2nd Round Predictions

WALES:
Halifax Citadelles(8) vs. New York Demons(2)
- The Citadelles had a surprise upset to knock off the Saints in the first round, a team that sold off any future to win it all this year. The Saints’ plan didn’t work but the Citadelle’s future looks very bright. Built around three great centers the Citadelles are going to be tough to beat but there are question marks in goal. Can Tobias Stephan continue to lead the way? It’ll be tough. The Demons boast a high-powered offense and have some good depth. They may have too much for the Cits to handle.

Prediction: Demons in 7

Toronto Stallions(4) vs. Niagara Falls IceDogs(3)
- The Stallions have only played one more game than the Icedogs but their legs are old and they’re banged up with minor injuries and slumping players. Kiprusoff will have to stand on his head to beat the likes of Datsyuk, Marleau, Kovalev and company. The Stallions will put up a fight but the Icedogs have too much depth for the Stallions to go on.

Prediction: Look for the Icedogs in 6

CAMPBELL:
Portland Timberjacks(4) vs. Las Vegas Bulls(1)
- The Voodoo surprised the Bulls with a couple of wins in the first round but they were completely outmatched by one of the best rosters in league history. The Bulls will be without stud dman Nicklas Lidstrom for the first 3 games but the depth on this team will be able to more than makeup for his loss. The Timberjacks are a tough opponent with Demitra, Getzlaf, Afinogenov and company but there’s just too much talent on this Bulls team.

Prediction: Bulls in 5

Kelowna Cats(3) vs. Edmonton Dropkicks(2)
- This one has the makings to be a great series. Chris Kunitz, Brian Campbell and company have played like they’ve wanted the Cup all season long. Brian Boucher has played above his skill level and the Cats hope he can continue his strong play. The Kicks easily knocked off my Rink Rats, but they’ve lost Nabokov for the first 3 games of the series. Biron is a good backup but will he have enough to hold off the Cats? There is shootout potential with Huselius, Semin and Backstrom taking on the Cats’ high-powered offense.

Prediction: Look for the Cats to take advantage of a backup goalie and win in 6