Marc Savard right down to Shawn Thornton.
The Canes' four lines will really need to wear down the steady team defense of the Bruins to have some success in this series.
I'll give the Bruins the edge here. They've been consistent up front all season from the first line down to the fourth, and they are also more well-rounded. They have the power forward (Lucic), the playmakers (Savard, Krejci), the two-way checker (Bergeron), and the experienced vet (Recchi)...
3. Tim Thomas vs. Cam Ward
Another great goalie battle for Cam Ward. Tim Thomas, the likely Vezina Trophy winner, has had a magical season. He won his first playoff series in the round one victory over the Habs.
I actually like Ward here. He has a Cup, and just beat Martin Brodeur, the NHL's all-time winningest tender, in a hard fought seven game series. I'm a huge Thomas fan, but I expect Ward to outplay him, slightly...
Expect a long series. I think Carolina can definitely pull off the upset - they are playoff tested, deep up front, and have a "better than the sum of their parts" defense...But, I still got to go with the B's here.
Prediction: Bruins in 7.
(2) Washington Capitals vs. (4) Pittsburgh Penguins
Sid vs. AO. Malkin vs. AO. Sid vs. Semin. This series has NHL Brass foaming at the mouth.
I actually find this series quite simple to break down...
Forwards - edge to Pittsburgh.
While most people would probably go with the Caps here, I like Pittsburgh, and here's why - Crosby and Malkin. These guys continue to elevate their play in the spring. Sure, they don't have the offensive depth of a team like the Caps, but I don't think that is a cause for concern for Pens' fans. The Staal line was very good for a majority of the first round, and has a great make-up for tight playoff hockey.
Ask me who I want in a playoff series, Sid or AO, and I'm taking Crosby without hesitation. In the playoffs, you need to have a large offensive arsenal from which to choose from. Don't get me wrong, Ovechkin can create. The guys going to win his second straight Hart Trophy, as he should. I just think the variety in Sid's game - he can pass, drive the net, win key face-offs...the guy does it all.
Defense - edge to Pittsburgh.
This isn't close. Pittsburgh's defense is playoff tested, hard-nosed, and deep. Mike Green took a beating in the first round, and was very average as a result. There were rumours floating around that he was suffering from the flu - either way, his play in the first round wasn't up to snuff.
In a playoff series, I'd take Sergei Gonchar over Mike Green any day of the week. Gonchar is a calming presence on the back-end for the Pens in all situations, while Green currently has the Caps wondering which Green they will see - regular season Mike Green or the Mike Green of the first round.
Let's see how the Caps deal with an offense that is approximately 4,693,747,503 times better than the Rangers' offensive corps.
Goaltending - edge to Pittsburgh.
Simeon Varlamov has a bright future. His first round was incredible....but you have to go with Fleury here. Fleury has the experience, the better defensive group in front of him, and the swagger that a successful NHL goaltender needs to succeed.
Varlamov faced very few great scoring chances in the first round. Don't expect that trend to continue versus the likes of Crosby and Malkin.
Everyone expects a long series. So long as the Pens stay out of the box, I don't.
Prediction: Penguins in 5.
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