With the exception of perhaps the Detroit Red Wings, the teams that are left in the Stanley Cup Playoffs have had to endure some level of adversity to stay alive. 4 of the 8 series went to 7 games, and several of the others included teams that to overcome past failures in order to move on. Here’s a breakdown of the 4 match-ups in the NHL’s second round.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Vancouver Canucks (1) vs. Nashville Predators (5)

Vancouver may have gone through the most adversity of any single teams in these playoffs, having to hold off their arch nemesis the Chicago Blackhawks who attempted to come back from a 3-0 deficit. If that had happened it may have sent the suicide rate in the city through the roof. That series went through so many shifts, but there’s no point in detailing them, because it seems as if that series was its own mini Stanley Cup, and the Vancouver team that comes out of it, may be a different one than during the series. The Canucks may be amazed to realize that it’s only the second round of the playoffs, and will have to rely on the assets that made them the Presidents Trophy winner which was strong defensive play, and depth throughout the lineup to continue to win games in the playoffs.

The Nashville Predators for the first time in their history are in the second round, exorcising their demons of past failures, rewarding their small but dedicated following, as well as the only coach they’ve had in their existence: Barry Trotz. This series shapes up to be an extremely tight checking affair that should see low scoring games, and one where special teams could play a big part. If Nashville is undisciplined in this series it could cost them dearly, as their penalty killing was the worst of all the teams in the first round. As Nashville showed against Anaheim in which they were able to keep their big line of Getzlaf, Perrry, and Ryan in check 5 on 5, the Predators have the capabilities of doing the same to the Sedin’s. The Sedin’s never really broke out against the Blackhawks, despite the both of them combining for 12 points in the 7 games. So the Sedin’s will get their points, but if they break through in an even bigger way, it’ll be lights out for Nashville. While this series will be close, it shouldn’t go long.

Prediction: Vancouver in 5

San Jose Sharks (2) vs. Detroit Red Wings (3)

San Jose got a huge scare in the first round, proving that nothing ever comes easy for the Sharks who every year are full of potential, but have yet to make it to the Final. Last year the Colorado Avalanche scared them in the first round; in a series they were heavily favored, just like this year against the Kings. It took a miraculous come from behind victory in Game 4 against the Kings which they were down 4-0 to turn the series around.

The Red Wings on the other hand were ripe for an upset from the overachieving Coyotes, but instead in typical Red Wing fashion, they just rolled over them quite easily. So this series is one of contrasts, both teams are full of veteran talent, but only one knows what it takes to win it all. So convention might say that if this year is the year for overcoming obstacles, the Sharks should prevail here, but there are still some unmistakable question marks. Antii Niemi started the playoffs for the Sharks but was pulled on a few occasions on some very weak goals. He eventually finished the series, but it looks like if the Sharks are going to win, it’s going to be on their ability to put the puck in the net. The Red Wings were not able to do much with the Sharks last year when San Jose rolled over them in 5 games in the second round. Both of these teams have experience galore, so it may come down to some intangibles on the 2nd or 3rd lines of these teams that will make the difference. Detroit will be more prepared this year for the Sharks, but San Jose just overmatches them in speed and size, and if the series goes long San Jose will have home ice advantage, which will be the ultimate difference.

Prediction: San Jose in 7

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Washington Capitals (1) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (5)

The Washington Capitals seemingly have had to endure adversity all season, with Alex Ovechkin having one of his lowest scoring years of his career, all coming after a year they were the President’s Trophy winners but were ousted in the first round. This year they have refocused their team to a more defensive one that’s better suited for the playoffs. They dispatched of a stingy Rangers team in 5 games that included two overtime victories, and proved that they can win low scoring games. The goaltending match up in this series is one of contrasts: Michael Neuvirth, the unproven rookie, versus Dwayne Roloson, the veteran who refuses to go away. Neuvirth wasn’t supposed to be the Capitals guy at the beginning of the season, but has filled a role that has been aided by the Capitals new defensive style. Roloson was rescued from the bowels of the Islanders in hope to take a Lightning team that is full of promise to the Promised Land that they haven’t been to since 2004. That Cup run the Lightning went on seems like an eternity away, since it was also the last year Tampa Bay had won a home playoff game. The two stars in Martin St. Louis and Vincent Lecavalier are still leading their charge, aided with their newest superstar in Steven Stamkos. This series is full of star talent, but don’t be surprised if it actually turns out to a low scoring affair. Of all the series this could be the most entertaining to watch, and in the end it’ll come down to which superstar rises higher than the rest. So go with the team with the most Yuri Gagarin’s.

Prediction: Washington in 6

Philadelphia Flyers (2) vs. Boston Bruins (3)

While Vancouver may have had the most adversity of the teams in the first round, cumulatively Boston and Philadelphia may have given their fans the most ulcers. Philadelphia had to come from behind in Game 6 just to send it to a Game 7, where they finally broke through on all-world goalie Ryan Miller and the Sabres.

The Bruins could never seem to shake off the Montreal Canadiens and it took them into overtime of Game 7 to dispose of them.  The Flyers got a boost late in the series with Chris Pronger returning, so that should set up a great battle of giant defensemen as he goes against Zdeno “Neck Breaker” Chara. While Tim Thomas wasn’t as lights out as he was in the regular season, he was decent, while the Flyers on the other hand had their struggles as they played all three of their goalies during their series, and most likely will start with Brian Boucher. Don’t be surprised if Michael Leighton or Sergei Bobrovksy make an appearance, as Boston have more offensive weapons than the Sabres do and will be sure to test the veteran. Of all the series this is sure to be one that may resemble hockey that was played when disco was in vogue, an age of music that was made for NHL playoffs with hits like “I Will Survive”, “Stayin’ Alive”, and “Born to be Alive”.

Prediction: Boston in 7

originally posted at betfair.net