[Sport] NHL Playoffs 2013 - Round 2 matchups

Round 1 of the NHL playoffs is over, but there's no let up in the schedule. Round 2 starts tonight, so I thought it would be interesting to look at the matchups and see what's in store for this set of series.

Blackhawks vs Red Wings

An old rivalry is renewed once more, as the Detroit Red Wings take on the Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks have had a longer rest than the Red Wings, but I'm not sure that it's significant enough to make a difference. Both teams have shown some great skill in attack, but I'd give the edge in that department to the Blackhawks; I think they work better as a unit, whereas the Red Wings show more individual flair. On defense I think it's fairly even. Howard has more experience in goal for the Red Wings, but Crawford was great against the Wild. 

I think this is going to be a close fought series, but also a high scoring one. I predict Blackhawks to win in 6 games.

Kings vs Sharks

This one is also interesting. The Kings are the defending champions, but looked wobbly against the Blues. Yes they won, but it was far from convincing. The Sharks, in contrast, looked very good indeed against the Canucks, and have had more time off. That could work for them, and I think they'll be coming off a high after sweeping the fancied team from Vancouver 4-0 in Round 1. They don't have anyone who really stands out in their line up, but Niemi knows how to win the Stanley Cup.

I think the Sharks will start strongly, and if they can win the first couple of games then I think they'll move forward. Sharks to win in 5.

Penguins vs Senators

This is probably the pairing that looks least exciting, although it has potential if the Penguins continue to have problems in goal. Swapping in Vokhoun for Fleury seemed to settle that issue down a little bit, but it will be interesting to see who starts game 1. The Penguins were pushed by the Islanders, but they showed the ability to score goals whenever they felt like it, and I think will do so again. The Senators played well against the Canadiens, but were scrappy at times.

If the Penguins can stop the Senators scoring a lot of goals, then they should win easily. Penguins to win in 4 is my prediction.

Bruins vs Rangers

Both the Bruins and Rangers are coming into this from hard fought, 7 game series. I think that they'll experience another one here, in what could be the best part of this round. The Bruins comeback to beat the Maple Leafs was remarkable, and will give them a massive confidence boost. The Rangers though have a goaltender on top form in Lundquist, although their attacking force has been a little anaemic at times.

I'm going to have to give this one to the Rangers in 7 I think, as the Bruins have struggled a little at both ends of the rink.