Well, it surely was one memorable 1st round to the 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs. We were able to see 1 sweep, 1 5-game series, 2 6-game series, and 4…count ‘em…FOUR 7-game series. To recap the 1st round, I was correct with the winner and the # of games for 2 of the series while I was correct with only the winner with 4 other series. I was incorrect with Chicago and Pittsburgh. Figures that the last two Stanley Cup Champions are my two incorrect predictions.
Anyways, Round 1 had surprises in every series it seemed. The Washington-New York Rangers series was closer than the 4-1 series win for the Capitals. Many overtime games were necessary in the series, but Alexander Semin, Alex Ovechkin, and Michael Neuvirth were able to finish the job. Philadelphia will not go far after their series win over the Buffalo Sabres. They used 3 different goalies in the 7 games. Last season anybody? Either way, this was a hard-fought series with bad goaltending and lots of whining apparently. This rivalry will continue to blossom next year most likely. Boston was down 2-0 against the Montreal Canadiens, but they were able to win 4 of the next 5 games to finish them off, and they did it using 3 overtime winners. That will give them tons of momentum in Round 2. Pittsburgh just couldn’t get it going in their last 3 games against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Once up 3-1, Tampa won 3 straight with Dwayne Roloson sparkling in the net.
As for the Western Conference, Vancouver was up 3-0 on Chicago in what seemed to be a quick series. Chicago quickly turned themselves, and the Canucks, inside-out, and chased Roberto Luongo in games 4 and 5, both blowout wins. Game 6 was a classic throughout, and it will always be remembered as the 3rd best game that I have ever watched. However, good things usually come to an end, and Vancouver did just that in Game 7, but they needed overtime and another bad Chicago turnover to do it. Just to let you know, Roberto Luongo is a “putz”, and he couldn’t outplay a veteran 2 years ago, a rookie last season, and another rookie this season. Chicago’s offense just couldn’t put up enough scoring chances against him in Game 7. Corey Crawford was undoubtedly the series MVP for either team. Great series, and I can’t wait for next season. San Jose took care of the LA Kings, but, again, many overtime games were needed, including a Joe Thornton winner in the Game 6 clincher. Look for Antti Niemi to step up yet again in the next series. Detroit took down Phoenix way too easily. I only watched the highlights of that series, and it just looked too easy for Detroit, which seems strange since they beat Phoenix last season. Nashville FINALLY got their 1st series victory, and it cost the Anaheim Ducks their season. Corey Perry and Teemu Selanne lit up the score sheet, but Nashville’s team effort (along with Pekka Rinne’s goaltending) was the difference. Late game-tying goals and overtime game winner don’t hurt either!
Ok, so, on to Round 2 predictions:
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
#1 Washington vs #5 Tampa Bay — Washington looked great in the first round. They were determined, dominating, and defensive. They don’t need all of last season’s offense when they utilize their stifling defense to win games. Neuvirth looks solid in net, but will Round 2 pressure creep up on him? Tampa Bay will use their momentum from the first round to help them TRY to keep up with the Caps, but I just don’t see it happening. If Stamkos and St. Louis can lead this team in scoring this series, they may have a slight chance. Still, I see Washington taking it quickly.
WASHINGTON IN 5
#2 Philadelphia vs #3 Boston — So…who will start game 1 for the Flyers? It must be Brian Boucher, but he oculd be pulled after the first period for Leighton, who could be pulled early in Game 2 for Bobrovsky, and the cycle of doom keeps going round and round…Boston’s Tim Thomas is more of a shut-down goalie that either Flyer goalie is a REGULAR goalie. Some of those goals against Buffalo were AWFUL. Bad goalies would have even made those saves. Still, the Flyers are relentless. No lead is safe versus them. Boston will have to ride their momentum from Game 7 in overtime AND their memories of last year’s collapse to help them through this series.
BOSTON IN 6
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
#1 Vancouver vs #5 Nashville — Vancouver was dominant in games 1 and 2 against the Blackhawks, but they started sliding in games 3, 4, and 5. When they want to do so, they can have a potent offense, but if they sit back at any time, any opponent can pounce on the opportunities. Luongo should be a bit more confident going along (now that he finally beat a rookie goaltender from Chicago…what a putz…), but he still has not gotten past the 2nd round of the playoffs. You hear that Luongo? You’ve never survived round 2!!!! Nashville is from the dreaded Central Division also!!!! Anyways, Nashville is the surprise team of the playoffs, and they can ride their goaltender and their stellar defensemen to victory, as long as they don’t turn the puck over to the Sedin sisters. All Nashville has to do is play strong, smart hockey. Still…it will be a challenge…I would LOVE for Nashville to win, but I just don’t see it happening…Blargh…Nashville will probably win either Game 3 or 4 in Overtime, but that will be it, unfortunately. For some reason, this series may be similar to the Chicago/Detroit series from 2009.
VANCOUVER IN 5
#2 Sanjose vs #3 Detroit — Rematch from last season is…UNDERWAY! San Jose took it last season in 5 games, so Detroit will look to rebound with a quick series win. They haven’t lost in the playoffs yet, so maybe a single loss may get to them. Still, they’re Detroit, so I wouldn’t expect any nerves. Zetterberg is getting healthy, so that will definitely help Detroit along the way. San Jose will be able to ride Joe Thornton’s series clincher and Antti Niemi’s experience to a possible conference Finals matchup with Vancouver. This will be an epic series. Be sure to watch, as I’m calling this the best series of the 2nd round. Get ready for 7 games…
SAN JOSE IN 7
With those predictions, we would have Van couver vs San Jose, and Washington vs Boston…winners face off for the Cup…Wow…see you after Round 2!
