(A1) Boston Bruins vs. (A3) Montreal Canadiens
I know Boston is all-around the better team (save for defence). They are the stronger possession team, Rask is slightly better than Price, and Julien can outcoach Therrien any day of the week. But I'm too big of a homer (no shame in admitting it) to pick the Bruins. I'll hold out hope the Habs can pull this series off (hey, pulled off Game 1). Canadiens in seven.
(M1) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (M2) New York Rangers
It's hard to see the Penguins going through. They still too top-heavy and Fleury is gonna Fleury. The Penguins had another first round where it probably went longer than it should have. As for the Rangers, they did have trouble putting away the Flyers, but it was a more even matchup than Penguins-Blue Jackets. Lundqvist may have to carry the Rangers a bit though, as the Penguins do have offensive weapons named Crosby and Malkin. In the end New York's depth will probably win out. Rangers in six.
(P1) Anaheim Ducks vs. (P3) Los Angeles Kings
The Kings enter another battle of California, and this one might be easier. While the Kings did start slowly last round, they finally switched to playoff mode. The Ducks had a bit of trouble last round, as they gave up the lead (or almost did) on multiple occasions. The Ducks still have a bit of uncertainty in net, while the Kings stuck it out with Quick and it has paid off so far. Kings in six.
(C3) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (W1) Minnesota Wild
The Blackhawks should have little problem against the Wild. Chicago is build too good to go out against a weaker opponent. Unless Minnesota can play Suter for 60 minutes and Bryzgalov turns into the reincarnation of Jacques Plante, they will be out early. Blackhawks in five.
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