2nd Round of NHL Playoffs are Here

Source: Bleacher Report

The Conference Semi Finals are here after, one of the best first round playoffs ever. There were 18 games that went to overtime which was an NHL record. 66.7% of games were decided by one goal, and the percentage of games going to OT? 42.9% The numbers speak for themselves on how close these match-ups were.

The first round was filled with many surprises and drama but now there are only eight teams left. The most intriguing match-up on paper is the Washington Capitals vs Pittsburgh Penguins series. The two best players squaring at it, yet again as Ovechkin is looking to finally beating Crosby and the Penguins in the playoffs. Washington is looking to end their yearly playoff disappointments vs the defending champions. Pittsburgh is looking to continue their depth even without star defenseman Kris Letang who is out for the season, and keeping in mind, the Capitals had to work very hard to advance, while Pittsburgh ended their series in five games with only one overtime game.

On the other side of the bracket in the East, is the New York Rangers vs The Ottawa Senators. New York looked impressive beating the number one team from the Atlantic division. their series against Montreal showed the continuance of amazing goaltending from Henrik Lundqvist. The Ottawa Senators have one of the most elite defenseman in the world, Erik Karlsson. The Ottawa Senators looked strong vs the Boston Bruins as, Bobby Ryan has found his game in the most important part of the season. It will be a battle of Swedish elite players in Karlsson vs Lundqvist.

In the west, we have the Nashville Predators going up against St Louis. Nashville has been the biggest surprise with an impressive sweep against one of the top contenders the Chicago Blackhawks. Nashville looks like they won off their blockbuster trade with Montreal from last years offseason, where it was an exchange of start defenseman, PK Subban to Nashville and Shea Webber to Montreal. With Webber already out of the playoffs with Montreal, it looks like Nashville got the best of it. The Blues are coming into this series with full optimism that Jake Allen will steal the series again. Jake Allen put on a show against Minnesota, making incredible saves. St Louis will look to go to the conference finals for the second year in a row.

The other Western matchup is between Edmonton and Anaheim. The Anaheim Ducks are no surprise from their recent success, sweeping the Calgary Flames. The Ducks look strong as they have a solid defense with depth throughout their offensive lines. For Edmonton, they need the same magic that produced their hard fight against San Jose. They will need a sharp Cam Talbot in net and of course the leadership from Connor McDavid.