Round 2

3 weeks after the beginning of the playoffs, we are down to 8 teams, and I found myself 6-2 on my picks in the first round, so needless to say we are off to a good start. Round #1 found all the obvious story lines like the ridiculous number of too many men on the ice calls, san jose finding a way to win, and the top 3 seeds in the East falling surprisingly quick (Holy Crap Halak). Now as we look to Round #2, things are fairly calm in the West with all the expected winners advancing, but the East is now a crapshoot. Who thought a #6 seed would have home ice advantage in the 2nd round? Hell, a #7 seed could have home ice in the conference finals. So here's what we're thinking:

East Conference Semi Finals

#4 Pittsburgh Penguins .vs. #8 Montreal Canadiens

The Lowdown- Entering the playoffs as a number 4 seed, Pittsburgh now finds themselves in the drivers seat in the East. Jaroslav Halak pulled his best Patrick Roy impression in Round #1, but I don't see it happening in against the Penguins. Crosby has been unreal so far in these playoffs and expect that to continue. Sorry Montreal, beating Washington was an accomplishment, but the miracle run is over.

Pick: Pittsburgh in 6

#6 Boston Bruins .vs. #7 Philadelphia Flyers

The Lowdown- If you thought the Boston/Buffalo series was physical, you are in for something on a completely different level in Round 2. I cannot express this more ladies and gents, THIS WILL BE WAR. If you like good, old school, fast and physical hockey this series is for you. The Broad Street Bullies versus the Big Bad Bruins. Boston has been finding a way to win, and Miroslav Satan looks like a younger version of himself, the return of Marc Savard and the play of Tuuka Rask only helps. Oh, and yes, there is a serious chance that Boston could win the east(Yup, I called it now).

Pick: Boston in 6

Western Conference Semi Finals

#1 San Jose Sharks vs #4 Detroit Red Wings

The Lowdown- This is an interesting series. On one side you find the Sharks looking to kill their playoff demons, and on the other, a team who has found great success in previous years, but barely got through the first round. For San Jose to win, the Big 3 need to step up, cause Joe Pavelski can't carry the Sharks against the experienced Detroit. But let's be honest here, the Red Wings look like they are just out of gas.

Pick: San Jose in 6

#2 Chicago Blackhawks vs #3 Vancouver Canucks

The Lowdown- If there is one thing that breeds rivalry in professional sport, it's repeated playoff series against similar opponents. This means that Chicago vs Vancouver is developing into something great. In my opinion, the two best teams in the West, along with the hatred left from last years 2nd round series, and this one is going to be fun. Vancouver might have the edge in goaltending, but Chicago has too much depth up front and on defence. Expect a long, fast, shoot out kind of series, but the bottom line is. Whoever wins this series, is my cup pick.

Pick: Chicago in 7