Stanley Cup - Second Round Predictions

The second round of the NHL playoffs begin tonight as well as the deciding game 7 of the final first round matchup between the Ducks and the Predators.  You can see the (mediocre to poor) results of my first round predictions here. After reviewing that, you may choose to ignore these second round predictions:

Pittsburgh Penguins defeat Washington Capitals - The Penguins come out of the prior series with boatloads of confidence while the Capitals had trouble scoring toward the end of their series with the Flyers.  Both teams have superstar forwards - Crosby and Malkin for the Pens, Ovechkin and Kuznetsov for the Caps - and a superstar defenseman - Kris Letang for the Pens, John Carlson for the Caps. The Caps probably have the edge in goal as Braden Holtby has been superb all season long and the Pens may be relying on backup Matt Murray. But the aforementioned Kuznetsov was not a factor in the prior series. This has all the makings of a classic seven game series.

Tampa Bay Lightning defeat New York Islanders - Islanders rely heavily on John Tavares while the Lightning have scorers up and down the lineup.  Ben Bishop looks like he is at the top of his game so Thomas Greiss will have to maintain his superb play to keep the Islanders in this series. Just don't think the Islanders have enough to get this done.

St. Louis Blues defeat Dallas Stars - Stars defense and goaltending are always suspect and Brian Elliott looks solid in net for the Blues. Elliott and the St. Louis' defense should be able to hold Dallas scoring in check just enough to get through this series.  Never count out a big letdown by the Blues having finally gotten by Chicago - but I just don't see it happening.

San Jose Sharks will face the winner of tonight's Ducks-Predators game.  I'll let you know what I think after I know the matchup. Whoever they face, the Sharks will have had plenty of rest.

Enjoy the games!!