NHL First Round, Game 3 Thoughts

After two games, every single lower seed now has home ice advantage. How did this happen? Let's check it out by matchup:


(1) Caps @ (8) Habs

The Canadiens deserve to be up 2-0... almost. They let their tight two-way game control the first 6 periods of this series. Then they got complacent. Forgot what the Caps can do when angry. Moreover, when the Caps came in force they were content to try and hold the lead. You can't do that with an offensive team. You have to make them worry about defense as much as they worry about scoring. The team that plays to not lose, always does.

Revised Prediction: Caps in 5


(2) Devils @ (7) Flyers

I think the Flyers have been hearing too much about their regular season success against New Jersey. Truth be told, the Devils are a good team. I'm less confident that the Devils will win now, and I think tonight's game at 6 should clear things up substantially.

Revised Prediction: Devils in 7


(3) Sabres @ (6) Bruins

At 2-0 Buffalo, I thought my read on this series was terribly wrong. But Boston came through with a gutsy effort to show what I expected to see all along. Now, it's headed back to Boston with a tied series and a rejuvenated B's team. I think the Sabs take a game on the road. but I still stand by my old prediction:

(Not) Revised Prediction: Bruins in 7


(4) Penguins @ (5) Senators

I'm conflicted. On the one hand, losing Leopold is huge. On the other, the Pens look out for blood right now. Their bad luck / bounces continued on Friday night, yet they still pulled out a huge 2-1 victory. This is very reminiscent of the series against the Caps last year, in that if the luck changes, it'll be a lot less close. A Game 3 win will basically determine who wins this series. Me, I think the Pens still take it.

(Not) Revised Prediction: Pens in 6


(1) Sharks @ (8) Avs

Game 2 saw the Sharks showing more heart than I've ever seen in the playoffs. Extra man goal and an OT winner, something I've never expected. Is there any player you fear less in the postseason than Thornton? Maybe Marleau. Anyway, the Avs have to play a better team game if they want to pull out this upset. But the Sharks may actually be a different team this year. Maybe it's all the other favorites choking around the league.

Revised Prediction: Sharks in 6


(2) Hawks @ (7) Preds

Can't say, they've only played one so far. I'll change my prediction all the same:

Revised Prediction: Hawks in 6


(3) Canucks @ (6) Kings

Considering how many people have picked the Canucks to emerge from the WC, I've been a little concerned for my Kings upset pick. Anze Kopitar put those fears to rest last night. By the way, how shitty are Nucks fans? I've become impossibly annoyed with them because of the Olympics, not only for their terrible arena noises (especially the "whoo whoo" one), but also the way they treat opposing teams' players. It's like Philly, but Canada. After Kopi scored the GWG last night, a noticeable "Anze Sucks!" chant could be heard on the CBC feed. Dear Vancouver - keep in mind how well that works when Philly does it to another team's best player.

(Not) Revised Prediction: Kings in 7


(4) Coyotes @ (5) Red Wings

I'll give Phoenix credit. They've shown a lot more guts than I thought they would so far. Detroit has really had to work to stay in this series. Phoenix looks like they could wear down the old Wings, making them vulnerable in round 2. Here's hoping.

Revised Prediction: Wings in 6


- Matt