NHL 2nd Round Playoff Preview.

I had a good first round going 7-1. Things don't look that much tougher to me in the second round.

Eastern Conference

Buffalo Sabres (1) vs. New York Rangers (6)

The Rangers don't have the luxury of playing a team with limited playoff experience in this round and it is going to show. The Sabres are too fast and well rounded to lose to the Rangers who will not really hot goaltending to win this series. And I hope one of the Sabres knocks Sean Avery out of this series with a crushing hit.

Sabres in 6

New Jersey Devils (2) vs. Ottawa Senators (4)

The Senators don't have the luxury of playing a team with limited playoff experience in this round and it's going to show. Instead they get the Devils whose playoff CV's can compete with anyone. These are not the same Devils teams that had Neidermayer and Stevens on the blueline but I think they are deeper up front and Marty Brodeur is still the best in the game. I expect the John madden checking line to wear down the Jason Spezza line over the course of this series and the Devils offensive depth will win the series for them. But this isn't a case of the Sens choking, the Devs are just a better team.

Devils in 6

Western Conference

Detroit Red Wings (1) vs. San Jose Sharks (4)

Detroit did not impress me that much against Calgary because they were awful in Calgary. San Jose looked very impressive knocking off the good Nashville team. I think the Sharks speed is as good as the Wings and their defense is deeper and not dependant on one pairing. The Sharks win this one.

Sharks in 6

Anaheim Ducks (2) vs. Vancouver Canucks (3)

If the Canucks anemic offense couldn't score against Dallas it sure as hell won't score against the Ducks with Neidermayer and Pronger logging 30 minutes per game on the blueline. The Ducks also have three lines that can score and very good goaltending. The only chance the Canucks have is if goalie Roberto Luongo steals all four of the Canucks wins.

Ducks in 5