The Next Step

Two weeks have passed, and the Stanley Cup Playoffs have reached the second round. Eight teams are done, and eight remain in their journey toward sports' ultimate prize.

So, what did we learn from round one?

The Columbus Blue Jackets, hockey's lone remaining playoff virgins, were eliminated in four games by the defending champion Detroit Red Wings. We learned in this series that the once-beatable Red Wings have hit the extra gear, and are now firing on all cylinders going into round two against the Anaheim Ducks. The Blue Jackets didn't go down without a fight--game 4 in Columbus was one of the most exciting and enthralling playoff games in recent memory. Columbus rallied twice from two-goal deficits pull even at 5-5 heading into the third period.



Goaltenders Steve Mason (Columbus) and Chris Osgood (Detroit) were stellar in the final frame, and an unfortunate mishap doomed the Blue Jackets. They were called for too many men on the ice with 1:36 left in the game, sending the Red Wings' league-best power play on the job. Johan Franzen scored with 46 seconds left, and the Wings advanced.

We also learned that the Vancouver Canucks are in top form, sending the St. Louis Blues off in four games. They draw the feisty Chicago Blackhawks next, and will no doubt have their hands full.

Finally, we learned that breezing through the regular season is NOT the formula for success in the playoffs. The San Jose Sharks, winners of the President's Trophy for the league's best record, were ousted in six games by in-state rivals Anaheim. In the process, their potent offense looked pedestrian and All-Star goalie Evgeni Nabokov looked human.

The NHL gets what it has been waiting for--Sidney Crosby vs. Alex Ovechkin in round two. The high-flying Penguins and loose cannon Capitals will meet in the second round, marking the first time Crosby and Ovechkin have gone head-to-head in a playoff series.

It should be a dandy.