By: Chris Nosek

Montreal Canadiens @ Buffalo Sabres (Game One, Round Two)
Buffalo leads the series 1-0

The Sabres continued their run to make up for the lack of playoff appearances over the past 15 years. The Canadiens showed that, despite their series against the Lightning, they still have a solid push going forward. There is a slight worry for the Sabres because Dahlin left the game, but Lindy Ruff was quick to put water on that fire. Buffalo is the more banged-up team, but that doesn’t seem to matter. Despite Suzuki still getting his goal, and Dach squeaking a second one past him on an incredible backhanded play, Lyon continued his great play. Since coming in to relieve Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, he has played at a Conn Smythe level and, while not making all the flashy saves Dobes has had to make, has been every bit as good. The Canadiens will have some good games in this series, but this game proved that ultimately, the Sabres still have more than Montreal.

Prediction Entering Matchup: Montreal Canadiens advance in 7 games
Prediction after Game One: Buffalo Sabres advance in 6 games

Anaheim Ducks @ Vegas Golden Knights (Game Two, Round Two)
Series tied 1-1

The Ducks were given almost 6 minutes of power-play time over the first ten minutes of the first period. Much of this time was played with a two-man advantage. Killing off these penalties, often with their top penalty killers in the box, gave Vegas and its crowd a massive boost. The Ducks didn’t let this get to them, as they scored the first goal. The Ducks have settled into this series; the top guys have regained their scoring touch, and Lukas Dostal bounced back from his last game. They did the most important thing of the first two games on the road – they got the split. As their confidence grows throughout the series, their ability to advance only increases.

Prediction Entering Matchup: Anaheim Ducks advance in 6 games
Prediction after Game One: Anaheim Ducks advance in 6 games
Prediction after Game Two: Anaheim Ducks advance in 7 games