So I did a mediocre 5 for 8 on my first round picks. Time for the second round.

Western Conference

For some reason I like the Avalanche in this one. I think this team is gaining momentum and re-discovering their identity. If Theodore can outduel Osgood/Hasek in this series, Colorado can take it.

Joshua’s Pick: COLORADO IN SEVEN

Sarich’s big hit on Marleau was a big turning point for the Flames in game 3, but Marleau’s response to it may have also been a turning point for the Sharks in the series. His willingness to pay the price along the boards and get right back into the game shows his commitment and leadership: a true character player. I’d also like to see some iso-cam footage of Ryan Clowe from that series to figure out how he kept finding so much open space in the high-slot. Turco will make the Sharks work hard for their goals, but they’ve got the firepower, and now I truly believe they have the leadership as well.

Joshua’s Pick: SAN JOSE IN SIX

Eastern Conference

Got to take my Habs in this one. It could be a rough series, which plays to Philadelphia’s advantage. If Montreal can stay disciplined they will get the powerplay opportunities they need to put the Flyers away. Price has shown some rookie traits, but has kept his composure well despite the mistakes. I can see him getting more and more confident the longer the playoffs go.

Joshua’s Pick: MONTREAL IN SIX

This one could go the Rangers way because of two players: Lundqvist and Avery. A pest like Avery is great for getting in the heads of an opponent; if he can get into the head of a seasoned vet like Marty Brodeur, he has the potential to wreak havoc with a young team like the Penguins. Henrik Lundqvist highlights the one huge strength that the Rangers have in this series: solid goaltending. Despite those factors, I think the Penguins are gaining the poise and confidence to carry them deep in these playoffs. They have too much skill for the Rangers to handle.

Joshua’s Pick: PITTSBURGH IN FIVE

Western Conference

An upset isn’t out of the question in this series. Nashville has shown this year that they can compete with the big boys. As the season has progressed Detroit has looked increasingly vulnerable as well. The Wings could be prime for an upset, but I think their vetran experience will be enough to earn the win in this round. I doubt they’ll have enough left in the tank to go beyond the next round though.

Joshua’s Pick: DETROIT IN SEVEN

Ouch. I was really hoping for a Minnesota regulation win on Sunday to prevent this match-up. Calgary has been inconsistent all year, so it’s tough to tell what team is going to show up for the playoffs. San Jose, meanwhile, has closed out the season on a tear. Eighteen wins in their final 21 games is evidence that this team means business. I think Calgary will bring a strong game, but at the same time, I think San Jose is too hot to be stopped by the likes of the Flames right now.

Joshua’s Pick: SAN JOSE IN SIX (but I’d like to be wrong)

This one could go either way. These teams weren’t separated by very much this season. I like Colorado on a resurgent performance from Jose Theodore. Minnesota has pretty good fire power, but then so does Colorado. I think this will be an entertaining series to watch with plenty of scoring.

Joshua’s pick: COLORADO IN SEVEN

It looked like life was going to be sweet for Dallas in the Brad Richards era, but it turns out he’s becoming a bit of a flop.  Unless Richards plays like he did in 2004, I don’t see the Stars going very far against a very deeply talented Ducks team. Mike Ribiero can’t carry this team very far in the playoffs. There’s a reason Anaheim won the Cup last year, and Dallas is about to find that out.

Joshua’s Pick: ANAHEIM IN FIVE

Eastern Conference

I love this series already. Yes, I will now disclose my allegiance to Les Canadiens. In September I proclaimed that “this will be a tough year to be a Canadiens fan”. Wow, was I ever wrong! Much like last year, the Habs were dominant on the powerplay, but Alex Kovalev has been a totally new man this season. Montreal has capitalized on Ottawa’s downfall to win the Northeast division, and ultimately the conference. If I recall correctly, no two teams have ever met each other more times in the playoffs of any professional sport, and that includes some recent Montreal upsets in recent years, along with some bad blood (recall McLaren’s elbow on Zednik). Add that to Montreal’s 8-0 record against Boston this year, and this series has some real intrigue. I’m a little concerned about injuries to Komiserik and Koivu, but am still going to let my bias show and pick Montreal to go 12-0 against the Bruins this season. Price and Kovalev to dominate the B’s.

Joshua’s Pick: MONTREAL IN FOUR

Two teams moving in opposite directions makes this an easy series to pick. Ottawa has been awful down the stretch, and the loss of their captain makes a bad situation worse. Pittsburgh is relatively healthy, incredibly skilled, and cruising right now. I’m going to give Ottawa a single win here based on the skill they’ve got on their roster, but I almost feel like I’m being generous.

Joshua’s Pick: PITTSBURGH IN FIVE

Daniel Briere was a nice acquisition for a team that really turned the corner this year. But he’s no Alexnder Ovechkin. The Caps’ turn-around this year has been amazing to watch, and I dare say anyone who doesn’t support Carolina has probably enjoyed watching Washington over the second half of this season. Ovechkin plays with a whole lot of passion, and I think that’s what’s driving this team right now.  That can be hard to stop.

Joshua’s Pick: WASHINGTON IN FIVE

Sutter coaching and Brodeur goaltending will beat Ranger star-power. These guys aren’t far apart though, and several games will probably go to overtime.

Joshua’s Pick: NEW JERSEY IN SEVEN

Disagree? Let’s hear it in the comments.