What a ride the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs has been. But, unfortunately all seven Thunder Bay players who started the post-season, are now on the outside looking in. Patrick Sharp and Ryan Johnson and the rest of their Chicago Blackhawks team-mates saw their cup reign end in a dramatic game seven overtime win by Vancouver.
The opening round also featured game seven thrillers between Boston and Montreal, Philadelphia and Buffalo, and Pittsburgh and Tampa. Now, the second round starts, and look for the close battles to continue. I like Vancouver to take down Nashville. The Canucks had the Hawks by the throat at 3-0, and came within a goal of blowing it. They will have learned from their mistakes, and should beat Nashville easier. Detroit went through the opening round over Phoenix in a sweep, and the Red Wings will have a much tougher test against San Jose, although I expect them to make it to the Western final.
The Eastern series should be real corkers. Boston against the Flyers, trying to avenge a devastating playoff loss to Philly last Spring. And, the Washington Capitals against Tampa. It pains me to do this, but I'm picking Boston to advance to play the Caps for the conference crown. I went five for eight in my first round predictions.
