Well... not bad. This writer went 5 for 8 on the First Round predictions. I knew Columbus was "going for the long shot" but I obviously have no idea what's going on west of Colorado. As predicted, both conferences have their number 1 and 2 seeds facing each other in the Second Round, a format glitch that has to be rectified. Also, admittedly I have a bit of a head start because two game 1's have already been played, but this was due to necessary travel as opposed to getting a leg up. So without further ado (or babble), here's the Round 2 predictions:

Boston Bruins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

Boston's veterans are just getting their playoff legs and they're eyeing the finish line to both the Stanley Cup and retirement. This is a fire that is hard to extinguish. Tampa is still deeper on offense, and about equal on the back end, unless Krug continues to struggle and be a liability on the Bruin blue line. The goaltending edge also goes to Tampa. TAMPA BAY in 6

 

Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

The collective moan from the nation's capital could be heard across the land as this match-up has now become an annual event. And like most annual events, it ends with the turkey being eaten. PITTSBURGH in 6

 

San Jose Sharks vs. Las Vegas Golden Knights

Never let emotion guide your predictions and I find this hard to do because I so badly want to flip the Bettman Cinderella script. But Vegas looks good. They are no longer being taken lightly and if Fleury keeps standing on his head and the journeymen castaways keep potting timely goals, who knows where this Grimm tale will end? Then again, I underestimated the Sharks in Round 1 and the spark that Kane brings to the team is undeniable. Still... VEGAS in 5

 

Winnipeg Jets vs. Nashville Predators

As the lone Canadian team left carrying the weight of the entire nation on it's back, Winnipeg has it's work cut out for them. While on paper the two teams match up very well, one has to wonder if this will come down to the biggest intangible at this time of year: playoff experience. Winnipeg can go down this series already having proven something, Nashville cannot. Again ignoring the tugging of my heart, I have to go with the odds. This will be a helluva series to watch, but the axle of the band wagon will snap. NASHVILLE in 7