After missing only one pick in the first round (Bruins over Canadiens), here are my picks for the second round of the 2011 NHL Playoffs.

Eastern Conference

Washington Capitals (1) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (5)

The only playoff matchup this round between division rivals, the well-rested Capitals face off against the Lightning who are fresh off their Game Seven road win against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Lightning, who took advantage of the Penguins’ lack of Sydney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have goalie Dwayne Roloson (1.77 GAA, .949 save percentage) to thank for moving on. However, there is no way the 41-yr-old Roloson will be able to do the same against a lethal attack of the Capitals led by Captain Alexander Ovechkin.

The balanced attack of the Lighting should be easy enough for the Capitals to fend off as long as they don’t give up too many power play chances. Final Prediction: Capitals 4-2

Philadelphia Flyers (2) vs. Boston Bruins (3)

If the phrase “History repeats itself” holds any water, than the ‘Killer B’s’ are in serious trouble. Any hockey fan remembers the Flyers’ epic comeback last year from being down three games to none to win Game Seven after ironically being down three goals to none.

This year however, both teams are coming off emotionally draining seven-game series. The Buffalo Sabres almost stole one from the Flyers thanks to stellar goaltending from Ryan Miller, and now they have to face another hot goalie in Tim Thomas.

Thomas, who seems to will the puck out of his net, is incredibly feisty and hates to lose, regular season or playoffs. The only difference in this series is that Boston is not afraid to play physical and will definitely go to the net, as opposed to the Sabres who seemed content with testing Philadelphia from distance.

Expect a lot of physical play and controversial games. This series should be a real war, and if the Bruins can steal a game in Philadelphia they have the opportunity to come out on top. Final Prediction: Bruins 4-3

Western Conference

Vancouver Canucks (1) vs. Nashville Predators (5)

Relief. That had to be the main emotion running through the Canucks’ locker room after their Game Seven victory against the defending champion Chicago Blackhawks.

The Canucks finally defeated their playoff nemeses thanks to a poor clearing attempt and a great slap shot courtesy of Alex Burrows. Now that the Canucks got rid of the pesky ‘Hawks they can unleash their attack, which was ferocious during the regular season, on Pekka Rinne and the Nashville Predators.

The Predators will have to do their best to shut down the Canucks’ attack, and need Captain Shea Webber and his intimidating playoff beard to be a physical presence in his own zone. Final Prediction: Canucks 4-2

San Jose Sharks (2) vs. Detroit Red Wings (3)

Expect the San Jose Sharks to come out flying. After beating the in-state rival L.A. Kings in an emotionally draining series, they are sure to be revved and ready to go, similar to the Canucks.

However, despite being long in the tooth, the Detroit Red Wings look almost impermeable. When a team has one great two-way player, it is instantly at an advantage. When it has three, it is incredibly dangerous.

Forwards Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg combine with Norris Trophy finalist and perennial all-star Nicklas Lidstrom to contribute well at both ends of the ice. Detroit is coming off a sweep of the Phoenix Coyotes and with their long rest should have had more than enough time to prepare for the Sharks.

The Wings should be able to use their experience and solid defense to weather an initial charge from San Jose, and should be able to capitalize on special teams. They also need young netminder Jimmy Howard to be more solid in net after posting a GAA of 4.02 against the Sharks in the regular season. Final Prediction: Red Wings 4-3