The day after one of the most shocking upsets ever seen in the playoffs, people are still asking the same question. What in the world happened?
The Washington Capitals were the favorites of many to win the cup this season, unless your name is RJ Umberger. Something happened though that shocked everyone, including Alexander Ovechkin. The Caps ran into a wall named Jaroslav Halak. Let us not forget that the Washington Capitals had a 3-1 series lead before Montreal won three in a row to take the series. So, the Caps will have questions to answer in the off-season, and the Habs will live to fight another day.
On to my predictions for round 1. I have to admit it was a bit bold for me to say that Nashville would win their series against Chicago, but sure enough I paid for my boldness by getting that series wrong.
Reality: Montreal Wins Series 4-3.
Cut me some slack on this one. I am willing to bet that all of you said something similar, unless your a Habs fan.
Reality: Philadelphia Wins Series 4-1.
This was another shocker in the first round. Hats off to Brian Boucher for coming out of no where and playing better then the quickly aging Martin Brodeur.
Reality: Boston Wins Series 4-2.
Ryan Miller was not a happy camper after this one. I have a feeling he was banking on a long playoff run to erase the haunting memory of the Olympic finale. Sorry Ryan, now you have two bad experiences to dwell on in the summer.
Reality: Pittsburgh Wins Series 4-2.
I got one right! The Senators tried their best, and Pascal Leclaire came off the bench and played well, but the Pens were just too strong for the surprise team in the East.
SSH: "Sharks take series 4-2."
Reality: San Jose Wins Series 4-2.
Reality "Vancouver Wins Series 4-2."
SSH: "Red Wings take series 4-2."
Reality: Detroit Wins Series 4-3.
So counting just the correct teams SSH went 4-4, .500 is not too shabby and I will take it.
Now let us wrap this up with predictions for round 2, which starts tonight at 9:00 PM eastern when the San Jose Sharks host the Detroit Red Wings in game 1.
Western Conference
#5 Detroit Red Wings vs #1 San Jose Sharks
Red Wings take series 4-2.
Canucks take series 4-1.
#8 Montreal Canadiens vs # 4 Pittsburgh Penguins
Penguins take series 4-3.
Flyers take series 4-3.