EASTERN CONFERENCE
Rangers (1) vs. Capitals (2)
My prediction: Rangers in 6
RESULT: Rangers in 7
Post-Series Thoughts: The Rangers had a bit more trouble with the Caps than I expected, almost entirely because of the phenomenal goaltending of Holtby. Even with Holtby turning in a fantastic showing, the Rangers just barely got the edge. In game. In overtime. Few series are closer than that.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Capitals pushed through round 1, but the Rangers are a much stronger team with more depth. The only way the Capitals win this is if Ovechkin is unbelievable, and Holtby stands on his head. Rangers in 6.
Canadiens (1) vs. Lightning (2)
My prediction: Lightning in 6
RESULT: Lightning in 7
Post-Series Thoughts: The Habs put up a darn good fight and took the Lightning the distance. In the end the Bolts took them down, but give the Habs credit for showing up far more than I expected in this series.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Lightning dominated the Habs in the regular season, and I don't see any reason that won't continue here. The post-season is a different story, but in this case I think the Lightning take out the Habs in 6.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Ducks (1) vs. Flames (2)
My prediction: Ducks in 4
RESULT: Ducks in 5
Post-series Thoughts: The Flames actually played great in this series. I was surprised that they took a game, but even more surprised that they gave the Ducks some trouble in the series overall. But they still appeared to be overachieving and the Ducks were just too strong.
Pre-series Thoughts: I was shocked to see the Flames get out of round 1, but the Ducks just might be the strongest team in this year's playoffs (other than maybe the Rangers). I just can't see a way the Flames get through this series, and I'd be surprised if they take a game.
Blackhawks (1) vs. Wild (2)
My prediction: Wild in 7
RESULT: Blackhawks in 4
Post-Series Thoughts: Wow. Dubnyk disappeared and the Wild fell apart. They looked like a different team at times. That's not to take anything away from the Hawks, who played great hockey. But I expected this one to go longer for sure, whoever ended up winning.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The
Wild have been one of the better teams the second half of the season
(overcoming a terrible start), and stunned the Blues. Crawford has been shaky in net, and Dubnyk has been brilliant. He made me a believer in round 1, and I think goaltending makes the difference in this series. It won't be easy, and the Hawks may be a bit in the Wild's head after the last two years, but I think the Wild take it in 7.
Note: my picks above are based on who I think will win, not on who I want to win. In all series except CHI-MIN, my picks are the opposite of who I'm rooting for, based on draft pick implications for the Flyers. CHI-MIN has no impact on the Flyers pick(s).
