Well, in the first round I went 4 for 8 with my predictions. The same success rate as the flip of a coin. Still, I will once again put in my 2 cents for the next round.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Montreal (1) vs. Philadelphia (6)

Montreal has been very uneven in these playoffs and I am not quite sure which version of the team will show up for this second round match-up. One would have to think that they learned from their hard-fought series against Boston and should be mentally prepared. Regardless, the Flyers are not to be taken lightly. They possess a high powered offence that features six 20+ goal scorers the post-season's leading scorer in Daniel Briere. Much of the same can be said about Montreal, and if Kovalev and the Kostitsyn's keep up their play from game 7 this could be a surprisingly offensive series.

Philadelphia’s backline is a slow group and could be exploited by Montreal's speedy forwards. Jason Smith has not looked like himself in these playoffs, committing several mental errors, such as on Ovechkin's tying goal in game 7, and his -7 is second worst in these playoffs. Having said that, the Flyers' defenders aren't inept either, Coburn has looked good in these playoffs while Randy Jones and Derian Hatcher are at a league best +5.

Although Andrei Markov has been underachieving, Montreal's defence corps as a whole has been good, led by the strong physical presence of Mike Komisarek and Roman Hamrlik. It would be very welcome if the defence joined the rush more often. This is not slight to him, but Patrice Brisebois should not be the one leading defensemen in scoring. Furthermore, the defence will need to obtain better support from the forwards and make sure to clear the zone every time they get a chance. Far too often against Boston the Habs were unable to clear their zone, most notably in game 6 when Kovalev’s failed attempt lead to a Bruins’ goal.  

Carey Price has been excellent for most of these playoffs and has shown great mental toughness. Montreal has a few intangibles going for them as well, namely a healthy squad and home ice advantage. In the end, this should be a tough, close and exciting series. I see Montreal taking the series in 7 games. 

Pittsburg (2) vs. New York Rangers (5)

The Rangers looked really good against the Devils, way better than I expected in fact. Sean Avery got into Brodeur's kitchen and the Devil's netminder has been crying for his mommy since, refusing to shake Avery’s hand and blaming him for his refusal of Team Canada's invitation to the World Championships. But, Brodeur's whining is a subject for another post. The Rangers and Sean Avery will not have the same freedom to disturb Pittsburg's star players simply because Gary Roberts and Georges Laraque will keep them in check. 

New York's defence may have looked brilliant against New Jersey but they will face an incredible challenge against the high-powered Pens, who feature stellar offensive players in Crosby, Malkin, Sykora, Hossa, Gonchar, Malone and Whitney while others, such as Talbot, Dupuis and Roberts, can also provide some scoring.    

The Rangers are not push-overs and feature an impressive cast themselves, but Pittsburgh has too much here and, as long as Fleury holds the fort, Pittsburgh will take the series in 6 games.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Detroit (1) vs. Colorado (6)

Detroit is an impressive squad, are blessed with tremendous depth and skill and can rely on two competent netminders. But to me Colorado holds the keys to this series if they can answer a few important questions: 1) Can Theodore keep up his fantastic play? 2) Can Forsberg stay healthy? 3) Can Statsny chip in offensively, he who only has one point so far in these playoffs?

I think Theodore will keep up his hot play and that Forsberg stays healthy, leading Colorado past Detroit in six games. (Not too sure about Statsny, but if Theodore and Forsberg hold up their end of the bargain, it won't matter.)  

San Jose (2) vs. Dallas (5)

San Jose passed an important test in the first round and has had contributions throughout their line up. The same can be said for Marty Turco and the Dallas Stars, who won their first playoff round since 2002. The truth is, there are a lot of similarities’ here.

Marleau has looked great so far for the Sharks, he who faced heavy criticism from management, media and fans over the past 12 months. Thornton has also been able to chip in offensively, but many still feel he could bring his game up another notch.  For the Stars, Ribeiro has broken out in these playoffs with 8 points while Lethinen, Modano and Morrow have been their usual selves.

Nabokov is a Vezina-trophy candidate. Marty Turco continues to exorcise his playoff demons with another solid performance.

In the end, what tips the scales to me here is the defence. Mind you, the Stars have a solid backline, but with Zubov and Boucher out, it gives an edge to the Sharks. Not enough can be said about Stéphane Robidas marvellous playoff performance, but he cannot always be on the ice and Ron Wilson will be able to exploit this situation by obtaining favourable match ups for his offensive players.

San Jose takes the series in 6 games.   

More often than not I try to avoid covering subjects that I feel have been beaten to death, but the temptation of throwing in my playoff predictions is just too much. Maybe I will look like a genius, or maybe i'll look really foolish. Here goes nothing!

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Montreal (1) vs Boston (8)

We have all heard of Montreal's dominance of Boston and their great powerplay, so I will not review that for the umpteenth time. Suffice to say Montreal's offensive depth is impressive with 7 50+ point scorers on their team. Same with the defence, Streit and Dandenault have been used at forward most of the season but, should injuries arise, they can pinch in on D. Bouillon and Komisarek should be healthy.

