San Jose Sharks VS. Nashville Predators

   The San Jose Sharks knocked off a cup favourite in the L.A. Kings in the first round, captain Joe Pavelski led the way with 7 points in 6 games. The Sharks may have their best team in years as both Joe's (Thornton and Pavelski) are firing on all cylinders along with an extremely deep forward core. The defence is equally impressive with Brent Burns and Marc- Edouard Vlasic lead the way. Goaltending is the only unproven spot in the Sharks line-up as both James Reimer and starter Martin Jones lack playoff experience. On the flip side Nashville might have their best team to date, Pekka Rinne is as impressive as always, and the defensive core led by captain Shea Weber that plays in front of him is as formidable as any in the league today. The biggest difference with this Predators squad and ones of years past is the offence, Ryan Johansen, Filip Forsberg and James Neal lead the Predators deepest forward group in a long time. The question is can it keep up with the cup starved Sharks?

   Advantage: San Jose Sharks

   Reason: A healthy mix of veterans and youth will propel San Jose past a Nashville team that I believe is still 2-3 years away from seriously competing for the Stanley Cup Championship.

   Those are just my thoughts, what are yours? Let me know in the comments below and be sure to share and follow the page!

Dallas Stars VS. St. Louis Blues

  The Dallas Stars power into the second round after a hard fought series with the Wild. Captain Jamie Benn was dominant in the first round posting 10 points in 6 games, the offence has been firing on all cylinders even with the absence of superstar Tyler Seguin. The real mystery for the Stars has been in net where neither tender has been able to find consistency, Lehtonen looks like he will be the guy for the Stars moving into the next round but a huge question mark still looms over the net in Dallas. On the flip side the Blues are looking to conquer their playoff demons after defeating the defending cup champion Chicago Blackhawks in an epic 7 games. The offence is led by Russian star Vladimir Tarasenko who has 6 points in 7 games, he is backed by a solid supporting cast of forwards and one of the deepest defensive cores in the league. Alex Pietrangelo, Kevin Shattenkirk and Jay Bouwmeester man the point in front of an at times questionable Brian Elliot. Will St. Louis end their playoff Blues or is this a year to look to the Stars?

   Advantage: St. Louis Blues

   Reason: Defence wins championships and the Blues are far deeper on the back end than the top heavy Stars. That combined with four solid forward lines and more consistent goaltending will help the Blues beat Dallas in what I predict to be a classic 7 game series.

   Those are just my thoughts! Let me know what you think in the comments below and be sure to share and follow!

Washington Capitals VS. Pittsburgh Penguins

     The leagues biggest stars are clashing yet again in the Stanley Cup playoffs as Sid the Kid and Alexander the Great have both led their teams to the second round in dominating fashion. The Capitals were the leagues best team in the regular season and flew past the Flyers in an impressive 6 games. Captain Alexander Ovechkin is coming off yet another 50 goal campaign and is surrounded by one of the best supporting cast in the game today. Brayden Holtby was dominant in both the regular season and first round of the playoffs gaining a Vezina nomination in the process and may finally be the goaltender Washington needs to get out of there playoff slump. On the other side Pittsburgh ended the season red hot and dismantled a cup favourite in the New York Rangers in an impressive 5 games. The offence made up of Crosby, Malkin, Kessel and Letang was firing on all cylinders while the youthful supporting cast provided all the grit and energy the team needed. In net rookie goalie Matt Murray was a rock posting a 1.33 GAA and a .955 save percentage in 3 games.

Advantage: Washington Capitals

Reason: A mix of veterans and youth will help propel Washington past the Penguins. Better defence and more experience in net will be key as Washington beats Pittsburgh in what I predict to be a 5 game series.

      Those are just my thoughts! Who do you think will win the series? Let me know in the comments below and be sure to share and follow the page!