NHL Playoffs: Round 2 Preview

East:

Washington Capitals vs Tampa Bay Lightning

The Capitals were off since Saturday and Tampa just won their Game 7 against Pittsburgh. So, here we go, a Southeast division rivalry in Round 2. This series will be a long one in my mind. Dwayne Roloson will have to be just as big against the Caps as he was against Pittsburgh.

Offense: Capitals

Defense: Even

Goaltending: Even

Intangibles: Capitals

Prediction: Capitals in 6


Philadelphia Flyers vs Boston Bruins

As if we don't know what happened last year, well this is the Bruins shot at redemption. There are many questions for both teams, but the Bruins special teams will have to be exponentially better against Philadelphia, who take advantage of their special teams to get them goals. The Bruins last year blew a 3-0 series lead against Philadelphia as well as a 3-0 lead in Game 7, well now the series will start in Philly, but does this give Boston an edge. This series will be a major war.

Offense: Flyers

Defense: Even

Goaltending: Bruins

Intangibles: Flyers

Prediction: Bruins in 7


West:

Vancouver Canucks vs Nashville Predators

Vancouver gets a quick turnaround, less than 48 hours after a classic Game 7 win over their demons, the Hawks, they are back to take on the Nashville Predators. The Preds just won their first ever playoff series and are 2-2 against Vancouver during the regular season. The Canucks are still going through the emotional roller coaster from last night, so they just have to weather a few early storms tomorrow night.

Offense: Canucks

Defense: Even

Goaltending: Canucks (slight edge)

Intangibles: Even

Prediction: Canucks in 6


San Jose Sharks vs Detroit Red Wings

Another rematch from Round 2 of last year. The Sharks won in 5 games last season, but the Wings were not as deep and were more fatigued last year after two straight Cup Final Trips in 08 and 09. This series will be much different and defense and special teams will decide it.

Offense: Even

Defense: Red Wings

Goaltending: Red Wings

Intangibles: Even

Prediction: Red Wings in 6 or 7