NHL Playoffs - Round Two

Bluenoser · 04-29-2009, 06:28 AM

1. Anaheim vs Detroit

2. Chicago vs Vancouver

3. Carolina vs Boston

4. Pittsburgh vs Washington

1. The Ducks/Red Wings series should be a rough one, and don't think the Red Wings have forgotten about two seasons ago, 07. Pronger will be a target no doubt. Still, when I look at these two teams and how they've been playing I have to give the edge to Anaheim. Both teams have firepower and can score goals. Both have very solid D who cover well in their own end and can move the puck out quickly. The difference, I believe, is in goal. Osgood hasn't been great all season, and wasn't tested much against Columbus. Hiller on the other hand, has been sensational. He shut down one of the top scoring teams in San Jose and looks very composed.

Ducks in 6

2. Chicago/Vancouver should feature a lot of end to end rushes with fast paced action. Offensively I give the edge to Chicago, more firepower but if the Sedins can keep clicking and Sundin gets it going, this will even out. Defense is solid on both sides and although I think Luongo is the better goalie, nothing I've seen leads me to believe Khabibulin is playing anything but great right now. The Canucks should have a bit of an emotional boost with the return of Taylor Pyatt after his unfortunate ordeal. This is a tough one to call but I think the young guns in Chicago will pull it off.

Blackhawks in 7.

3. Carolina/Boston will be a grinding type series, both teams have speed but the Bruins have a bit more due to their youth. Carolina has plenty of experience though, having won it all a few short years ago. Cam Ward vs Tim Thomas - I just can't give an edge to either here, both are playing at the top of their game. The biggest difference I see between these two is in defense, with the B's having the edge in size. Should be a real "grind it out" series.

Bruins in 7

4. Pittsburgh/Washington, this will be billed as the Crosby vs Ovechkin series and should have some amazing highlight reel plays/goals. The media isn't going to let go of that and those two will garner a lot of attention. This gives Malkin/Semin a chance to shine without the added media pressure. I like the way Varlamov has stepped in and played very well in goal. Fleury has been good too but gave some soft goals in the Philly series I thought. This should be another fast paced series with a lot of end to end rushes. Tough call again, but I'm going with the experience.

Penguins in 6

It's a great time to be a hockey fan

DaCubFan · 04-29-2009, 07:36 AM

Go Blackhawks!

kq76 · 04-29-2009, 09:32 AM

Wings in 6
Canucks in 5
Bruins in 6
Pens in 7

Of course I'm going to be glued to the seat during the Canucks games, but I'm excited to see Ovechkin go as far as possible in the playoffs too.

ZiggyPop · 04-29-2009, 09:47 AM

Wings in 6.

I think Osgood makes just the saves he needs to do to keep them alive.

Chicago in 6.

I don't see the Canucks generating enough offense to get by the Hawks. Luongo might steal the serie though.

Carolina in 6.

I got the Canes to go to the Stanley Cup Finals and I am sticking to that.

Pittsburgh in 5.

We will see Theodore in that serie.

TribeFanInNC · 04-29-2009, 10:14 AM

I think the Pens and Wings should win pretty easily. Canes/Bruins should be pretty much exactly like the Canes/Devils series - close and brutal. Either team could win.

Jose Cardenal's Afro · 04-29-2009, 10:36 AM

Canucks are going to have to get very physical with the Hawks if they are going to beat them. This should be a great series.

Go Hawks.

PotatoPeeler · 04-29-2009, 12:07 PM

Detroit completely destroyed Columbus and I think the Ducks might be spent after the intensity they played with in their series against the Sharks. Even if I wasn't a Wings fan, I can't see Anaheim winning this series.

rudel.dietrich · 04-29-2009, 12:45 PM

Even though the series went to 7 games Washington really should have won some of those early games and wrapped it up in 5 or 6 games.
That combined with the momentum of coming from behind will propel them over Pittsburgh.

statman · 04-30-2009, 12:51 AM

I was a hockey fan back in the day when the Blackhawks had Bobby Hull, Mikita, Kenny Wharram then Tony O, I never thought I could get back into hockey again, but this team is so exciting to watch am so glad I'm a fan again. I can't wait until the next game, the Blackhawks are goin' all the way. Bringing home Lord Stanley's Cup!!!

phightin · 04-30-2009, 02:15 PM

There's still an NHL?

StyxNCa · 04-30-2009, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rudel.dietrich

Even though the series went to 7 games Washington really should have won some of those early games and wrapped it up in 5 or 6 games.
That combined with the momentum of coming from behind will propel them over Pittsburgh.

gee, whomever wrote the Caps off when they were down 3-1 was way off. They used the reasoning that in the history of the NHL only some number of teams ever came back from a 3-1 deficit. I hate that kind of thinking. First, it proves it has been done, and second, what on earth does that have to do with the Caps, or any other team that may go down 3-1?

canadiancreed · 05-01-2009, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phightin

There's still an NHL?

only ten responses in? wow sounds like the marketing department is improving.

