On Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 1:40:02 PM UTC+2, Werner Pichler wrote:
>
> OK let's try and do the same drill as before, this time for Round 2.
> I feel like I'm treading on much more insecure ground now.
> It's all very, dare I say it? random.
>
>
> Maple Leafs (A2) vs Panthers (WC2)
>
> I'm sure the Leafs would have liked to exorcise another demon in a series against
> the Bruins, but they also won't mind going up against the Panthers instead. If they
> can maintain the spirit of the Tampa series they should be favourites to go through,
> but it still feels oh so fragile. From here on out it's uncharted territory for the Leafs,
> after all.
>
> Let's be adventurous. Toronto in 6

Adventurous is bad. I should have trusted in what's familiar.
Florida easily in 5, and the usual soul-searching begins in Toronto.

> Hurricanes (M1) vs Devils (M2)
>
> As I've written before, I fear the Canes will be too banged up to deal with the
> Devils' speed. Goaltending also favours Jersey, if Emmental boy Akira can
> continue to ride the wave.

Akira got pulled in the first two games and that was that.

> But, as Ken Daneyko is always forced to proclaim by their sponsor: Remember,
> anything can happen in Jersey.
>
> New Jersey in 6

I've underestimated the great system Brind'Amour has installed with the Canes,
where even a ton of injuries gives way to a 'next man up' attitude that works like
a charm.
Carolina easily in 5, but Jersey can be happy with their season.

> Stars (C2) vs Kraken (WC1)
>
> This series appears all but unpredictable to me,

Very unpredictable!

> and I think it will go down to the wire. Perhaps Oettinger's goaltending will
> make the difference, as Grubauer has struggled with consistency all season long.

Both were great, and the series was great.

> Dallas in 7

Correct, but Seattle can be very happy with their season.

> Golden Knights (P1) vs Oilers (P2)
>
> Now that's a tasty one.

Typo, should have written nasty.

> High-scoring hijinks a distinct possibility.

Cheap shot hijinks more than just a possibility. Don't know who was worse,
Evander Kane against Pietrangelo, or Pietrangelo against Draisaitl, or one of
the other late hits, slashes, boardings...

> Goaltending still looks a bit suspect on both sides,

More on one side.

> even though Brossoit has been mostly solid for Vegas,
> preventing Quick from getting a look in.

Anyway, Adin Hill took over.
> Vegas in 7

Vegas in 6, and the usual soul-searching begins in Edmonton.

So when did I become a Western Conference expert? Due to
the time difference I rarely watch... ah that explains it.

Ciao,
Werner