by Digger

EASTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Montreal Canadiens vs (6) Philadelphia Flyers:
Both teams are coming off grueling seven game first round series. This is the first time these teams have squared off in the playoffs since 1989 Conference Finals.
Philly will have their hands full trying to contain Montreal.
Montreal in 6

(2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs (5) New York Rangers
These two squads have enjoyed long layoffs. Question will be which team comes out fresh and ready to play? This seems like a great matchup on paper. Both teams play hard, have big game offenses and superb goaltenders. Pittsburgh has the edge heading into this series, but is playoff hockey time... anything can and will happen.
New York will prevail in seven hard fought games.

WESTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Detroit Red Wings vs (6) Colorado Avalanche
This series is about two bitter rivals. Each game will be hard fought with heavy hitting and great goalies.
From '96 - '02 these teams met 5 times in playoff action. These two squads dominated the West in those days... different players skate these days but their unrelenting talent and gritty play remain the same.
Detroit in 5.

(2) San Jose Sharks vs (5) Dallas Stars
In the season ending finale, 160 penalty minutes were handed out as these teams battled toe to toe, check to check and fist to fist. Both have sworn of bitter feelings... do you believe it? I don't. This will be a physical battle from the first puck drop. San Jose owns the advantages in most facets of this matchup. Dallas is a bit banged up but it didn't prevent them from scoring a West best 20 goals in 6 opening round games.
This series boils down to the power play units. Whoever avoids retaliation type penalties should prevail.
Stars in 7.