Round 2 Underway

I didn't get a chance to write out my predictions for this round before it started, so I figured I'd wait until one game was in the books for each series. Let's see if I can keep up my good streak, I was 7 for 8 in the first round, the only series I got wrong was Philly over Buffalo. I am keeping my predictions from when the series began regardless of how the first game turned out, though may use events of those games to reinforce my arguments. Interestingly enough, identical seeds from each conference won their series. Also interestingly enough, my prediction is that the same will happen this time around. So far my two Eastern winners are leading, and my two Western winners are down.

EAST
1. Washington Capitals vs. 5. Tampa Bay Lightning-TBL leads 1-0
Both of these Southeast rivals have potent offenses and sturdy defenses, but the thing that will set them apart in this series is goaltending. Michal Neuvirth adn Dwayne Roloson entered this series as the top two goalies in the playoffs thus far. However, Neuvirth is young and unproven, and did not face all that much fire from the Rangers in the five game series. Dwayne Roloson meanwhile, played 7 games and is 41, and still put up those numbers. He has tons of playoff experience and will be especially important if this series goes the distance, as of last series he is 6-0 in his career in Game 7s. Also, Tampa's issues late this year came when Steven Stamkos wasn't socring. He began to regain his scoring touch late in the last series and could break away and lead the charge in this series.
Prediction: Tampa Bay wins

2. Philadelphia Flyers vs. 3. Boston Bruins-BOS leads 1-0
There are two main reasons why the Bruins will win this series: goaltending and history. Tim Thomas has let in a few bad goals so far these playoffs, but was also a major reason why the Bruins won their series. Philadelphia used 3 goalies in the first series and so far after one game have already used two in this series. The Flyers offense is much better than the Bruins, and their defense probably has an edge as well, but if the Flyers goalies can't keep the puck from going in, they have no chance in this series. The Bruins had two major issues in the first series, and one of those already seems to be on the mend. David Krejci and Milan Lucic were awful in the first series, but David Krejci found his game today with a two goal performance. The most glaring issue is the Bruins' power play. After eight games, the Bruins are 0 for 26 on the power play. They will need to solve this issue if they really want to win games. History was against the Bruins in the first series, but they beat the odds and won a seven game series for the frist time since 1994, won a series after dropping the first two games for the first time in franchise history, and won a 7 game series without scoring a power play goal for the first time in NHL history. The Flyers also won a series using three goaltenders for the first time in NHL history. With last year's epic debacle agaisnt the Flyers fresh in the Bruins' mind, they should be extra fired up to prove themselves in this series and avenge their past failure.
Prediction: Boston wins

WEST
1. Vancouver Canucks vs. 5. Nashville Predators-VAN leads 1-0
This is a questionable choice perhaps, but after seeing the near epic collapse of the Canucks in the first round, anything can happen. Judging by the ridiculous effect that the return of Dave Bolland to the Blackhawks lineup had on the Canucks, one notices that the best way to counter the Canucks flashy, talented offense is with grit and hard work. The Predators have just the kind of lineup that can do that. The only concern here is that the Predators don't have many talented scorers, but if they can wear down the Canucks and keep the games close, they have an outstanding chance of reaching the Conference Final. Roberto Luongo has been shaky in net and Pekka RInne has been very good. The Predators forwards were awful in game 1, as shown by Bary Trotz's fury after the game, but still they only lost 1-0. Trotz's disappointment with the team is likely to fire them up to bring their A game for the rest of the series. This is sure to be an exciting and close series fought between two teams backstopped by two Vezina nominees and coached by two Jack Adams nominees.
Prediction: Nashville wins

2. San Jose Sharks vs. Detroit Red Wings-SJS leads 1-0
Stability and consistency are my keys to why Detroit will win this series. The Sharks showed flashes of brilliance in their first round series vs. the Kings. They showed they can ignite for a few quick goals, but they also showed they can give up a few quick goals just as easily. They have a potent offense and a steady defense, but there are definitely holes that the Kings were able to exploit on multiple occasions, which should be found much more easily by the experienced Red Wings. Last year's Stanley Cup winning goaltender Antti Niemi had a goals against average of 3.99 in the first round and Antero Niittymaki was stellar when he saw action. Still, Todd McLellan is sticking with Niemi, but he will need to change his mind if Niemi starts to look like he did against the Kings. On the Wings side, Jimmy Howard has found some consistency in net, which has really been the only question mark the Wings have ever had. Johan Franzen and Henrik Zetterberg should be returning to add to an already expert lineup. Their back end is full of crafty veterans, too. Nicklas Lidstrom has played over 250 playoff games and amazingly has averaged a goal every 5 games. All of these players have a ton of playoff experience and many are left over from the Cup team from three years ago. The Wings are in a 1-0 hole right now, but were very close to winning that game. They lost the game only 2-1 in Overtime on a deflected shot that would have missed the net. The Wings are also fresh from the long break after their sweep of Phoenix and should be able to handle the wear and tear better if the series goes deep.
Prediction: Detroit wins