Playoff Picks 2012 - Round #2
Well that was an unexpected first round wasn’t it? Upsets, overtimes, game #7’s abound! We couldn’t have asked for much more, but you know what? …
… We get more.
In round #2.
After going 4/8 (and breaking even statistically), I’m hoping for a more successful second round!
So here we are:
Eastern Conference:
Rangers (1) vs. Capitals (7)
Prediction: I am actually really excited for this series. The high powered offense of both teams should lead to some exciting action, and the stingy goaltending of Lundqvist (and Holtby!?) should give us some tight games. I think the real definitive element of the series will be blocked shots. The Rangers have shown all throughout this season, and in the last round scare with Ottawa, that they are the kind of team that will sacrifice the body to win. I think the Rangers will frustrate the Capitals with this style of play, and shut down OV, Semin, and Backstrom to take this series in 6. Rangers win 4-2.
What I Want to Happen: I just want this series to go the distance. I want as much round #2 as possible! Rangers win 4-3.
Philadelphia (4) vs. New Jersey (6)
Prediction: After mis-judging the Flyers in round 1, I don’t intend on doing that again. The Flyers showed that they can roll their lines, and dominate in all facets of the game. They had Couturier shut down Malkin, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him shut down Kovalchuk in this series. Not to mention that Kovalchuk looks like he may be injured or something. The X-factor in this series may be goaltending. If Ilya Bryzgalov can’t find his game, Marty Brodeur may steal a couple wins for the Devils (like a bear in the woods?). But in the end, I think the Flyers will roll through this series without too much difficulty. Flyers win 4-1.
What I Want to Happen: I really want to see as much hockey as possible, as I said before. I’d love to see seven games here too. Flyers win 4-3.
And that sums up the Eastern Conference. I’d like to note, if I am correct, we’d get a re-visit of this year’s 24/7! Amazing!
Western Conference:
St. Louis (2) vs. LA (8)
Prediction: After misjudging the Kings last round, I’d love to call them to win this series. But I think I have a soft spot for the Blues. This series ought to be a hard fought one between two physical, and very systematic teams. I like the Kings chances due to the high end talent they have in Kopitar, Richards, Carter, Doughty and Brown, but there is something about the Blues that I think gives them the edge. I’m sure everyone is thinking the goaltending will be pretty even between Halelliotak and Quick, and I’m on board with that. Look for a hard fought series that should be tight in every game! Blues wins 4-3.
What I Want to Happen: I hope for overtime every game. I’d be ok to see LA win this one as well, but I just want lots of hockey (see a trend yet?)! Blues win 4-3.
Phoenix (3) vs. Nashville (4)
I like the Predators in this one, but that is mainly because I called them to win the cup this year. It should be a super tight series, just like every series in the west apparently. It wouldn’t surprise me to see lots of overtime and lots of low scoring games. Again, goaltending is a big deal in this series, with Rinne and Smith battling it out for supremacy. I think the Preds have a little bit more offense, and I think their defense is a little bit stronger than that of the Coyotes. But as has been said on every major sporting network in the country - Smith stole a series against the Blackhawks, who is to say that he can’t do it vs. the Preds. Who is to say? Pekka Rinne surely has some thoughts here. Preds win 4-3.
What I Want to Happen: Again. I want lots of hockey. So much of it. I want overtime every game (like Phoenix last round), but I’d like Phoenix to lose this time! Preds win 4-3.
And that concludes the West!
That’s it for me tonight! Enjoy the games!
Happy playoffing!
Cheers,
-Blaine
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