Conference Semi-finals, Here We Come!

Same as last round, I will write about the matchups, who to look for, and of course, pick the winner.

Nashville Predators vs. Vancouver Canucks


The good news for the Canucks is that the most difficult part of the road to the playoffs is over.  The bad news is that the next opponents are equally difficult.  All eyes will be on Roberto Luongo and whether he can be the Bobby Lu from games 1 and 7 or if he reverts to the Bobby Lu of games 4 and 5.  All talk about Nashville begins and ends with Shea Weber, but the real star of the series against Anaheim was Jordin Tootoo.  He showed some offensive skill to go along with his ability to fight.

Prediction: Canucks in six

San Jose Sharks vs. Detroit Red Wings


Detroit has revenge from last year's elimination at the hand of the Sharks in mind.  Jimmy Howard will need to bring his A game if the Wings hope to get over the hump.  For the Sharks, Joe Thornton is still needing to prove that he can come up big when it counts the most.  The game-winner against Los Angeles in game 6 is a good start.

Prediction: Red Wings in seven

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Washington Capitals


Washington had a cakewalk against the Rangers in round one.  Tampa Bay came back from a 3-1 hole to beat Pittsburgh.  Tampa Bay will ride the Dwayne Roloson train for as long as they can.  With a shaky blue line, he has come up big when it counts the most.  Michal Neuvirth will need to be seize control in goal for Washington to have a chance of advancing.

Prediction: Capitals in five

Boston Bruins vs. Philadelphia Flyers


Boston survived the series against Montreal.  The Flyers survived Buffalo and their own shaky goaltending situation.  Boston's offense needs to come up big, and it begins with David Krejci.  Remember, when Krejci went down in last year's series against the Flyers, so did the Bruins.  Brian Boucher will have to be better than he was in the Buffalo series.

Prediction: Bruins in six