(A1) Montreal Canadiens vs. (A2) Tampa Bay Lightning
This isn't going to be like last year. The Lightning are a Cup-favourite, but had to fend off elimination twice against the Red Wings. The Habs are coming off a pretty close series against the Senators. The Lightning are the better team up front (depth), on defense (slightly), behind the bench (#FireTherrien), and possession-wise. However, this series may come down to goaltending, which would favour the Habs. Price was a stud for the Habs in the regular season, and that extended into the playoffs. Bishop was erratic against the Red Wings, but he can be solid starter. That's a bit reason why I can see this series goes the distance, I don't know how well Bishop will perform (I can better guess how Price will do). Tampa Bay in seven (but Go Habs!).
(M1) New York Rangers vs. (M2) Washington Capitals
It must be in the CBA that these teams must face every year in the playoffs (sans last year's playoffs). The Rangers are the more rested team, as they finished off the Penguins early. The Capitals are coming off a battle against the other New York team, the Islanders. The Rangers may have the slight overall advantage. Lundqvist vs. Holtby? Lundqvist. Defense? I'm leaning more toward the Rangers. Nash and St. Louis vs. Backstrom and Ovechkin? Ok, I'd take the Capitals in that duel. The Capitals did have the better possession numbers (both regular season and playoffs). Even though I do like the Capitals chances, I had the Rangers winning this series in my bracket, and dammit I might as well stick with it. The New York in seven.
(C3) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (W1) Minnesota Wild
A rematch from last year. Both teams finished off their first round series in six games, as the Blackhawks beat the Predators while the Wild eliminated the Blues. The Blackhawks were the better possession team in the regular season, and they arguably have better skaters. Goaltending may be the downfall though, as both Crawford and Darling looked shaky at times in the first round (it was announced that Crawford would start). At the other end, Dubnyk has been the hero of the Wild's season. Since arriving in January, he has led them into the playoffs (when their season was in doubt) and past the first round. It's not like the Wild will be pushovers, as they did push the Blackhawks to six games last year with a goaltender in a similar situation (Bryzgalov was trying to rebound after being bought out by the Flyers, and was traded to Minnesota). This series will likely go the distance, but the Blackhawks are playoff-savvy enough to get through this round. Chicago in seven.
(P1) Anaheim Ducks vs. (P3) Calgary Flames
This is the only series were I cannot see it going seven games. The Ducks breezed by the Jets in the first round and will be well-rested for this series. The Flames are coming off an emotional series against the Canucks. The Ducks have an advantage up front, on defense, in possession numbers, and have a habit of winning one goal games (three of the four against the Jets were decided by a single goal). Again though, it is hard to outright dismiss the Flames. They also have a habit, this one involves coming back when they are down, and Bob Hartley will no doubt do what he can to have everyone firing on all cylinders. The Flames also have an advantage in goal, enhance by the fact Hiller will want to stick it to his former team for giving up on him during last year's playoffs. I doubt it, but I do hope we see this series go long enough so that Giordano can make an appearance. Overall, this series looks like it's the Ducks to lose, and I just cannot see them blowing it. Anaheim in five.
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