Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Second Round
After going 2 for 8, the worst I think I've ever done in first round predictions--I'm daring to speak again. I feel shame. (;
Montreal vs. Philadelphia
The Philadelphia/Washington series was technically 3rd vs 6th seeds, but was really 6th versus 8th. Washington played with heart, but was too inconsistent and had to come back from too many deficits. Montreal--hopefully for them--learned about how tough it can be to close someone out, even when dominance was possible.
I have some reservations about Montreal's experience level, especially in net. And normally, I would have to give Marty Biron the edge over Carey Price for that reason, but I'm not going to.
Montreal in 6.
Pittsburgh vs. New York
Does Pittsburgh remember how to play hockey? They killed the half-dead Senators in no time at all. If they shake off the rust, I think they have enough firepower to make up for the fact that Lundquist is the best remaining goalie in the East.
Pittsburgh in 7.
Detroit vs. Colorado
It's almost like this was planned. We'll be able to see just how different the game is when this rivalry is rekindled--or not. I just don't think there's going to be the edge there that there was. Minnesota imploded enough to make Colorado look better than they are. And Detroit showed, once again, that they aren't as invincible as everyone thought two weeks ago. I have really mixed feelings about this one, but I think it's. . .
Detroit in 6.
San Jose vs. Dallas
Did San Jose "answer questions" by destroying Calgary in game 7? Maybe, but they were losing on home ice until Iron Mike humiliated Mikka Kipprusoff yet again, instead of calling time out. Still, to think that that shine on Dallas for ousting the Phone-it-in-ex-champs is real is silly.
San Jose in 4.
Montreal vs. Philadelphia
The Philadelphia/Washington series was technically 3rd vs 6th seeds, but was really 6th versus 8th. Washington played with heart, but was too inconsistent and had to come back from too many deficits. Montreal--hopefully for them--learned about how tough it can be to close someone out, even when dominance was possible.
I have some reservations about Montreal's experience level, especially in net. And normally, I would have to give Marty Biron the edge over Carey Price for that reason, but I'm not going to.
Montreal in 6.
Pittsburgh vs. New York
Does Pittsburgh remember how to play hockey? They killed the half-dead Senators in no time at all. If they shake off the rust, I think they have enough firepower to make up for the fact that Lundquist is the best remaining goalie in the East.
Pittsburgh in 7.
Detroit vs. Colorado
It's almost like this was planned. We'll be able to see just how different the game is when this rivalry is rekindled--or not. I just don't think there's going to be the edge there that there was. Minnesota imploded enough to make Colorado look better than they are. And Detroit showed, once again, that they aren't as invincible as everyone thought two weeks ago. I have really mixed feelings about this one, but I think it's. . .
Detroit in 6.
San Jose vs. Dallas
Did San Jose "answer questions" by destroying Calgary in game 7? Maybe, but they were losing on home ice until Iron Mike humiliated Mikka Kipprusoff yet again, instead of calling time out. Still, to think that that shine on Dallas for ousting the Phone-it-in-ex-champs is real is silly.
San Jose in 4.
// posted by Rick @ 9:30 AM 
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