West

Anaheim over Calgary in 6

Analysis: The Ducks are clearly the deeper, more experienced and more talented team. However, the Flames are scrappy and have a lot of heart. They are never out of a game and always make it tough for the team opposing to play against them. The Ducks should win, but not without a good fight from the Flames.

Chicago over Minnesota in 6

Analysis: The Wild were my dark horse pick to win the Cup this year and they looked very impressive in a slight upset over the Blues in the 1st round. With all that being said, it is so hard to go against the Blackhawks. It’s scary to think that Toews and Kane are now really entering their prime and they’ve already won two Cups together.

East

New York over Washington in 7

Analysis: I expect this to be the most competitive series on the 2nd round. New York is hungry to get back to Cup final and break the lack of success by the President’s Trophy winner. Washington and its superstar Alex Ovechkin are desperate to make the conference finals for the first time as they have the most complete team in the Ovie era.

Montreal over Tampa bay in 6

Tampa Bay looked quite shaky at time against Detroit, but Ben Bishop stood tall when he needed to in order to help them get over the hump in game 7. I think Carey Price will the difference in this series and he will once again be Montreal’s best player and lead them back to the conference finals.