2011 NHL Playoffs - Conference Semifinals

The Conference Semifinals are underway. The Canucks, Sharks, and Lightning have all taken 1-0 leads in their respective series' and the Flyers and Bruins will get started today. I correctly picked 2 out of 4 first round series in the East, while my West bracket remains completely in tact. Here is a look at the odds for the Semis and how I think they will shake up.

Eastern Conference Semifinals

1 Washington (-150) vs. 5 Tampa Bay (+120)

The Lightning used the momentum they generated from coming back from down 3-1 to Pittsburgh and parlayed that into a Game 1 victory. Washington won their opening round series pretty convincingly, and should be the fresher team. It is essential that they win Game 2, which I believe they will. Tampa has the momentum but Washington has the rest and superior talent.

Prediction - Washington over Tampa Bay 4-2

2 Philadelphia (-115) vs. 3 Boston (+105)

This is the only Semifinal pairing yet to drop the puck. Each team won in exhilarating Game 7 matchups. The Flyers struggled down the stretch, but gained a sense of revival when Chris Pronger returned to the ice. I have said all along that if the Bruins could get past their bitter rival, Montreal, they would be the team to beat in the East. I am sticking win that and see Boston winning another hard fought series.

Prediction - Boston over Philadelphia 4-2

Western Conference Semifinals

1 Vancouver (-170) vs. 5 Nashville (+140)

The playoffs are all about goaltending, and this series features two of the finalists for the Vezina Trophy which is given to the league's top Goalie. Roberto Luongo was pulled twice and benched for another game in Vancouver's 7-game series with Chicago. He responded with solid play in Game 7 versus Chicago and shut out Nashville in the opener of this series. The Predators are stellar defensively and will have to take the Sedins out of their game to win this series. I don't see it happening.

Prediction - Vancouver over Nashville 4-1

2 San Jose (-115) vs. 3 Detroit (+105)

This should be the most evenly matched series of the Semis. San Jose took Game 1 in OT last night to take an early lead. I expect this one to go back and forth the entire way. The Red Wings got some needed rest, but I think the Sharks have what it takes to advance. Expect this series to go the distance.

Prediction - San Jose over Detroit 4-3