Dr. Daps' Playoff Predictions

Hello, if you are stumbling across this, this is typically a New York Rangers blog. In the off-season, many different topics are discussed on this blog that may or may not pertain to the Rangers. This site will continue to keep the Rangers as its top priority, but will post content about other hockey news while the post-season goes on.


Hello viewers! Since theres not much activity in the Rangers world today, I figured I would throw out my picks for the second round of the playoffs.


Vancouver vs. Nashville


The Canucks managed to beat the Blackhawks in OT after dropping a 3-0 lead to exercise their demons and move them into the second round. The Predators ousted the Ducks in six games and are gearing up for their first second round appearance ever. The Canucks have the edge in this match-up, because they have more firepower than the Predators do. However, Roberto Luongo has struggled as of recently, while on the other side of the spectrum, Pekka Rinne has been an absolute brick-wall. As of right now, I think the Predators have the defensive advantage, but they will have their hands full with a very powerful Canucks team. Vancouver wins 4-3.


San Jose vs. Detroit


San Jose and Detroit is probably going to be the most exciting series to watch out of all four. Both of these teams are very poised with talent, and it will be an offensive show for the viewers. In the goaltending department, I think San Jose has more of an advantage because of the experience Antti Niemi has gained last year with the championship-winning Blackhawks. However, San Jose still has the label of being the "choke-job" team around the NHL. I'm not saying I'm guaranteeing a loss, but if its going to happen, it'll be against Detroit. Detroit wins 4-2.


 Washington vs. Tampa Bay


This series will be the true test for Washington to see if their change in defensive strategy that took place in the middle of the year will work. The Tampa Bay Lightning are a very dangerous team. They seem to have a player or two on every line that can put the puck in the net with consistency. If Washington is going to prove their new system, it'll come with shutting down players like Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis. The goaltending is going to be an absolute circus. We will get to see if the old man, Dwayne Roloson, of the Lightning can teach the youngster, Michael Neuvirth, a thing or two. Or, perhaps Neuvirth will show Roloson the skill he's gained through the season. Either way, it's going to be really interesting to see what happens, and I believe that if the Caps do win this series, they can go a lot farther than recent years. However, I think the Lightning are going to be too much to handle. Tampa Bay wins 4-2.


Philadelphia vs. Boston


This series will be the most closely contested out of all four matches. The styles of both the Flyers and Bruins are very much equal. The Bruins try to obliterate everything thats on the ice, and the Flyers, well, are the Flyers. Someone will be checked through the glass during this series, and I would be willing to bet an ample $5 on that to anyone who's willing to match that. I bet Bruins fans have a little bit of a hole in their stomach for this match, because of last years miraculous 4-3 series loss after the Bruins lead the Flyers 3-0. But I believe its safer to say this season that the Bruins are a lot better off than they were last season, and I believe they will come out on top this time. Boston wins 4-3.


There you have it. I will be doing my next round predictions as well, all the way up to the final series of the 2011 season. I look forward to watching a lot of hockey, and keep an eye out for more random articles by me!