NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs: Round 2

Welcome back to Binge Media Sports’ coverage of the NHL playoffs as we enter Round 2 in the race towards Lord Stanley’s Cup. I said before that the hockey playoffs are the best in professional sports, and Round 1 certainly backed up my claim. Seven of the eight series in the first round had at least one overtime game, and that eighth series went seven games. In total, there were fourteen overtime games, and three series went to seven, and one of those went to overtime. And there’s nothing quite like a Game 7 in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. That’s a pretty good way to get the postseason rolling. But in the end, the reality is that eight teams have gone home and eight teams are gearing up for more battles. So, let’s get to it. We’ll start in the East.

EASTERN CONFERENCE-ATLANTIC

MONTREAL CANADIENS v. BOSTON BRUINS

Previous round: Montreal def. Tampa Bay 4-0, Boston def. Detroit 4-1

Round 1 poll results: 80% voted for Montreal, 79% voted for Boston

Round 2 preview: This is the 34th playoff meeting between these old school rivals, the most in NHL history. However, this will be the first time since 1992  that they’ve met outside of the first round. These are two teams that genuinely dislike each other, so expect some added intensity to this series. We should see some great hockey and a few overtime games here. Both teams are coming off of easy victories in the first round, with Montreal being the only team to sweep in the opening series. Both teams should be well rested and ready to go. This series starts in Boston tonight.

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EASTERN CONFERENCE-METROPOLITAN

NEW YORK RANGERS v. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Previous round: New York def. Philadelphia 4-3, Pittsburgh def. Columbus 4-2

Round 1 poll results: 44% voted for New York, 89% voted for Pittsburgh

Round 2 preview: Sidney Crosby against Henrik Lundqvist should make for good entertainment in this matchup between two teams that haven’t met in the postseason since 2008. The Penguins certainly have the offense, but their defense has been a little sloppy, but they could be bailed out if the Rangers can’t take advantage on the power play. In the first round, they only converted 3 of 29 chances and went 0 for 13 on the road. This series gets underway tomorrow night in Pittsburgh.

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WESTERN CONFERENCE-PACIFIC

LOS ANGELES KINGS v. ANAHEIM DUCKS

Previous round: Los Angeles def. San Jose 4-3, Anaheim def. Dallas 4-2

Round 1 poll results: 33% voted for Los Angeles, 89% voted for Anaheim

Round 2 preview: For two decades, Californians have been waiting for these two teams to meet in the playoffs and finally get their wish. Los Angeles is riding high after winning four straight to come back from a 3-0 deficit against the Sharks, but Anaheim has had the Kings’ number this year, winning four out of five regular season matchups. The Kings looked slow early in the first round, but found some energy as the series went on. The question is whether or not they’ll be too exhausted to keep that intensity up. Anaheim has looked good on offense, but the goaltender issue may come into play. Will it be Andersen or Hiller to combat the great Jonathan Quick? We’ll find out on Saturday in Anaheim.

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WESTERN CONFERENCE-CENTRAL

MINNESOTA WILD v. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS

Previous round: Minnesota def. Colorado 4-3, Chicago def. St. Louis 4-2

Round 1 poll results: 33% voted for Minnesota, 70% voted for Chicago

Round 2 preview: Both teams are coming off of amazing Round 1 matchups. Each had four overtime games in the previous round, and Minnesota had to go to overtime in Game 7 to beat Colorado last night, the only road win of that series. Chicago lost some heartbreakers early, including a triple OT loss in Game 1, but seems to be clicking at the right time in defense of their title. Captain Jonathan Toews is showing true leadership with three game winning goals already, and Minnesota is also having some issues in the net. These teams met in the playoffs last year as well, with the Blackhawks winning in 5. They’ll look to do the same as this series gets going tomorrow night in Chicago.

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So there you have it. We should continue to see some great hockey here in Round 2 as we move closer to crowning another champion. Feel free to defend your vote in the comments section below or tweet @THElukenorris with any thoughts. I’ll check back in before the conference finals to see how you did. Enjoy.