Comeback Kings: The Kings became the fourth team in NHL history to rally from an 0-3 deficit to win a playoff series stunning the Sharks. losangeles.cbslocal.com

An exciting first round concluded last night with three Game 7’s. It was highlighted by the Kings overcoming an 0-3 deficit to stun the Sharks becoming just the fourth NHL team to rally back. They join the 1942 Maple Leafs, 1975 Islanders and 2010 Flyers. Their comeback was completed with a 5-1 triumph over playoff choker San Jose. So much for our Western pick who went up in historic smoke. The Kings next get the Ducks in another exciting Battle Of California. It should be electric.

The Rangers made a bit of history themselves in becoming the first team to advance out of the first round by winning in seven for a third consecutive year. Their last four series wins have all gone the distance. They moved on by holding off the Flyers 2-1 to set up a second round date with the Penguins. A team they’ve never beaten in the postseason. Is this the year that changes?

El Nino Plays OT Hero For Wild

The Wild joined the party by rallying from two third period one goal deficits to defeat the Avalanche in overtime 5-4. The hero was former Islander Nino Niederreiter, who scored twice including a rocket inside the bar on a 2 on 1. Minnesota will take on the defending champion Blackhawks. A tall order considering Chicago won four straight to climb out of an 0-2 hole to oust St. Louis.

The Canadiens and Bruins renew one of the best rivalries starting tonight highlighting a great second round.
canadiens.nhl.com

Later tonight, the second round gets underway with a classic battle between the Canadiens and Bruins. When it comes to pure hatred, these old time rivals will seek and destroy. It promises to be blood and guts hockey. Arguably the two best teams left in the East, only one will advance to the Conference Final. Boston is the favorite after cruising through the second half to win the President’s Trophy. However, the Canadiens know how to get underneath their skin. This one will be a war on ice.

Who will rise to the challenge? With eight teams left, it’s time to look into our crystal ball.

CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

Bruins over Canadiens in 6

Penguins over Rangers in 7

Ducks over Kings in 6

Blackhawks over Wild in 6

Canadiens/Bruins Round 2 Analysis: The goalie match-up is fascinating between Tuukka Rask and Carey Price. The difference should be a more disciplined Bruins defense who gets Dennis Seidenberg back. Boston has a distinct advantage at center with Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. Reilly Smith and the best fourth line help. The Canadiens need monster series from Max Pacioretty, Tomas Plekanec and P.K. Subban.

Rangers/Penguins Round 2 Analysis: The schedule favors Pittsburgh. That back-to-back for Games 2 and 3 is huge. For the Rangers to win, Rick Nash must finish and Ryan McDonagh better have an impact. They’ll be hard pressed to neutralize Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Their depth is better. Especially if the injury to Brandon Sutter keeps him out. Special teams will prove crucial. The Rangers failed on their last 21 power plays. Their penalty kill also must be better.

Wild/Blackhawks Round 2 Analysis: The Blackhawks are top heavy with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane plus Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook on the blueline. Ilya Bryzgalov versus Chicago is scary. The Wild better hope Darcy Kuemper is back. It’s really too bad about Josh Harding. Zach Parise must repeat his first round. Mikko Koivu, Jason Pominville, Matt Moulson and Ryan Suter are keys. Can they get to Corey Crawford and defend enough to prevent a deep cast that features Marian Hossa, Patrick Sharp and Brandon Saad off the board?

Kings/Ducks Round 2 Analysis: The Ducks boast dynamic duo Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. The supporting cast is overlooked featuring Nick Bonino, Andrew Cogliano, Mathieu Perreault and Teemu Selanne. Their D doesn’t feature a standout but boasts Francois Beaucemin and Cam Fowler. Who’s in net? Frederik Andersen or Jonas Hiller. The biggest edge for the Kings is Jonathan Quick. So mentally strong that he overcame awful performances to stone the Sharks. He and Drew Doughty really stood out along with Justin “Big Game” Williams and always overlooked Anze Kopitar. Marian Gaborik looks great. They need more from Mike Richards and Jeff Carter, whose experience on the 2010 Flyers had to help.