The first round was especially harsh on the Bosher (and perhaps even harder for the fans of those clubs now playing with their clubs.... I'm referring to the golf variety), so let's see if I can improve a bit and redeem myself in the second round.

2007 WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

Series K - #1 Detroit vs. San Jose

The Red Wings look inspired. After two early round knockouts in the post season in previous years, this team is playing with an edge. They aren't allowing many shots on net, and the one that do get through are being gobbled up by a very capable and experienced Dominik Hasek in net. On offense, Henrik Zetterberg, and Pavel Datsyuk (Datsyuk finally got his goal scoring touch to translate to the post season) appear to be blossoming into legitimate post season performers. The Red Wings defense is anchored by Nicklas Lidstrom who is tied for second in scoring during the playoffs with 8 points (2 goals, 6 assists) and Mathieu Schneider whose added 4 points of his own as well as excellent playoff beard depth (thanks to Chris for that call out). The San Jose Sharks sport one of the finest offensive units in the NHL, and perhaps the best among these 8 teams remaining. Thorton, Cheechoo, Michalek, Guerin, Marleau! Can I say Mass Hysteria again?! As stacked as this team is, I don't think it will be enough to take down the Red Wings. They will certainly test Hasek, but he should equal to the task (ahhh I said it again!!).

Bosh's Prediction: Detroit Red Wings in 6 games.

Thursday, April 26 7:30 p.m. San Jose at Detroit VERSUS
Saturday, April 28 3:00 p.m. San Jose at Detroit NBC
Monday, April 30 10:00 p.m. Detroit at San Jose VERSUS
Wednesday, May 2 10:00 p.m. Detroit at San Jose VERSUS
* Saturday, May 5 2:00 p.m. Dallas/San Jose at Detroit NBC
* Monday, May 7 TBD Detroit at San Jose VERSUS
* Wednesday, May 9 TBD San Jose at Detroit VERSUS

Series L - #2 Anaheim vs. Vancouver

I picked against the Anahiem Ducks in the first round.... and that old grizzled knight from Indiana Jones in the Last Crusade let me know that 'I chose poorly'. Not this time. Randy Carlyle got his favorite keeper back in net in the closing game of the series vs. the Wild, so Jean Sebastien Giguere is ready to rock (and he got some very good efforts from backup Ilya Bryzgalov). The Ducks defense of Chris Pronger and Scott Beardermayer will be huge in shutting down the Canucks' Sedin twins, and the their forward lines of Selanne, MacDonald, Penner, Getzlaf, Kunitz, and Perrey will really welcome Roberto Luongo to the playoffs.

Bosh's Prediction: Anaheim Ducks in 5 games.

Wednesday, April 25 10:00 p.m. Vancouver at Anaheim VERSUS
Friday, April 27 10:00 p.m. Vancouver at Anaheim VERSUS
Sunday, April 29 8:00 p.m. Anaheim at Vancouver VERSUS
Tuesday, May 1 10:00 p.m. Anaheim at Vancouver VERSUS
* Thursday, May 3 9:00 p.m. Vancouver at Anaheim VERSUS
* Sunday, May 6 TBD Anaheim at Vancouver VERSUS
* Tuesday, May 8 TBD San Jose/Vancouver at Anaheim VERSUS

2007 EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

Series I - #1 Buffalo vs. #6 NY Rangers

This is going to upset my Buffalo Sabre fan club (except for our buddy Allison who will be able to take care of her playoff malady), but I gotta go New York Rangers on this one. I know they haven't beaten them all season, but I think this is a different Rangers team than the one you saw earlier in the season, and they are going to surprise you, and more specifically the Buffalo Sabres. This series should be a war, and considering the talking (Avery's feelings are in every paper today), look for a physical and nasty round 2.

Bosh's Prediction: New York Rangers in 7 games.

Wednesday, April 25 7:00 p.m. NY Rangers at Buffalo VERSUS
Friday, April 27 7:00 p.m. NY Rangers at Buffalo VERSUS
Sunday, April 29 2:00 p.m. Buffalo at NY Rangers NBC
Tuesday, May 1 7:00 p.m. Buffalo at NY Rangers VERSUS
* Friday, May 4 7:00 p.m. NY Rangers at Buffalo VERSUS
* Sunday, May 6 2:00 p.m. Buffalo at NY Rangers NBC
* Tuesday, May 8 7:00 p.m. NY Rangers at Buffalo VERSUS

Series J - #2 New Jersey vs. #4 Ottawa

New Jersey Devils forward Scott Gomez leads all players in playoff scoring with 9 points (2 goals, 7 assists). Tied for third are Devils forward Patrik Elias, and defenceman Brian Rafalski with 7 points. The Ottawa Senators best producer so far has been Daniel Alfredsson (which is great news, since he has usually been the focus of the Senators playoff failures in the past). This series should be a long one also, because I think these teams matchup very well. However there is one major difference. Goaltending. Martin Brodeur got his game going against the Lightning and will be the ruler of Australia when he faces the Ottawa Senators.

Bosh's Prediction: New Jersey Devils in 7 games.

Thursday, April 26 7:00 p.m. Ottawa at New Jersey
Saturday, April 28 8:00 p.m. Ottawa at New Jersey VERSUS
Monday, April 30 7:00 p.m. New Jersey at Ottawa VERSUS
Wednesday, May 2 7:00 p.m. New Jersey at Ottawa VERSUS
* Saturday, May 5 8:00 p.m. Ottawa at New Jersey VERSUS
* Monday, May 7 7:00 p.m. New Jersey at Ottawa VERSUS
* Wednesday, May 9 7:00 p.m. Ottawa at New Jersey

Game of the Night:
NY Rangers at Buffalo 7:00 PM
Vancouver at Anaheim 10:00 PM

Round Two starts tonight!!! Enjoy the games my friends!

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh