With one one round of the Stanley Cup playoffs in the books, the next starts with another set of storylines, including a long-anticipated showdown between the Presidents' Trophy winners and the defending champions. So let's make those second-round predictions.Predicting the first round didn't go so well, thanks to Nashville's mercile s rout of Chicago (and this writer's underestimation of the offense), but here's another go-round with picks for the next four series:Eastern ConferenceSERIESPROJECTED WINNER/SERIES RESULTS vs. Pittsburgh PenguinsCapitals, 4-3 vs. Rangers, 4-2Picking against the Pens in the first round proved foolish DeMar DeRozan Jersey , but the series against Washington is a different animal. The Caps' deep and talented defense, decided home-ice advantage and first-round overtime play are reasons enough to believe this will be the year they send the Pens home for the first time since 1994. As for the Rangers, they never looked as consistently dangerous as they could have during their six-game series with the Montreal Canadiens. But they have enough juice to top even the stingy Senators. is riding a streak of momentum in New York's net, too.Western ConferenceSERIESPROJECTED WINNER/SERIES RESULTS vs. Ducks, 4-3 vs. Predators, 4-2So much for Chicago bringing home another Stanley Cup title. In fact, the bravado, speed and decisivene s with which Nashville skated past the Blackhawks should carry the Predators past a Blues team that, despite some phenomenal first-round work from goalie , was statistically outgunned against the Minnesota Wild. The Pacific Division showdown between Anaheim and Edmonton might be as close and exciting as the Caps-Pens duel, and it probably hinges on whether the Ducks, with their sound game and improved scoring attack, can take advantage of the Oilers' youth and penalty bouts. This one is truly a to sup, but the feeling is Anaheim, with its experience, ekes out a trip to the conference finals at the last minute. Dominique Wilkins Jersey
With one one round of the Stanley Cup playoffs in the books, the next starts with another set of storylines, including a long-anticipated showdown between the Presidents' Trophy winners and the defending champions. So let's make those second-round predictions.Predicting the first round didn't go so well, thanks to Nashville's mercile s rout of Chicago (and this writer's underestimation of the offense), but here's another go-round with picks for the next four series:Eastern ConferenceSERIESPROJECTED WINNER/SERIES RESULTS vs. Pittsburgh PenguinsCapitals, 4-3 vs. Rangers, 4-2Picking against the Pens in the first round proved foolish DeMar DeRozan Jersey , but the series against Washington is a different animal. The Caps' deep and talented defense, decided home-ice advantage and first-round overtime play are reasons enough to believe this will be the year they send the Pens home for the first time since 1994. As for the Rangers, they never looked as consistently dangerous as they could have during their six-game series with the Montreal Canadiens. But they have enough juice to top even the stingy Senators. is riding a streak of momentum in New York's net, too.Western ConferenceSERIESPROJECTED WINNER/SERIES RESULTS vs. Ducks, 4-3 vs. Predators, 4-2So much for Chicago bringing home another Stanley Cup title. In fact, the bravado, speed and decisivene s with which Nashville skated past the Blackhawks should carry the Predators past a Blues team that, despite some phenomenal first-round work from goalie , was statistically outgunned against the Minnesota Wild. The Pacific Division showdown between Anaheim and Edmonton might be as close and exciting as the Caps-Pens duel, and it probably hinges on whether the Ducks, with their sound game and improved scoring attack, can take advantage of the Oilers' youth and penalty bouts. This one is truly a to sup, but the feeling is Anaheim, with its experience, ekes out a trip to the conference finals at the last minute. Dominique Wilkins Jersey