NOt really a big fan of any team sans Vancouver in these matchups for various reasons

That being said, it's going to be Detroit Vancouver, and Pittsburgh Boston in the semi's

statman · 05-03-2009, 12:08 AM

Blackhawks looking really good tonight, but after falling behind 2-0 this time they just out skated them the rest of the way. The Builin Wall finally beats the Canucks!

StyxNCa · 05-03-2009, 07:40 AM

The good thing is that with everyone writing the Caps off it puts all the pressure on Pittsburgh to win. That is an advantage to Washington.

Caps in 7.

Bluenoser · 05-03-2009, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StyxNCa

The good thing is that with everyone writing the Caps off it puts all the pressure on Pittsburgh to win. That is an advantage to Washington.

Caps in 7.

Who's "everyone" that's writing the Caps off?

canadiancreed · 05-03-2009, 03:22 PM

Ranger fans?

Then again I was in that boat sort of. Still not impressive with a team with 1.5 goal threats, average to below average defense and relying on an unproven goalie (then again the goalie arguement isn't that big fo a deal. See Dryden & Roy when they first started out)

StyxNCa · 05-03-2009, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BruceM

Who's "everyone" that's writing the Caps off?

So far everyone who has commented on that series. Everyone says the Penguins will win and I'm sure that is pretty representative of the general hockey fandome. I'm glad to see it. Hopefully the Pens will underestimate them also.

StyxNCa · 05-03-2009, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canadiancreed

Ranger fans?

Then again I was in that boat sort of. Still not impressive with a team with 1.5 goal threats, average to below average defense and relying on an unproven goalie (then again the goalie arguement isn't that big fo a deal. See Dryden & Roy when they first started out)

1.5 goal threats? What does that mean?

Bluenoser · 05-03-2009, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StyxNCa

So far everyone who has commented on that series. Everyone says the Penguins will win and I'm sure that is pretty representative of the general hockey fandome. I'm glad to see it. Hopefully the Pens will underestimate them also.

Still haven't answered the question. Who is "everyone"? Sports writers, people on this forum, neighbors, strangers?

The stories I've read (which are nothing more than meaningless opinions anyway), have not favoured either team.

DaCubFan · 05-03-2009, 06:13 PM

The Blackhawks are prooving that they're for real. I think that Vancouver realizes that now! Back home to Chicago nw, the Hawks now have the home ice advantage! Luongo who????

04-29-2009, 06:28 AM	#1
Bluenoser Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: In The Moment Posts: 13,680	NHL Playoffs - Round Two 1. Anaheim vs Detroit 2. Chicago vs Vancouver 3. Carolina vs Boston 4. Pittsburgh vs Washington 1. The Ducks/Red Wings series should be a rough one, and don't think the Red Wings have forgotten about two seasons ago, 07. Pronger will be a target no doubt. Still, when I look at these two teams and how they've been playing I have to give the edge to Anaheim. Both teams have firepower and can score goals. Both have very solid D who cover well in their own end and can move the puck out quickly. The difference, I believe, is in goal. Osgood hasn't been great all season, and wasn't tested much against Columbus. Hiller on the other hand, has been sensational. He shut down one of the top scoring teams in San Jose and looks very composed. Ducks in 6 2. Chicago/Vancouver should feature a lot of end to end rushes with fast paced action. Offensively I give the edge to Chicago, more firepower but if the Sedins can keep clicking and Sundin gets it going, this will even out. Defense is solid on both sides and although I think Luongo is the better goalie, nothing I've seen leads me to believe Khabibulin is playing anything but great right now. The Canucks should have a bit of an emotional boost with the return of Taylor Pyatt after his unfortunate ordeal. This is a tough one to call but I think the young guns in Chicago will pull it off. Blackhawks in 7. 3. Carolina/Boston will be a grinding type series, both teams have speed but the Bruins have a bit more due to their youth. Carolina has plenty of experience though, having won it all a few short years ago. Cam Ward vs Tim Thomas - I just can't give an edge to either here, both are playing at the top of their game. The biggest difference I see between these two is in defense, with the B's having the edge in size. Should be a real "grind it out" series. Bruins in 7 4. Pittsburgh/Washington, this will be billed as the Crosby vs Ovechkin series and should have some amazing highlight reel plays/goals. The media isn't going to let go of that and those two will garner a lot of attention. This gives Malkin/Semin a chance to shine without the added media pressure. I like the way Varlamov has stepped in and played very well in goal. Fleury has been good too but gave some soft goals in the Philly series I thought. This should be another fast paced series with a lot of end to end rushes. Tough call again, but I'm going with the experience. Penguins in 6 It's a great time to be a hockey fan Last edited by Bluenoser; 04-29-2009 at 06:30 AM.

