Keith Russell's Journal: NHL: Round 2 Wrap, Round 3 Picks

Seven of the twelve series played so far have ended in 4 or 5 games; three out of four in the second round alone. Calgary and Anaheim played the only Game 7 of the year so far. Is this the Year Of The Fragile Ego in the National Hockey League? It's as though teams aren't just losing early games, they're running in to brick walls.

To recap Round 2:

1 Ottawa (1) vs. 4 Buffalo (4) (Predicted OTT in 7): They're gonna have a hard time finding a scapegoat 'round Parliament Hill this year. The Cold Pizza line? The defensive breakdowns? Not looking for a veteran goalie after Hasek went down? Emery's performance in Game 4 was the only reason the Sens didn't get swept. I will admit to a little schadenfreude, though, as Ryan Miller makes USA Hockey look a little more foolish with each playoff win. (See also: Sidney Crosby at Worlds)

2 Carolina (4) vs. 3 New Jersey (1) (Predicted NJ in 7): Exhibit #1 in my Brick Wall theory. Those were some awfully soft goals, there, Martin Brodeur. Methinks the Rangers lulled the Devils to sleep after all.

5 San Jose (2) vs. 8 Edmonton (4) (Predicted EDM in 7): Ladies and gentlemen! Presenting Ryan Smyth and his Fearless Kamikaze Hockey Travelling All-Stars! The Oilers are the most entertaining, passionate, hell-bent-for-vulcanized-rubber team in these playoffs. All credit to the Sharks' players for keeping up the good fight after losing in triple-overtime, but two big middle fingers to the Sharks' fans who booed the Canadian national anthem.

6 Anaheim (4) vs. 7 Colorado (0) (Predicted ANA in 6): Combined score: Ducks 16, Avs 4. Dallas fans are wailing, "We lost to these bums?!" To be fair to Colorado, they did run into Ilya "Breezy" Bryzgalov at his peak. ("Breezy" doesn't just come from his last name, either. This guy's too happy-go-lucky to be an NHL goaltender. I mean, he talks to people before games. How weird is that?)

And now, to choose who I'll jinx in the Conference Finals. These are going to be difficult picks because both series match up mirror-image teams.

2 Carolina vs. 4 Buffalo

In the East, it's speed vs. speed. Rookie goalie Cam Ward vs. rookie goalie Ryan Miller. Some are saying that the Canes' depth will be the difference. I'm putting my money on Lindy Ruff's coaching and the Sabres' "too naive to know that we're too young to win" attitude.

Prediction: Buffalo in 7

6 Anaheim vs. 8 Edmonton

The Ducks and Oilers both thrive on physical play, so count on some heavy hitting. I have a feeling that Edmonton will win one game by sheer force of will alone, which will break Anaheim.

Prediction: Oilers in 6

OK, who had Buffalo and Edmonton in September? :-)