Well the BSB team went a combined 14-18 in Round 1, but that’s only if you count specific winners. If we are talking about getting the winner and the number of games right, we went an amazing 5-27. I feel like we aren’t alone in this one. Personally, I picked four winners, but only one set of correct games. Let’s hope we do better in this round. Becky and Pat were a little late getting their picks in, so they might be added later. For now, it’s just myself and Rob.
I know we are one day late here and two games were played, but it’s a little difficult to get these in when the next round begins a day after the first round ends. So I assure you the outcome of the games last night did not impact these predictions.
Blue Jackets vs. Boston
Rob: It’ll be interesting to see how Columbus’ extended lay-off affects them. While “momentum” is overrated and probably not a real thing, it’s hard not to believe that the good vibes Columbus created by sweeping the heavily favored Lightning will carry over in some way. I think the Bruins are the better team here, but I’m not underestimating the Jackets. Still, Bruins in 7.
Dave: On one hand, we have a Torts team that swept the best team in the league and went into the playoffs extremely under rated. On the other hand, they’ve been off for a week and the Bruins are coming off an emotional seven game win. The Bruins are the better team, but the Jackets are no slouches. This goes seven, and I love Torts. Jackets in 7.
Isles vs. Canes
Rob: I actually got one right when I picked Carolina over the Caps. Even though advanced stats aren’t everything (and often turn completely on their head in the playoffs), I knew the ‘Canes would own the puck against the Caps, and they did. Carolina is – somewhat annoyingly – for real. Assuming they get decent goaltending, they’ll dispatch the Isles, who are basically the Capitals minus Ovechkin and Holtby. All of these games will be close. Hurricanes in 6.
Dave: I picked the Pens and the Caps, so what do I know? Apparently nothing. I agree with Rob that Carolina is for real and they finally got guys that can finish. The key here is goaltending. Robin Lehner has been unreal this year. If he continues to be, then Carolina will have a rough time. I can’t imagine this series being a shootout. I’d expect both teams to clamp down defensively. Carolina’s puck owning ability wins out in these situations. Canes in 5.
Blues vs. Dallas
Rob: I’m not a big “root for former Rangers” guy; call me a devotee to the old Seinfeld axiom that as a sports fan, you essentially root for laundry. That said, ZUUUUUUC! It’s hard not to pull for the former Ranger, and Dallas has a fun and interesting team (although they also have, for my money, the worst goal song in the league). The Blues are really good in their own right though, so I think the smart pick here is St. Louis. But I’m going with my gut (and also the possibility that Tyler Seguin and John Klingberg can carry the team) here: Stars in 7.
Dave: The Blues are really good. Extremely good. Meanwhile the Stars are also good and ZUUUUUUUUUUUUUC. I’m echoing what Rob said above, I can’t not root for Zucc. It’s going to skew my pick. There’s no logical reason why the Stars are able to make this a series, but I don’t care. Zucc for the win. Stars in 6.
Sharks vs. Avs
Rob: I think this is going to be the short series of the bunch. San Jose emerged from a really tough battle with Vegas, while Colorado didn’t have much trouble with the favored Flames (who really seemed to sleepwalk through their first round series). Colorado’s young talent might be riding high, but their star players simply don’t have a strong enough supporting cast around them, especially when matched up with the Sharks. There’s some incredible talent in this series and the games will be fun to watch. Sharks in 5.
Dave: So much for the Avs not having enough depth to overtake the Flames. I still don’t think they have the depth, and the Sharks have all the momentum after coming back from down 3-1. Maybe that’s what the eternal chokers need. Plus I’m all for Thornton getting a Cup. Sharks in 5.
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