![Students begin a practice Kahoot for French class. Walter Johnson offers a total of six languages including American Sign Language, Chinese, Italian and more, giving students the opportunity to explore different languages and cultures. “I switched [from Spanish] to Latin freshman year and I love it,” junior Abigial Samuels said.](https://www.wjpitch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_0976-1200x675.jpg)
Eastern Conference
No. 4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. No. 8 Montreal Canadiens
Pittsburgh Keys to Win: No stupid penalties. The Canadiens “capitalized” on the power play when they needed it most in Round One.
Montreal Keys to Win: Halak and Load. The Habs had 53 saves in game six against the Caps, an all-time record.
Our Prediction: Canadiens in six. If Halak plays as well as he did in round one, this series is his to lose.
No. 6 Boston Bruins vs. No. 7 Philadelphia Flyers
Philadelphia Keys to Win: Solid goaltending. The Bruins capitalized consitently on Sabres goalie Ryan Miller in the first round, upsetting the Sabres in six.
Boston Keys to Win: Wear down Boucher. New Jersey took themselves out of the series against Philly in the first round because they didn’t shoot enough.
Our Prediction: Flyers in six. The Flyers veteran blue-liners will prevent the injury-plagued Bruins from passing through.
Western Conference
No. 1 San Jose Sharks vs. No. 5 Detroit Red Wings
San Jose Keys to Win: Surprise goalie Jimmy Howard. Howard is a rookie, who needs to see shots from all angles if San Jose plans to get past him.
Detroit Keys to Win: Brian Rafalski and Niklas Lidstrom controlling the tempo. The Sharks first line will be gunning for the goal. If Rafalski and Lidstrom don’t slow them down, Detroit will struggle.
Our Prediction: Sharks in six. Detroit, although seasoned, will not be quick enough to handle the Shark’s front line (Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Dany Heatley).
No. 2 Chicago Blackhawks vs. No. 3 Vancouver Canucks
Chicago Keys to Win: The first two defensive lines need to play well. Three of the four players on the two lines played in the Olympics, and although they lack NHL playoff experience, they’ve seen pressure and will be ready.
Vancouver Keys to Win: The Sedin Twins. Daniel and Henrik make or break this series.
Our Prediction: Chicago in six. This should be a walk in the park, but Vancouver goalie Roberto Luongo won’t let them off the hook that easy.
See you in the Conference Finals!
