Not that the 1st round of the NHL playoffs wasn't great - because it was - but now, as we prepare for Round 2 tomorrow night, we can get ready to watch games with those "average" teams that get into the playoffs just to be knocked out early. The Nashvilles, the Bostons, and yes the Ottawas, are all calling their friends to book tee times today. It's time for the elite eight to show why they belong at this point in the playoffs.
EAST
Montreal v Philadelphia: When both teams are pushed to the brink in their 1st round series, the boring argument of rest v momentum gets thrown out the window. Thankfully. For the Habs, you can look at their near-collapse - followed by a dominating game 7 performance - either as an eye-opener or cause for concern. While it may be the latter, I don't think the Flyers pose a serious enough threat to make it worrisome. Canadiens in 6.
Pittsburgh v New York: As much as everyone - including me - wants to see the Pens advance to the East final, let me make these arguments for the Rangers: more experience with the likes of Jagr and Shanahan, the advantage in the pest department (who would you hate to play more? Avery or Ruutu? Exactly.), and, most importantly, superior goaltending. Sorry, Sid. Not this year. Rangers in 7.
WEST
Detroit v Colorado: As much as we'd all like a rematch of the great series these two teams had in the 90s, the absence of Claude Lemieux really dents that dream. Maybe the Avs can work out a deal to bring him back for the week. With Detroit's goaltending, or lack thereof, and the way Colorado played against Minnesota, I could see this one ending with an upset. Avalanche in 7.
San Jose v Dallas: The Sharks are in a similar spot to the Habs; taking to the max by a team that didn't belong to their talent pool. But while Montreal is inexperienced, San Jose isn't, and the scare against Calgary (and trust me, it was a scare) should wake up the Sharks. I hope. Sharks in 6.
Record: 6-2
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