KoC: 2013 Playoffs - Round 2 Wrap-Up, Round 3 Preview

Stanley Cup Playoffs Conference Semifinals, Round 2 Playoff Matchups:

 

1. Chicago vs. 7. Detroit                                             1. Pittsburgh vs. 7 Ottawa

CHI in 6             CHI! in 7                                              Pitt in 6          Pitt! in 5

 

5. Kings vs. 6. SanJose                                              4. Boston vs. 6. NYR

Kings in 7             Kings! in 7!                                         Boston in 6            Boston! in 5

 

I went 2.5-4 in round 2.  Both series in the west delivered.  Chicago managed to claw their way back into the series after going as far down as 3 games to one in the series.  The Kings and Sharks series was my favorite non-Isles series of the playoffs so far.  It was a treat to watch.

 

In the East, things were a little more uneven.  Pittsburgh manhandled Ottawa, who barely showed up for the series.  Boston proved the Rangers need more than Lundqvist to win a playoff series against an elite opponent.
 

My predictions for the Conf Finals are a little late due to vacation, but here they are:

Stanley Cup Playoffs Conference Finals, Round 3 Matchups:

1. Chicago vs. 5. Kings                                               1. Pittsburgh vs. 4. Boston

         Chicago in 6                                                               Boston in 7