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So far this has been an inedible playoff season. In round one we had a number of upsets and surprises, with some teams shining unexpectedly and others succumbing to the incredible pressures of playoff hockey.
The Nashville Predators and the Anaheim Ducks both drove an incredible series of shutouts against the Chicago BlackHawks and the Calgary flames respectively, each team skating through the first round with 4-0 wins. Now Anaheim will face off against the Edmonton Oilers as they come off a 4-2 win against the San Jose Sharks. I like the Ducks in this series.
St. Louis and the Blues advance to round 2 for the second year in a row. Perhaps without the shadow of the Blackhawks looming over their heads they can advance to round 3 and beyond, possibly to get their hands on the trophy they've been reaching for ever since their foundation in 1967. I don't feel great about their chances after that showing by the Predators though. Personally, my moneys on Nashville all the way to the end.
Washington Capitols favorite Alex Ovechkin suffered a seemingly unrecoverable hip check by Toronto Maple Leafs foreward Nazem Kadri late in the first period pf Game 5, though he recovered and was able to return for the second period. The Capitols went on to win the night 2-1 and the series 4-2, pitting them next against Pittsburgh, who defeated the Blue Jackets when the Penguins traveled to Columbus for what would be the 5th and final game of the series for a 4-1 win.
Ottawa will face off in round 2 against the only Original Six left this year when the Senators face off against the New York Rangers for whats sure to be a thrilling series. With both teams looking sharp coming into round 2 with 4-2 wins against the Habs and Bruins, its anyone guess who will come out on top, especially now that the Rangers seems to have lady luck on their side again. For now anyway.
Well that's my look at Round 2 of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs! Be sure to watch tonight, & Tweet me @CCriticismBlog with your predictions for the winners!
