So, we’re a little late with posting our next set of NHL Playoff picks after Round 1, but I think we had a pretty good reason, don’t you? :)

But, before we get into who we are cheering for in Round 2, let’s recap how our previous selections faired, shall we?

The East – Round 1

Cindy and I both saw our picks win in the Pittsburgh series and the Boston series, although our choice of New Jersey over Philadelphia proved incorrect. Can’t say I could pinpoint where the Devils broke down, but suffice it to say the Flyers were hungry!

In the only Round 1 series Cindy and I didn’t agree on, Montreal came back from a 3-1 series deficit to upset the #1 seed – and President’s Trophy winning – Washington Capitals.  I’ll admit that I was wrong, as I went with Ovi and Cindy pulled for the Habs.  I knew I should have factored in the President’s Trophy curse. D’oh.

The West – Round 1

The West was wild as always.  Colorado made a strong effort against the Sharks, but ultimately were overpowered and Anderson just couldn’t win the series on his own – although he did try for sure.

We were both pretty excited as well the Kings started to light up Luongo early in their series with Vancouver, especially with their Power Play, but the Canucks seemed pretty determined to get back to Round 2 for a rematch against our Hawks.

Phoenix, what happened?  They were so close, but couldn’t fend off the big red machine from Detroit.  Looks like another Original Six team wasn’t ready to call it quits in Round 1.  Luckily, neither were our guys after a shaky start against Nashville, the good guys came through in six games to take it to Round 2.

Round 2 Picks

With 16 teams now down to 8, things are really starting to shape up well.  Unlike that one series in Round 1, Cindy and I are usually pretty consistent in our team selections from this point.  And here they are:

• Pittsburgh and Montreal – We’re going Pittsburgh, although the loss of Jordan Staal is a concern.
• Boston and Philadelphia – How often do you get to see a #6 seed have home ice advantage in Round 2?  We’re sticking with Boston from our first round picks, and they’re already up 2-0 going to Philly.
• San Jose and Detroit – Everyone was so excited to see San Jose finally win a 1st round playoff series, and now they want more.  As much as we’d like to see 4 Original Six teams in the 3rd round, we’re hoping San Jose skates over those octopus legs and ends it for Detroit.
• Chicago and Vancouver – After a disastrous Game 1, our Hawks finally showed up to play in Game 2 to keep them from going back west down 2-0.  We hoping the Blackhawks can leave GM Place with 2 victories and a chance to make Game 5 the last home game of the series.

Well, there you have it, and you know where we’ll be come game time.

Go Hawks!