Talk Hockey

After going four for eight in my first round predictions, here are my second round predictions. Also, I've added a new feature to the predictions. Along with my own prediction, I will be doing a coin toss for the winner of each series. The higher seed will be heads, while the lower seed will be tails. Let's see who gets more predictions right: The coin, or me.

[1] New York Rangers vs. [7] Washington Capitals

Outlook: After almost being upset by the Ottawa Senators in the first round, the New York Rangers have survived, and are into the second round. The Washington Capitals have all the momentum though after beating the defending champs in overtime in Game Seven.

My Prediction: Washington Capitals in seven

Coin Toss: Heads, New York Rangers

[5] Philadelphia Flyers vs. [6] New Jersey Devils

Outlook: Rookie Adam Henrique was the hero last night as he scored two goals - including the OT winner - and sent the Devils to a second round series against the Flyers. The Flyers though, are very well-rested, as they were the only series in the Eastern Conference that didn't go seven games. The Flyers last game was almost a week ago (five days).

My Prediction: Philadelphia Flyers in five

Coin Toss: Heads, Philadelphia Flyers

[2] St. Louis Blues vs. [8] Los Angeles Kings

Outlook: Considering one team finished 2nd, and the other finished 8th, you would think that this series would be easy to predict. But, it's really not.

"The St. Louis Blues and Los Angeles Kings appear to be mirror images of each other. Their hard-edged veteran coaches preach a defense-first structure and both teams rely on their stellar goaltenders. - NHL.com

My Predictions: Los Angeles Kings in seven

Coin Toss: Heads, St. Louis Blues

[3] Phoenix Coyotes vs. [4] Nashville Predators

Outlook: The two underdogs will meet in this Western Conference match-up. The Nashville Predators and Phoenix Coyotes aren't the first teams that come to your mind when you're in a discussion about who will compete for the cup. In the history of the franchises, this will be Nashville's second time in round two and only Phoenix's first. The teams upset the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks - both original six teams - and a lot of hockey fans in the first round. Both the Yotes and Preds have never made it to the conference finals, now that they're in round two, one of them is guaranteed to make even more history.

My Prediction: Phoenix Coyotes in seven

Coin Toss: Tails, Nashville Predators

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