With the Maple Leafs trouncing the Senators tonight, round one is officially over, and the second round matchups are set.


First, my round one predictions (here). Ingoring the number of games, I predicted the following teams would win: Detroit, Colorado, Tampa Bay, and Philadelphia. That means I missed half of the series. I thought San Jose would lose, but they pounded St. Louis. I thought Vancouver would get past Calgary, but that didn't happen. I thought Boston would beat Montreal, but the Habs pulled it out in the end. And I expected Ottawa to get past Toronto, but that obviously didn't happen.


So here's the second round matchups, with comments:


Detroit (1) vs. Calgary (6): Calgary is a faster, more physical team than Nashville, but plays the same style. The Wings owe Vokoun a big "Thank You" for waking the Big Red Machine with his comments about arrogance. Games 5 and 6 were completely controlled by the Wings, and Nashville was sent packing. If they continue to roll, the Wings can easily handle the Flames. Iginla's line is the main concern, but they shouldn't be too much to handle for Lidstrom and Schneider. I think Detroit will take this one in 6 games.


San Jose (2) vs. Colorado (4): A great match up! Both teams are playing great, and are getting a full head of steam. This series will be two trains hitting head on. The last time these two teams met, it was the second round in 2002. It went seven games, with Colorado pulling it out. I think we'll see a repeat performance this year too.


This makes the conference finals: Guess? Detroit vs. Colorado. The dream match up for the NHL and ABC/ESPN. Hockey ratings haven't hit the numbers they were in 2002 during the Detroit / Colorado series. If these two teams match up again, with the labor dispute lurking in the distance, this could be the match up that draws the fans, and convinces the owners and players to save the game.


Tampa Bay (1) vs. Montreal (7): Tampa Bay is on a roll. Montreal is coming off a seven game series, and will be tired. Tamp Bay is fast and rested. This should be a cake walk for the Lightning. Look for them to take it in 5 games.


Philadelphia (3) vs. Toronto (4): Philly is a tough team. They are big and they are strong. Toronto is also coming off of a seven game series. I'll also say that Philadelphia will take this one in 6.


That leaves Tampa Bay vs. Philadelphia. That should be a good series.


One last thing: Let the games begin (again)!