NHL Ice Capades

You couldn't have asked for a more exciting 1st round of the NHL playoffs. Even though there was chalk for 6 out of the 8 series, there were still plenty of thrillers along the way. We've had at least one overtime game for the past 10 days. An incredible half of the series went the distance to 7 games. If this is a sign of things to come, we're in store for a phenomenal rest of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Let's take a look at the upcoming conference semifinal match ups.

Western Conference

(1) Canucks vs (5) Predators- Vancouver got all they could handle from the defending Stanley Cup Champions Chicago Blackhawks. It looked like the 'Hawks were going to pull off an incredible comeback after trailing 3 games to 0, but they came up just short in game 7. Meanwhile, Nashville had a much easier series against the 4th seeded Anaheim Ducks. The Ducks didn't look so mighty in a 4-2 defeat. The excellent goal tending of Pekka Rinne was a big reason why. Rinne clearly has the edge on paper over the struggling Roberto Luongo. Many will pick the upset due to this fact, but I still like Vancouver thanks to the great chemistry of the Sedin brothers. Prediction: Canucks in 7.

(2) Sharks vs (3) Red Wings- San Jose got a challenge from the 7th seeded Kings, but were able to hold off LA in 6 games. As for Detroit, they looked stronger than almost any team in the playoffs with an easy sweep over the Coyotes in what could be the franchise's last game in Phoenix. Although San Jose beat Detroit in the 2nd round of the postseason last year, I don't think the script will have the same ending this time. The Wings are a veteran bunch and I believe the experience of All-Star Captain Niklas Lidstrom will lead the way in a win for Detroit. Prediction: Red Wings in 6.

Eastern Conference

(1) Capitals vs (5) Lightning- Washington has a history of choking in the playoffs, but they didn't fall victim to the upset bid in Round 1 in a 4-1 victory over the New York Rangers. Meanwhile, the Lightning may be on their last leg after barely beating Pittsburgh in 7 games last night. I think that series took a lot out of Tampa Bay. They are a young and hungry team centered around last year's goals leader Steven Stamkos. The match up between him and former scoring champ Alex Ovechkin should be an exciting one. I think pound for pound, the Caps are just too talented and should be able to take out an exhausted Lightning squad. Prediction: Capitals in 6.

(2) Flyers vs (3) Bruins- If the 1st round is any indication, this has the potential to be the tightest series of them all. Both Philly and Boston went all the way to Game 7 before advancing to the semis. It even took overtime for the Bruins to outlast the Montreal Canadiens. Few players had as good of an opening round as Daniel Briere. He followed up his dominant performance in last year's playoffs that got the Flyers all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals with a spectacular six goal showing against the Buffalo Sabres. No easy task with former Vezina trophy winner Ryan Miller in net. I think Briere's leadership and and consistency will be the difference in this match up as well. Prediction: Flyers in 7.