Round 2 of the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs is going to get under way on Friday April 30th. My Sens didn’t come out of the first round alive, getting defeated by the defending Stanley Cup champions. It was a hard fought battle and I can’t be disappointed in my team, they fared much better than most gave them credit for.

I went 0/4 in my predictions for eastern teams, and 2/4 for western teams. Wow, were my predictions bad! I hope I fare better in for my 2nd round predictions.

Eastern Conference semifinals:

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Montreal Canadiens.

Montreal didn’t win their first round series as much as Washington lost it. The Caps didn’t perform like the same team that finished the season on top of the league. Pittsburgh is making a very strong push to win the cup for a 2nd year, and Montreal will simply be a road bump to that destination. I believe the Habs don’t have the needed bodies on the blueline to contain a very well rounded Pens offense that rolls 4 very competent lines.

Prediction: Pens in 5

Boston Bruins vs Philadelphia Flyers

The Flyers surprised everyone by eliminating the NJ Devils in 5 games. Can they do the same thing against the Bruins? This is one series that’s tough to call, and I think it’ll go all the way to 7 games.

Prediction: Boston in 7

Western Conference Semifinals

San Jose Sharks vs Detroit Red Wings

If the top line for San Jose doesn’t choke like they usually do in the playoffs, I believe that they can overcome the Red Wings and get to the conference finals

Prediction: Sharks in 6

Chicago Blackhawks vs Vancouver Canucks

I expect this to be the most exciting series of this round. No offense to the other 2 teams, but I believe whomever makes it out of this series will make their way to the cup finals. 2 very strong teams going head to head.

Prediction: Canucks in 6