So, the second round is upon us. Eight teams are left standing after an intense first round featuring many rivalries.
I predicted the first round perfectly, except for one large San Jose screw-up. How was I supposed to know the Sharks were going to completely drop the ball? They WON the President's Trophy in a convincing fashion but couldn't do away with Anaheim. I'm not sure if I should say Anaheim is just that good or San Jose is just that bad.

Here's the match-ups and my thoughts:

Boston vs. Carolina:
Yea, the Bruins haven't played since April 23 but out scored the Hurricanes 18-6 in regular season games. Carolina did battle back to win the series and proved their grit and determination, but do they have enough to beat a solid Boston team? In net, both teams have solid goaltenders in Cam Ward and Tim Thomas, who need to be at their best as this will be a grueling series. Eric Staal will need to continue his success but will be challenged by Boston's blue liners. The rest of Staal's team will need to pick it up and continue the offense.
prediction: Boston in six

Washington vs. Pittsburgh: This will be the most talked about/written about/watched/argued about/analyzed series until the Finals. This is going to look like a conference finals series, not the second round. If only one of these teams went to the West, this would be my perfect Finals series. It is something that will fuel the whole Crosby vs. Ovechkin debate for the next five years. Washington went 3-0-1 against the Pens this season but are new to the second-round scene.
Both teams are strong, fast and skilled. Both sides are also young. The Pens have a very similar version of the Cup-tested squad they had last year with three solid lines featuring Crosby, Malkin and Staal. The Caps also have depth on the bench with Ovie and Semin leading. Both teams also have strong support on the blue line that can also score. The difference will be in net.
prediction: Pittsburgh in seven

Chicago vs. Vancouver:
Neither team has had recent playoff success. Both teams will rely on their blue-liners to come up huge. The Hawks are looking like the underdog but they will be able to win if their offense stays hot. The Sedin twins are always a threat and will need to contribute if the Canucks want to advance.
prediction: Hawks in seven

Anaheim vs. Detroit: If there's one thing I learned in the first round, it's to not overlook the Ducks. Especially when they are playing a No. 1 seed. However, the Wings at least MADE it past the first round in convincing style. They ousted the Blues in four games. This makes me think Detroit will make it through. Detroit only gets better as the playoffs roll along. This will be a physical series with both teams housing large bodies that like to hit and veteran players that know what it takes to make it. The Ducks downfall is their lack of depth.
prediction: Detroit in six