Round 2 is here.

In the East the Lightning, Flyers, Blue Jackets, and the Red Wings are out, meaning the Bruins and Canadians will be going head to head in a tough original six matchup. Lots of scoring and lots of physicality in this old time rivalry. Just south Syd the Kid and Penguins will be battling the Rangers to make their way to Round 3 and once again become Eastern Conference Champs.

Out West L.A. is taking on the Ducks after their amazing come back against the San Jose Sharks. Down 3 games to none in the series, the Kings battled their way back and finished the Sharks with an embarrassing 5-1 victory in game 7. Challenging the 2013 Champs, the Minnesota Wild are putting up a fight in hockey town USA against Patrick Kane and the Chicago Blackhawks. Team leader Zach Parise has rallied his troops and goalie Ilya Bryzgalov has been standing on his head against Chicago’s sharp shooters.

Back in Montreal “Mr. April” Danny Briere is doing what he does best. Scoring goals and giving A’s (assists) to line mates Thomas Vanek and Montreal’s star defenseman PK Subban. Subban has 3 goals and 3 assists this series against the Bruins with 2 goals in game one. For the Bruins, scoring is not lacking in game two Boston put in 5 goals behind goal tender Carey Price.

When team captain and veteran defenseman Zdeno Chara was asked what the game plan was for Thursday’s game, his response was simple and straight the the point: “We need to battle back.”

New York took a tough 4-2 loss at the Garden, 71 in Black Evgeni Malkin has been on fire in this years playoffs. Joined with Kris Kunitz, Kris Letang and hockey’s number one player Sydney Crosby, this line is as Pierre McGuire stated “the creation of a monster.” Malkin tallied with a dazzling goal early in game four to put the Penguins up one. The rest was history. As for the Ranger’s, their vets Rick Nash and Martin St. Louis can not seem to get anything going, and the Penguins snipers seem to hot to handle for goalie Henrik Lunqvist. Game five is Friday May 9th at 7 PM Eastern time back in the Burgh.

In the Northern Midwest, Chicago and Minnesota fighting for a third round shot. After an injury in the first round captan Jonathan Towes has been a scoring machine. Breezing by the St. Louis Blues, Towes and line mates Bryan Bickell and Marian Hossa have combined for over 12 points during the second round. Zach Parise along with good goaltending by Ilya Bryzgolav have kept the Wild alive. Back in Minnesota for game 4 Friday May 9th.

Lastly, in the California show down the number one Ducks are trying to put the puck behind hot goalie Jonathan Quick. Quick made a run like this two years when the Kings won the cup. Veteran Maran Gaborik has tallied for 5 points this series including 3 goals. Experienced player and frequent goal scorer Corey Perry has helped the Ducks in this series with 3 goals as well. Game four is set for Saturday May 10th at 9:30 PM.

As Stanley’s Cup grows near, the pressure grows stronger. Goal tending becomes huge for teams, and star players must continue to lead. Rookies must rise to the challenge and make their names known, so that one day their names with be engraved with the legends who have once carried the cup.