Previewing Round Two of the Playoffs

Full round two schedule curtesy of the NHL. It should be noted that there is no Saturday night game this week. Make some plans to see friends or something because we have no hockey.

Eastern Conference

Boston Bruins vs Montreal Canadiens

Season Series: 2-1-1 for Montreal

SBNation Blogs: Stanley Cup of Chowder (BOS), Eyes on the Prize (MTL)

Pre-Series Read: Andrew Berkshire discovers there is no such thing as “Montreal typical” and opposing teams should want French referees calling the games at the Bell Centre.

Analytical Perspective: The Montreal Canadiens website ran some numbers, analyzed some tape, and came up how the Habs can win. (Conversely, also how the Bruins can win).

The Bruins win if…they don't get too caught up in the after the whistle nonsense and stick to playing hockey. The Bruins are a good team, the Habs are in their heads though. The key for Boston is to stick with hockey because they are good at hockey.

The Habs win if…they play hockey with a small lineup and attack with speed. Montreal changed to a team that carried the puck in and played a more puck possession centric game. If they continue to do this, they should find success. They are also excellent at agitating the Bruins to insanity, a key component to beating them.

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via cdn2.sbnation.com

Pittsburgh Penguins vs New York Rangers

Season Series: 2-2

SBNation Blogs: Pensburgh (PIT), Blueshirt Banter (NYR)

Pre-Series Read: How playing J.T. Miller could help the Rangers protect leads.

Analytical Perspective: Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are just fine, yo.

The Penguins win if… Marc-Andre Fleury doesn’t play like playoff Marc-Andre Fleury. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin get some luck. Brandon Sutter continues to play well and Brooks Orpik remains sidelined. Seriously, the Pens are playing much better without him in the lineup.

The Rangers win if… Rick Nash gets some luck, like Crosby and Malkin. Henrik Lundqvist plays like the goalie he is and they shoot un-Ranger like in the playoffs. Face it, they should out-possess and out-goaltend the Pens easily.

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via 4.bp.blogspot.com

Western Conference

Anaheim Ducks vs Los Angeles Kings

Season Series: 3-1 ANA

SBNation Blogs: Anaheim Calling (ANA), Jewels from the Crown (LAK)

Pre-Series Read: Brian Compton tells us this is the first time ever we get a SoCal playoff series.

Analytical Perspective: Drew Doughty is a key piece to the Kings success.

The Ducks win if… they play to even 5 on 5. The Ducks are a lucky team and they need that luck to continue. Good goaltending and good special teams are the key to their playoff success. Also, they should exploit Robyn Regehr and Matt Greene.

The Kings win if… they continue to play their dominating puck possession game and Willie Mitchell regains health soon. If they have to continue to play Robyn Regehr and Matt Greene, things could get sketchy. And Jonathan Quick has to be decent, he doesn’t have to be great, but he cannot blow games.

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Chicago Blackhawks vs Minnesota Wild