What do you get when you throw two GMs who can't manage their team out of a wet paper bag, an agent who wont even begin to talk contract until July 1, and a monkey who wears glasses?
THE EXPERTS
RECAP:
Last round saw all 4 experts hit aleast 50%. I told you we were smart. The only flaw was trying to call two series that didn't exist. So, we're going to go with which teams we called to win, and who made it through.
1st: Rob - 7/8 (Called both COL and VAN to win, but both played each other, didn't call either of DAL or LA).
2nd: Martin - 6/8 (Both MTL and LA let the taxman down)
3rd (tie): Axel/D'Arcy - 4/8 (Axel was all over the place, while D'Arcy had the Gretzky figured out going 3/4).
So, with 8 teams through, and a schedule we've been told we can trust... on to the pre-dicks...
(Martin's picks got lost in the mail, but will be up later tonight...)
Gretzky Conference
(1) Florida Panthers vs (7) Atlanta Thrashers
Axel: Dave Penny and the Florida Panthers were very lucky to escape the Bolts in the last round. Atlanta proved to be a force to be reckoned with as they took it to the Canadians. Heavens knows that I was wrong in the calling of that particular series. With Penney now running the Panthers from the Frozen North, look for all Florida players to be wearing frozen jock straps in their series against the Thrashers. Shrinkage I tell ya, its shrinkage, but thats exactly what the Panthers are going to be when the Thrashers get done with them. I am picking the Thrashers in 7.
Martin: Make no mistake, when I guy can have rules changed and mess with the SIM, you know he will be the Key. Dick is the man. But in all seriousness I am really looking for Gomez to set up, if he does then the Panthers are moving one. Florida in 6
Rob: A few years ago, both these teams were in the gutter, and both franchises have turned around, thanks to the GMs currently behind the desk. Since Dave has been playing with his Dick, his team has been dang near unstopable. I'm hoping this series is closer than it should be. As much as I want to see Neil move on, I don't think Chris Mason can save him here. The Panthers are too strong right now. Panthers in 6. Sorry Neil.
(4) Washington Capitals vs (6) Pittsburgh Penguins
Axel: How badly have the Pens been beaten up in their series against Hurricanes? so bad that I am picking the Caps to take this series. Goffie has had a good run and done well against the Hurricanes but I think his luck may have run out. Goffie is also forelorn by the loss of his good friend Dave Penney, which makes me belief that he wont be making the right decisions when it comes to line matching in this series. Give this series to the Caps in 6.
Martin: I am looking for big things out of Tanguay this series. He is going to have to lead this team if the Capitals are to move one. Clearly his -2 rating and only 3 points are not going to cut it. He needs to better both in the CPHL and the NHL playoff. Penguins in 7
Rob: Team Glass has just come off a hard 7 game series with the Hurricanes. While I like them on paper more than the Caps, I don't think they'll have what's needed to get into the next round. Hesla has the Capitals playing lights out right now. Short and sweet after a barage of injuries. Washington in 5.
Howe Conference
(2) Minnesota Wild vs (8) Dallas Stars
Axel: Grant Farhall is an expert manipulator in the CPHL sim. Not only has he been able to take it to the Avs, but he was also able to toss out the Canadians in 4 straight and the Rangers by a 4-1 shot! I swear he has the sim by the short and curlies. But in all seriousness, Grant has assemble a strong Wild team and I just dont see that being any different in this series. Dallas just doesnt have what it takes to match up against the Wild and I see them bowing out in 5.
Martin: Kim Johnsson and his plus 11 will lead the Wild past Dallas. Should be an easy series for the Wild. Wild in 4.
Rob: Grant has channeled the ghosts of simmers past. I still think that the sim likes the people pushing the buttons. I don't think sweep, but this one should be over sooner rather than later, but I'm willing to give Sunil the benifit of the doubt. Wild in 6.
(5) Chicago Blackhawks vs (6) Vancouver Canucks
Axel: The Battle of the fairer sex!! Its Mango vs Becky, fruits against nuts! who to pick, who to pick. I gotta go with the hometown girl on this one and give it to Mango. this Vancouver squad has gelled together just in time to make a run in the playoffs and I cant see this ending in this series. Becky made enough moves to knock off the powerhouse Oilers but I think her luck is about to run out. Maybe if she talks nicely to Grant, I could see her winning this series in 7 but for now, Vancouver in 6.
Martin: I cannot stand the Canucks in the NHL but I think the Hawks are prime for an upset. If Martin Biron can play well the Canucks have a chance. He is going to have to be good to stop the Hawks. Vancouver in 6.
Rob: Every guy in the league should have their eye on this one. Becky vs. Sandra. Giggity giggity goo. As much as I want to root for my former team, who have impressed me all season, I have to stick with Becky. I think in the Howe, it's between her and Grant representing the west side. This one will go 7, easily.
PREDICTIONS
Including...
(1) Florida Panthers vs (7) Atlanta Thrashers
Axe: ATL
Martin: FLA
Rob: FLA
D'Arcy: FLA
(4) Washington Capitals vs (6) Pittsburgh Penguins
Axe: WAS
Martin: PIT
Rob: WAS
D'Arcy: PIT
(2) Minnesota Wild vs (8) Dallas Stars
Axe: MIN
Martin: MIN
Rob: MIN
D'Arcy: DAL
(5) Chicago Blackhawks vs (6) Vancouver Canucks
Axe: VAN
Martin: VAN
Rob: CHI
D'Arcy: CHI
Round Deux is ready to roll. Next stop, Final Four on the way to the CPHL Championship. Who moves on to the Finals? That's next time... Only on...
THE EXPERTS
The Experts: Round Two
