Well Nightfall, I truly hope I am wrong, but I have a feeling he may be injured. He's just not the physical presence he normally is. He's a big guy and he usually throws his muscle around the ice with authority. I'm not hearing his name near as often as I do in normal post season play. One thing is certain: these two days of rest before they play game 1 on round two will certainly help.
So what is everyone else thinking about Round Two anyway? Here's my thoughts, all in all I am interested in every series for different reasons.
Dallas vs. Ducks: The way the Ducks trounced the Wings out of the conference quarters certainly makes this more interesting. Also the fact that I live in Texas I'll be watching and cheering for the Stars. If the Ducks win this series, more power to them and I'll cheer for them to go all the way and hoist Lord Stanley's Cup. Dallas beats the Ducks in 6. I almost said five because I'm not sure how the Ducks will react to a game one loss. I honestly see Dallas winning three in a row, giving up one on the road to an emotional Anaheim team and coming home to beat them. I can also see Dallas losing one or two early and coming back.
Ottawa vs. Philly: I think Philly is tired and as I said, I'm not sure how deep they are, or even how well their top guys are feeling. Gange, Williams and Primeau seem great though as did Recchi in game 7. They flat out dominated the Leafs in Game 7 so they have a lot to build on. Not to mention that in the hockey post season that sometimes a long layoff, like the Sens have had, can make game 1 a bit stiff and tedious. If Philly can come out and win game one and then go up 2-0 or 3-1, I really think they'll win it. I do not think they'll beat the Sens by coming from behind in this series, however. Senators take the Flyers in 6.
New Jersey vs. Tampa Bay: This series figures to be the closest and most exciting based on the numbers. We have a #2 vs. a #3 seed. I've not gotten too much chance to watch Tampa Bay this year during the regular season, so it's hard for me to call. I'm a Devils fan to be honest, so I'll likely be wearing a Brodeur jersey and screaming at the refs for missing the Bolts penalties. I hope this one turns out to be as good as the numbers suggest. One thing is certain, Jersey needs to shut Saint Louis down. That guy can fly! I'm not really keen on Nikolai Khabibulin, so I give this series to Jersey with Brodeur saving their bacon and being the difference. I'd prefer the difference be Gomez, Stevens and Elias... but I'm not so certain there. I really like the former Dallas Stars on this team, it'd be great to see them be the difference in this series as well. The Devils take them down in 7 very physical, nailbiting games.
Vancouver vs. Minnesota: Okay, I'm not a Canucks fan at all. Plus, if Dallas wins I'd really rather see them face a 6th seed rather than the 4th seed. Plus if Dallas loses to the Ducks, I'd rather see either the Ducks or Wild win the cup. The Wild have impressed me. They're an underdog. They are my emotional favorites. Vancouver, on paper, is the better team but I didn't think Minnesota had a chance aganist the Avs, so who knows? I'm going with the Canucks, as much as I dislike them, to win this series in 5. Yeah, I said 5.
St. Louis should've played a much better game than that, but alas. 
