Round two starts tomorrow, so here is a look at each series.
(A2) Ottawa Senators vs. (W1) New York Rangers
Initially, it looked like New York would have the advantage, but then the first round happened. For the Rangers, they got by a Montreal Canadiens teams that lacked the ability to score. New York's offenses did chip in a bit, and Henrik Lundqvist was his usual self, but they also got by despite their deficiencies on the back end. The Rangers were also pretty up-and-down, managing to get hot one minute and go cold the next. For most of the series though, they were losing the possession battle. Ottawa meanwhile, managed to get by a depleted Boston Bruins team (who, by the end of it, was icing an AHL lineup). Erik Karlsson was a stud (as usual) and Bobby Ryan started turning things on, while in net Craig Anderson was solid. The Senators were the slightly better possession team in that series. Overall, Ottawa has been the more consistent team between the two, and it seems like New York may not be able to handle them if they can find a way to beat Lundqvist. Ottawa in six.
(M1) Washington Capitals vs. (M2) Pittsburgh Penguins
Ah yes, a good old Sid vs. Ovi series. Washington got by Toronto after six games in what was a very tight (and entertaining) series. While Ovechkin only managed three goals, line mates T.J. Oshie and Nicklas Backstrom managed to pick up the offense (along with Justin Williams). Holtby played well, sporting a save percentage of 0.925. The other series saw Pittsburgh take care of Columbus in five games. It's no surprise that Malkin, Kessel, and Crosby lead the way in points (11, 8, and 7 respectively). What is a surprise is who's scoring the goals. Jake Guentzel (5) and Bryan Rust (4) have been filling the net. Taking over for an injured Matt Murray, Marc-Andre Fleury showed that he is still reliable, putting up a 0.933 SV%. It's hard to go with a team that has some key players injured (along with Murray, Kris Letang is out). However, the Penguins do own some real estate in this Capitals team's head, which accounts for something. One thing we're all hoping for is this to be another long series. Pittsburgh in seven.
(C3) St. Louis Blues vs. (W2) Nashville Predators
A tale of two different (yet similar) teams. St. Louis was completely outplayed in their series against Minnesota, but one man, Jake Allen, was there to propel the team to the next round. Allen stood on his head, and ended the series with a 0.956 SV%. All the while, St. Louis didn't have one player being an offensive game breaker (Jaden Schwartz led the team with 5 points). The other series saw the more offensive-minded Nashville Predators take care of Chicago in four game. Pekke Rinne was lights out in goal, only giving up three goals in the four games, good enough for a 0.976 SV%. Ryan Johansen led the team with 6 points, as scoring on the team was spread out. This series is set up to be a repeat of round one for St. Louis, with Nashville expecting to control play while Allen turns into Jaroslav Halak circa 2010. Unfortunately, it's hard to see the Blues advance if they can't beat an even better Rinne at the other end. Nashville in five.
(P1) Anaheim Ducks vs. (P2) Edmonton Oilers
The good news for both teams is that their travel schedules are similar to round one. Anaheim swept Calgary in four games, in a series that was closer than the amount of games played indicates. What helped the Ducks end the series early was some not-so-good goaltending from Calgary. It shows in the stats, as Anaheim has 5 players (Ryan Getzlaf, Rickard Rackell, Shea Theodore (!), Kevin Bieksa (!!), and Nate Thompson (!!!)) at a point per game or better pace. The other series saw Edmonton need six games to get past San Jose. Edmonton was the better possession team in that series. It's no surprise that Connor McDavid leads the team offensively (four points in six games). Cam Talbot held the fort in goal, earning two shutouts in the series and finishing with a 0.927 SV% (which includes the five goals the Sharks scored in the 7-0 drubbing). Edmonton is a quicker team, which helped them get past San Jose, but Anaheim should be able to keep up with them. The Ducks defense is better (and should get a boost as Cam Flower may be back soon). The Oilers will likely win a few, but right now it's the Ducks for the taking. Anaheim in six.
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