No, your eyes aren't deceiving you, we are going to talk some NHL on Randall Simon's Sausages. Now that we've hit Round 2, it's time for us to focus in on the NHL and NBA Playoffs. We'll have a regular feature called our Playoff Pulse, which will keep you updated with the best performances, biggest chokes, and most interesting observations on the ice and hardwood. It's the perfect place for fans to come who love playoff action! So, with that, let's preview the Conference Semis in the NHL!
Eastern Conference
(4) Pittsburgh vs. (8) Washington
-The lone Top 4 seed to advance out of the 1st round of the East just happens to be the defending Stanley Cup Champs, the Pittsburgh Penguins. But, instead of the dream matchup with Ovechkin's Capitals, it's Jaroslav Halak and the Montreal Canadiens. The Canadiens were able to pull the upset based on large part to Halak standing on his head, timely and tough defense, and a lack of heart from the Caps. Unfortunately for those north of the border, the Pens don't suffer from such a problem. Add to that Malkin and Crosby playing as well as they have all year, and this one should be over soon. Pick: Pens in 5
(6) Boston vs. (7) Philadelphia
-A running theme in these playoffs has been rookie goalies rising to the occasion, one of which is Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask. Rask is stepping in for Tim Thomas and has proved cool under pressure, even outdueling Olympic hero Ryan Miller in Round 1. Meanwhile, the Flyers dominated the 2nd seeded Devils in Round 1 and are being led from the front by their two best players, Chris Pronger and Mike Richards. However, the difference in the series will be the return of Bruins C Marc Savard from a concussion, one of the most underrated players in the league. Pick: Bruins in 7
Western Conference
(1) San Jose vs. (5) Detroit
-Sure, San Jose got past their 1st round bugaboo, but their reward is facing the defending Western Conference champion Red Wings. The Wings reminded me a lot of the Spurs this season, coasting just enough to get in, and then raising their game in the postseason to down a game Coyotes team on the road in Game 7. The emerging star for the Sharks is Joe Pavelski, who is tied for the playoff lead with 7 goals and has surpassed Olympic teammates Heatley, Marleau, and Thornton. Add to that the Wings are starting another rookie goalie in Jimmy Howard, and this looks like a golden opportunity for the Sharks...but, then again, these are the Red Wings. And, as the series gets longer, their veterans will be enough to pull them through with another Game 7 win on the road. Pick: Wings in 7
(2) Chicago vs. (3) Vancouver
-This is the series with the most anticipation because, frankly, these two teams don't like each other. The Blackhawks dumped Vancouver out of the playoffs last year thanks to a Patrick Kane hat-trick, and there have been several incidents between the teams throughout the regular season. Both teams have dynamic offenses with Vancouver led by Ryan Kesler and the Sedin twins while the Blackhawks have their young guns of Kane, Toews, and their new acquisition Marian Hossa. The goaltending matchup is also surprisingly even with the much heralded Roberto Luongo battling Hawks rookie Antti Niemi, both of whom can range from superb to subpar. However, the difference will be in the special teams, where the Blackhawks have dominated so far in the playoffs on the power play and penalty kill. Pick: Hawks in 7
There's our attempt at covering the NHL, and we're all still in one piece, right? Join us throughout for our regular recaps and look aheads in both the NHL and NBA. We'll be back to reset heading into Round 2 of the NBA playoffs soon as well. Until then, it's bye for now!
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