Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
For as much as the Sid vs. Ovi comparison has been hyped, this will be just the second time both have met in the playoffs, and much like the last time, it will be in the Conference semi-final. The Capitals had it easy for the first three games, but then things started getting shaky for the next three games before they finally put away the Flyers. Braden Holtby was solid for five of the six games, but he will need to be even better if the Caps' offense can't get it going. The Penguins looked like their 2009 selves, albeit with Matt Murray and Jeff Zatkoff in net for the series while Marc-Andre Fleury has been out with concussion issues. Murray is starting until further notice, and any nerves that may have been there prior to his first start in the playoffs is gone, as he's played almost as well as he has in his short time in the NHL. With goaltending being a strength on both ends, it will be up to the offense to find a way, and recent playoff history suggests the Penguins are the hotter of the two. However, should the series go long, the Caps have a slight edge.
Prediction: Capitals in 7
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Islanders
The Lightning haven't had too many problems finding offense in the absence of Steven Stamkos, and certainly, the emergence of Nikita Kucherov is key. However, Ben Bishop remains key, as he is now their best player, with Victor Hedman not far behind. The Islanders needed overtime in three of their four games, with the last one being a double OT game in which John Tavares stepped up to deliver the winner. An unexpected hero for the Islanders has been Thomas Greiss, who seemingly has taken the number one goalie spot for the playoff run. What the series may come down to is whether the supporting players on either side can step up the way they did in their respective first round series.
Prediction: Lightning in 6
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