2007 NHL Playoffs Recap and Predictions - Apr 26th

As expected last night the Buffalo Sabres and Anaheim Ducks rolled over top of the two weaker teams left in the 2007 NHL Playoffs. Tonight the two tougher round 2 playoff series get underway, the difference maker in this years playoffs could be how long this second round lasts for the Sharks vs Wings and Senators vs Devils. Two long series could end up costing these teams a chance at the cup this year as they end up facing fresher teams in round three.

Tonights Games:

Ottawa Senators at New Jersey Devils: Which Martin Brodeur will show up tonight? Goaltending is the question in this series, Senators goalie Ray Emery left practice earlier this week with a bruised catching hand but has practiced for two straight days and intends to play tonight. We will see. Without any further information I have to go with the home team and Martin Brodeur tonight.

San Jose Sharks at Detroit Red Wings: Tough call here but the Wings will be without Tomas Holmstrom due to an eye injury he received in game 6 against Calgary. Detroit will sorely miss Holmstrom's presence in front of the net on the power play. In my opinion they lose game 1 at home.

Last Nights Recaps:

New York Rangers 2 (0) at Buffalo Sabres 5 (1) : The first period was a little shaky as the Sabres didn't manage a goal in 5 power play attempts, but the speed and skill of the Sabres 4 lines wore on the Rangers defensive efforts and they continued to give Buffalo chances on the man advantage. 8 times in the game. The 5th goal was perhaps the most entertaining empty net goal I have ever seen as Drew Stafford fights the length of the ice with Jaromir Jagr in what would have been a penalty shot had the puck not ended up in the net on the play. Good news for New York, Jagr intends to play in this series. Bad news is so do the entire Buffalo team.

Vancouver Canucks 1 (0) at Anaheim Ducks 5 (1) : The Ducks pummeled the Canucks despite giving up the first goal by scoring 3 goals on the first 9 shots they put on Roberto Luongo. The Canucks only chance at getting to round three in this years playoffs is for Luongo to drag them there kicking and screaming. He certainly didn't do it last night as he was pulled in favour of backup Dany Sabourin in the 3rd period. Andy McDonald got a hat trick as the forward lines of the Ducks overpowered Vancouver, this may end up as a sweep by Anaheim.