EASTERN CONFERENCE
Capitals vs. Pittsburgh
My prediction: Capitals in 7
RESULT: Penguins in 7
Post-Series Thoughts: this one indeed went to 7 games, but the Pens just brought it home in the last game. Holtby was solid in the entire series, but so was Fleury, and the Pens' big guns just showed up more in game 7. It's that simple.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Caps are just firing on all cylinders right now, and while the Pens are deep, they have a few gaps in their game. I expect this to be a nasty series, but I think the Caps' firepower and goaltending will be the difference.
NY Rangers vs Senators
My prediction: Rangers in 5
RESULT: Senators in 6
Post-Series Thoughts: Well this one went this way because of one player: Lundquist. Rather than continuing his last-round form, he went back to how he looked in the regular season: average. And average was not enough to beat this determined Senators team.
Pre-Series Thoughts: I didn't pick NY to get out of last round, and I wouldn't pick them to go further in this round, either, if they were playing anyone other than the Sens. The Senators had an impressive series against a better Bruins squad. But Boston was beat up, and every single one of the games were by one goal and/or in overtime. Plus with Henrik looking back to form, I'm not even sure this will go 5.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Ducks vs Oilers
My prediction: Oilers in 7
RESULT: Ducks in 7
Post-Series Thoughts: This was a fantastic series. Well played by both sides. It could have gone either way in the end, and the Ducks just came up slightly bigger in game 7.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Ducks are a really strong team. Really strong. But the Oilers are playing great hockey, and have everyone contributing. I think on paper the Ducks are stronger, but the Oilers are playing a better cohesive team game.
Blues vs Predators
My prediction: Predators in 6
RESULT: Predators in 6
Post-Series Thoughts: Pretty much just as I called it. High scoring series and the Preds just ended up with the edge. Well played.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Blues are playing really strong hockey right now. They played much better in the first round than I expected, but the Predators have the NHL's best defense, great coaching, and some serious firepower. I expect this to be either a really high scoring series, or a really low scoring series. I suspect high.