Much has been made of Zdeno Chara's importance in this series, but I for one think he is one of the most overrated players in the league. Players may be intimidated by his size and strength, but when good pressure and forechecking are applied I find that he often reacts poorly. His size and reach may save him at times, but with the increased intensity of the playoffs his flaws will be exposed. There is a reason he was a playoff scapegoat in Ottawa and that they chose to retain Redden instead. As for the rest of the Boston squad, they simply do not have the depth to cope with Montreal's multi-pronged attack, especially with the unfortunate injuries that befell their squad. On the other hand, I can't help but be fearful of them, they are tough, have nothing to lose and seem "due" to win against Montreal.

As far as goaltending is concerned, we have two playoff rookies here but I think that is a non factor with these two individuals. Carey Price seems almost zen in goal while Thomas is an extremly hard worker who has seen his share of hockey in his life, I don't see either "choking".

Montreal should prevail in 6 games, but Boston won't make it easy.  

Pittsburg (2) vs Ottawa (7)

Ottawa is an absolutely jumbled mess right now. The team seems disoriented, injuries have ravaged them and they do not have the depth of a year ago. On the other hand, Pittsburg has learned from its experience from last year and will have a lot to prove in this rematch. Marian Hossa will also be looking to exorcise his playoff demons, especially against his former club.

Pittsburg will make it as painless as possible for Ottawa in 5 games.

Washington (3) vs Philadelphia (6)

THE story of the year has to be the spectacular come back of the Capitals to storm back atop their division. I had predicted earlier in the year that they would win their division, but I wasn't expecting it in such spectacular fashion. I don't see Philadelphia stopping Washington's run just yet, especially with the great acquisitions made by George McPhee.

Washington keeps on rolling, winning it in 6 games.   

New Jersey (4) vs New York Rangers (5)

Martin Brodeur.

New Jersey takes this intense rivalry in 7 games

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Detroit (1) vs Nashville (8)

Nashville always put up a tough fight against Detroit and they should once again do so here. This series almost seems like a possible upset to me. In the end though Detroit's skill, experience and depth are undeniable. The only major variable here is the goaltending of both teams, but unless Detroit's tandem falters in spectacular fashion or that Nashville's netminding is all-world, Hockeytown should handle Music City. 

Detroit in 6 games, Nashville always makes it a battle.

San Jose (2) vs Calgary (7)

Joe Thornton does not seem like a big-game player to me and his San Jose squad seems unable to put the pieces together come spring. Mikka Kiprusoff has had an off year, but should he bounce back in the playoffs the Sharks will hit an early wall in their playoff run. Calgary has a tough squad and is ladden with experienced players who know how to win in the playoffs. 

Calgary upsets San Jose in 7 games 

Minnesota (3) vs Colorado (6)

Colorado is hoping that turning the clock back will push them forward. I find that trying to recreate the past is an often foolish endeavour, but Colorado's recipe seems to be working. Should Theodore perfome up to par, the Avs should make life miserable for the Wild.

Colorado in 6 games 

Anaheim (4) vs Dallas (5)

This in an incredibly close match up and whoever comes out of this war will be a very fatigued squad coming into the next round. Anaheim's experience and defensive depth should give them the edge in this series. However, Dallas can stiffle its opponents defensively and having a former Conn-Smythe winner and the all-time scoring American on their team helps.

Anaheim in 7 games, but I could have just flipped a coin...

- Why are the Florida Panthers getting such favorable off-season grades from analysts? Adding Tomas Vokoun was a brilliant move, mind you, but it still was nothing more than correcting the mistake of trading Luongo last year.  Otherwise they've added the likes of Richard Zednik, Radek Dvorak and Brett McClean, good depth but not team changing individuals either. I realize this is simplistic, but they could not make the playoffs with the all-world Luongo in net, why would it be different with Vokoun?

- The Capitals scare me. Between sure-fire youngsters such as Ovechkin, Semin and Backstrom,  the promising Eric Fehr and Tomas Fleischmann and the added firepower created by the signings of Nylander, Kozlov and Poti, they are going to be good. In fact, should Kolzig stay healthy, i'll be as bold to predict that the Caps not only make the playoffs, but win their division.

- Great, the Rangers upgraded at centre, instead of having a 1-2 of Nylander-Straka they now have improved significantly by adding Chris Drury and Scott Gomez, while they have rid themselves of Nylander. Now, that's all well and good... but how about a defencemen? They'll probably be in the playoffs, but if they are not in the dance in April, let's try not to be too shocked, I mean, have we not seen this before?

While most of us are shaking our heads looking at the insane contracts being handed out, thinking to ourselves that the owners have not learned squat from the lockout, it has occured to me that we, fans, pundits and media alike, for the most part have not learned a thing either. Most of us are idiotically clapping our heads, proclaiming teams like the Rangers, Flyers and Kings the early winners of free agency. But have we not seen this cassette before? Forget the obvious reference to the absurd spending of the pre-lockout Rangers, rather think about how most people quickly deemed the Pens as serious contenders after they went out and acquired the likes of Palfy, LeClair, Recchi and Gonchar a couple years ago. How did that work out? Oh yeah, not so well.

Or what about the Coyotes when they got Jovanovski, Ricci and cie?

Or what about the Bruins with Savard and Chara?

You should get my vibe by now, yet obviously most of you don't because a lot of you still applaud every expensive, big name, stupid free agent signing. Look, don't get me wrong, I can't help but be at least partially impressed by some of the signings, but we need to get a grip here. Because right now most of us are just like the owners, we haven't learned a thing.