With 8 teams remaining in the NHL second round playoffs, several teams are well on their way to the next round. In the first place, the second round has many rivalries. Moreover, two of the teams in the NHL second round have the two best records in the league.
NHL Second Round Playoffs
So, the second round started last Wednesday. Since no team has advanced to the next round, the Nashville Predators are close to moving on.
NHL Second Round – Eastern Conference
In the same way, one of the most exciting and longest rivalries is the Washington Capitals against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Given that the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Stanley Cup last year, the Washington Capitals have their hands full.
In addition, the Penguins have a healthy round of players and easily won the first round in five games. With this in mind, can the Capitals top record and best goal differential be the difference maker? Also, in the regular season, the teams split their games against each other.
As of today, the Penguins lead the series 2 games to 1.
Also in the Eastern Conference, is the Ottawa Senators against the New York Rangers. Although the Senators presently lead the series 2 games to 1, a lot of their wins have come in overtime. Will that be a factor in this series?
Furthermore, in the regular season, the Senators won 2 out of 3 games against the Rangers. Not to mention, the Senators goaltender missed two months of the regular season after learning his wife had cancer. His perseverance in limiting the Bruins to less than 2 goals per game in the first round was a game changer.
Although the Rangers had their hands full with Montreal, they won their series in low scoring games.
NHL Second Round – Western Conference
Indeed, we have two top teams in the Pacific Division that were separated by two points in the regular season. Both the Anaheim Ducks and Edmonton Oilers should be an exciting series to watch.
During the regular season, the Oilers had the edge over the Ducks winning three out of the five games. For the most part, the Oilers seem to have the edge and lead the series 2 games to 1.
Also, in the Western Conference is the St Louis Blues against the Nashville Predators. Uniquely, neither team had the home ice advantage in the first round. In addition, in the regular season the Predators took three out of five games.
Because the Predators presently lead the series 3 games to 1, can the Blues find their way?
Conclusion
Of course, in the playoffs anything can happen. As always, I look forward to you sharing your comments on the NHL second round playoffs.
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