04-29-2009, 07:36 AM	#2
DaCubFan Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Illinois Posts: 232	Go Blackhawks! __________________ Baseball... It's the only game!!

04-29-2009, 09:32 AM	#3
kq76 Global Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 10,697	Wings in 6 Canucks in 5 Bruins in 6 Pens in 7 Of course I'm going to be glued to the seat during the Canucks games, but I'm excited to see Ovechkin go as far as possible in the playoffs too. __________________ My OOTP Wishlist Your Recommended Team Nicknames, By City (A Crowdsourced Project)

04-29-2009, 09:47 AM	#4
ZiggyPop Major Leagues Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Montreal, Qc Posts: 303	Wings in 6. I think Osgood makes just the saves he needs to do to keep them alive. Chicago in 6. I don't see the Canucks generating enough offense to get by the Hawks. Luongo might steal the serie though. Carolina in 6. I got the Canes to go to the Stanley Cup Finals and I am sticking to that. Pittsburgh in 5. We will see Theodore in that serie. __________________ Sigs are overrated.

04-29-2009, 12:07 PM	#7
PotatoPeeler Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Rapid City, SD Posts: 3,639	Detroit completely destroyed Columbus and I think the Ducks might be spent after the intensity they played with in their series against the Sharks. Even if I wasn't a Wings fan, I can't see Anaheim winning this series. __________________ 培傑西 I have never taken a lesson on how to talk on TV in my life. - Tim McCarver Guns have only two enemies; rust and liberals. The world is a comedy to those that think; a tragedy to those that feel.

04-29-2009, 10:14 AM	#5
TribeFanInNC Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 4,019	I think the Pens and Wings should win pretty easily. Canes/Bruins should be pretty much exactly like the Canes/Devils series - close and brutal. Either team could win.

04-29-2009, 10:36 AM	#6
Jose Cardenal's Afro Major Leagues Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Limbo Posts: 374	Canucks are going to have to get very physical with the Hawks if they are going to beat them. This should be a great series. Go Hawks.

04-29-2009, 12:45 PM	#8
rudel.dietrich Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Zürich, Switzerland Posts: 8,608 Infractions: 1/0 (0)	Even though the series went to 7 games Washington really should have won some of those early games and wrapped it up in 5 or 6 games. That combined with the momentum of coming from behind will propel them over Pittsburgh.

04-30-2009, 12:51 AM	#9
statman Major Leagues Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 357	I was a hockey fan back in the day when the Blackhawks had Bobby Hull, Mikita, Kenny Wharram then Tony O, I never thought I could get back into hockey again, but this team is so exciting to watch am so glad I'm a fan again. I can't wait until the next game, the Blackhawks are goin' all the way. Bringing home Lord Stanley's Cup!!! __________________ 10 World Series Championships NGBL Washington Senators (2021) OBL Chicago White Sox (1934, 1938) OTM Chicago Grizzlies (2010, 2013) USBLM New York Yankees (2009) RTBL Baltimore Orioles (2012) CDL Colorado Rockies (2055) FOBL Normal Cornbelters (2061-62)

04-30-2009, 02:15 PM	#10
phightin All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 578	There's still an NHL?

05-03-2009, 12:08 AM	#13
statman Major Leagues Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 357	Blackhawks looking really good tonight, but after falling behind 2-0 this time they just out skated them the rest of the way. The Builin Wall finally beats the Canucks! __________________ 10 World Series Championships NGBL Washington Senators (2021) OBL Chicago White Sox (1934, 1938) OTM Chicago Grizzlies (2010, 2013) USBLM New York Yankees (2009) RTBL Baltimore Orioles (2012) CDL Colorado Rockies (2055) FOBL Normal Cornbelters (2061-62)

05-03-2009, 07:40 AM	#14
StyxNCa Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Victoria, Texas Posts: 3,136	The good thing is that with everyone writing the Caps off it puts all the pressure on Pittsburgh to win. That is an advantage to Washington. Caps in 7.

05-03-2009, 03:22 PM	#16
canadiancreed Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 11,660 Blog Entries: 1	Ranger fans? Then again I was in that boat sort of. Still not impressive with a team with 1.5 goal threats, average to below average defense and relying on an unproven goalie (then again the goalie arguement isn't that big fo a deal. See Dryden & Roy when they first started out)

05-03-2009, 06:13 PM	#20
DaCubFan Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Illinois Posts: 232	The Blackhawks are prooving that they're for real. I think that Vancouver realizes that now! Back home to Chicago nw, the Hawks now have the home ice advantage! Luongo who???? __________________ Baseball... It's the only game!!