Round Two Recap

The hopes of clasping their hands around the cold, hard cup of Lord Stanley and granting it a well-deserved kiss, then hoisting it into the air, high above their heads shouting cheers of victory is a dream all professional hockey players share. It is a dream they’ve come one step closer to achieving now that the NHL has moved into the second round of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Analysts, players and fans alike are shaken up after a grueling first round filled with unanticipated victories and defeats. ESPN’s veteran hockey analyst Barry Melrose predicted the fight for the cup would come down to the Pittsburg Penguins and the Chicago Blackhawks. This was promising at first, seeing as the Penguins were led by Sidney Crosby and Evengi Malkin. The Chicago Blackhawks owned the advantage of being familiar with the pressures of playoff hockey; they reined true as 2010 Stanley Cup Champions.

Instead, the Penguins and Blackhawks were both bounced from the playoffs. Other teams have risen to the forefront; Claude Giroux of the Philadelphia Flyers now leads the league in post-season goals and was a key player in the Flyers success over the Penguins. As far as his performance, he outshined both Sidney Crosby and Evengi Malkin.

The Detriot Red Wings, San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks and last year’s champions, the Boston Bruins, have all packed their bags and headed home with their quest for the cup a journey ended in defeat.

Despite a past of bankruptcy, annual relocation and uncertain finances, the Phoenix Coyotes have quickly risen from speculated underdogs to champion hopefuls. The post-season has sparked a surge of confidence with goaltender Mike Smith as well as rookie defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Together they held back the Chicago Blackhawks and have excelled to a two game lead over the Nashville Predators in the second round.

Unlike many of the past Stanley Cup Championships, this year’s victories are now owed to veteran players who sparked determination within the younger blood of the team. Instead, teams such as the New York Rangers, Washington Capitals, and Philadelphia Flyers are fueled by the younger players who are receiving their first taste of the playoffs.

Chris Kreider, a 2010 first round pick for the New York Rangers debuted in game three against the Ottawa Senators. He recently won his second championship for Boston College. His size and speed worked to his advantage as he was tossed out onto the ice during a pivotal moment in the playoffs: a start that would unnerve other rookie players. Kreider stepped up and went on to play a vital role for the Rangers in game seven of the Ottawa series. He opened the second round of playoffs with the Ranger’s game winning goal against the Washington Capitals.

A third string goaltender, Brayden Holtby of the Washington Capitals has proved himself a contender after holding back the reigning Stanley Cup champions. After injuries plagued the two goaltenders in line before him, Holtby took stand in front of the net and secured a second round appearance for the Capitals after shutting down and eliminating the Boston Bruins.

Finally the four decade long Stanley Cup drought that has haunted the city of Philadelphia could finally be broken due to the relentless drive of James van Riemsdyk. The powerful forward, supported by his rookie line of Braydon Schenn and Sean Couturier, led the Flyers to victory over the Pittsburg Penguins. Van Reimsdyk scored one goal and assisted in another goal, ultimately playing a pivotal role in giving the Flyers a one game lead over their second round opponent, the New Jersey Devils.