Another round over, and we're halfway down the playoffs.  This was a very interesting round and a lot of good hockey was played.  Let's have a look at what happened:
Boston - Carolina:  This was an intense series.  After leading the series 3-1, Carolina saw Boston crawling back in with 3 wins in a row.  What could have been better than an overtime in the 7th game?  Unfortunaltely for Boston, they lost and they're still no 3-1 comback win in the history of the franchise.  Carolina showed a lot of heart, a lot of hard playing hockey, and a very composed goalie.  The Hurricanes could beat the Penguins in the Conference Finals if Ward plays like he did during these playoffs.
Pittsburgh - Washington: This series was all about skill and speed, and of course, the head-to-head between Crosby and Ovechkin.  Both these players played extremely well, but Pittsburgh's depth had the best on Washington.  Some players on the Caps team didn't take it to the next level, and as such, the Caps are not in the playoffs anymore.  Pittsburgh will now play against a team with less skill than the Caps, but a team with more heart where everybody contributes.  The Pens will also face a better, more experienced goalie in Cam Ward. 
Anaheim - Detroit:  Anaheim came close, very close.  The hard-hitting, grinding hockey played by the Ducks almost had the best on the surgical-type game, speed and skill of the Wings.  Anaheim took Detroit to the 7th game and were very close in winning this one.  Detroit is a powerhouse, but Anaheim showed everybody that if you hit them, you'll take them off their game.  Taking nothing away from Hiller, if he wasn't always down on his knees, the Ducks would have win this series.  How many goals were scored in the top of the net?  Swiss goalies are good, but they are always down on their knees and as such, not many Swiss goalies have won anything (Gerber, Aebischer and now Hiller).
Chicago - Vancouver:  To me, this was the best series (besides game 4).  The Vancouver Canucks, and their fans, pretty much predicted a Canucks victory in 5 games.  They forgot one thine: the speed, skill, grit and no-quit attitude of the young Blackhawks.  Chicago came back from behind in every single game of this series.  This showed the no-quit attitude of the 'Hawks, or the weak resiliency of the Canucks.  Vancouver were overhit, overplayed, and overscored.  The "Elite" goalie that Luongo is supposed to be showed great weaknesses.  The Hawks are the most surprising group of these playoffs, and the lack of playoffs experience was overcome by sheer determination.  These kids should make it to the Stanley Cup Finals.
The Conference Finals are starting in a couple hours.  This should be two great series, but the Hawks-Wings one should be the more interesting: two original six teams, youth vs. experience.  Have a look at our picks, and let us know what you think!
Have a great Conference Finals!