That was an impressive Round 1. Three game 7's, two of which I doubt many saw coming, or predicted. The third, Calgary and San Jose.... well, I had a feeling that would go long, but I guessed the outcome wrong. Hats off first to the Philadelphia Flyers, in stopping the hottest team in the league going into the playoffs in the Washington Capitals, and congratulations to Montreal and the Bruins for putting on an unbelievably exciting series.

The Bosh didn't do too badly in the first round. Let's look at the scorecard:

Habs in 4. Much credit to the Bruins, who as you can tell I had little faith in.

Penguins in 5. I guess I gave a little too much credit to the Senators. Holy crap what the hell happened to that team?

Caps in 3. Yeah this was a joke that obviously blew up in my face. Enjoy it while it lasts Philly fans.

Rangers in 6. Almost called this one on the button as well, but the Devils just couldn't out produce the Rangers on the offensive side of the puck.

Detroit in 5. The Predators gave the Red Wings a bit of a scare...

Calgary in 6. San Jose was lucky.

Colorado in 5. Another almost brilliant call by the Bosher!

Anaheim in 7. Ok I suck.

5 out of 8. Yeah I guess that does suck. Anyway, here's my round two calls:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Montreal Canadiens vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Both clubs gave up 3-1 leads in their round 1 series and were forced to close it out in a game 7 match-ups. The Habs ended the Bruins comeback convincingly while the Flyers narrowly defeated the Capitals in overtime. I think both of these clubs are in for another long-term battle, and would be surprised if both play 14 games before round 2 is over. Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price looks so confident in net, and was able to deal with some adversity in the first round. As I said before the Philadelphia Flyers found a way to shutdown a red hot Capitals team, and contain star forward Alexander Ovechkin and keep his damage to minimum.

As much as it pains me to do so. I'm going Flyers here. Call it hunch (and most are wrong), but the Flyers showed me a lot in round 1, and I think they defeated the superior opponent.

Playoff Beard Prediction: Flyers in 7 games.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers
After nearly a decade of no playoffs in New York, the Rangers have made it to the post-season for the third straight season, and for the second consecutive year find themselves in the final 8. I'm still not used to seeing them in the playoffs either. The same could probably be said for many Penguins fans who are enjoying a similiar ressurrection. Clearly the Penguins boast the more potent offense. Who could argue that with a front line that consists of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Marian Hossa? However, I don't think the Penguins were tested whatsoever in round 1. Were the Penguins really that good, or the Sens really that bad. I'm leaning towards the latter. The New York Rangers I believe met their first challenge and will be ready for their next one. Although this one will be much more difficult.

Playoff Beard Prediction: Rangers in 7 games.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Detroit Red Wings vs. Colorado Avalanche
Is this still a rivalry? I remember the old days of ESPN Hockey when Gary Thorne and Bill Clement were orgasming with joy every time these two teams got together (I'm still convinced that Thorne wants to share a hot tub with Steve Yzerman and drink champagne off Clement's moustache.... I digress). The Avs brought back a few of the originals players in this drama in Forsberg and Foote, and the Red Wings brought back McCarty so perhaps there will be some ancient animosity revived. The Red Wings always seem as though they need to get passed the first round in order to relax and start playing good hockey. Now that they've done just that, I think the Avs will be the unfortunate recipients of that. Avs keeper Jose Theodore has been hot, but I think Red Wings keeper Chris Osgood who replaced Dominik Hasek will continue to prove why Coach Babcock chose to go with him as the starter (that and the fact that Hasek admitted he was playing like crap).

Playoff Beard Prediction: Red WIngs in 6 games.

San Jose Sharks vs. Dallas Stars
San Jose.... you lucky bastards. Yer lucky that Jarome Iginla was the only player on Calgary who decided to show up in Round 1. Yer lucky that you got any production whatsoever out of playoff choke monster Joe Thornton. YOU ARE SO LUCKY that Jeremy Roenick channelled his inner Blackhawk the other night and won game 7 for you. That being said.... it's over. I will never believe in the Sharks till they prove me wrong. They have always been a solid regular season team, but the post season has not been the land of milk and honey for them. Joe Thornton is rapidly becoming the NHL equivalent to MLB's Alex Rodriguez. Incredible during the regular season. Regular during the post season. And no, I don't watch baseball, that sport is for sucks. Maybe the reason the Bruins traded him three seasons ago wasn't as off base as we originally thought. Regardless. It's over for San Jose. The Stars having gotten over the hump of the first round, will go over the Sharks like a modest speed bump.

Playoff Beard Prediction: Stars in 5 games.

For the record... Playoff Beards on superstar NHL players... very cool. Playoff Beards on jackasses like myself in a corporate environment..... not so cool.

Enjoy the games!

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh